Supplementation Effects of an Alpha-Casozepine and White Fish Muscle Hydrolyzed Complementary Feed on Canine Separation-Related Disorders and Quality of Life of Dogs and Their Pet Caregivers
Background: Separation-related disorders are prevalent in dogs and can result in problem behaviours such as inappropriate elimination, destructive behaviour, and distress vocalizations which occur when a caregiver is absent or perceived as absent. Numerous natural products are marketed for managing these behavioural issues in dogs; however, few, if any, of these products have documented evidence of their positive effects in veterinary behaviour. Purpose: This open, multicentric clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of a new supplement containing alpha-casozepine and fish muscle hydrolysate on the separation-related problem in dogs and the impact on the quality of life of dogs and their caregivers. Material and Methods: Fifty-one dogs with clinical signs compatible with separation-related problems were included. The dogs were supplemented with a complementary feed (Zylkene Plus, Vetoquinol, France) for 30 days. Separation-related behaviour assessment (SRP), emotional disorders assessment (EDED) and the quality of life (QoL) of the pets and their pet caregivers were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study by the veterinarians. In addition, caregivers were asked to rate their dog’s SRP weekly after enrolment using the same questionnaire that the veterinarian used at the beginning of the study. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the SRP, EDED, and QoL scores (P < 0.0001). The mean global SRP score decreased by 32% between baseline and D7, 41% between DO and D14, 47% between D0 and D D21, and 49% between D0 and D30. The percentage of dogs in a normal state (EDED < 12) increased during the study from 26% in D0 to 62% at D30, and the percentage of dogs with scores related to anxieties decreased from 40% at D0 to 17% at D30. On day 30, there were significant improvements in QOL scores compared to the baseline. Conclusion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that the combination of alpha-casozepine and fish muscle hydrolysate is a promising and effective option to reduce the frequency and severity of separation-related behaviour in dogs and improve the quality of dogs and their caregivers.
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