Dose-dependent responses: a preliminary investigation into the olfactory effects of essential oil concentrations on canine behavior.

The positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on stress release has been demonstrated in both humans and dogs. Among the EOs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, including Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, and Litsea citrata, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal concentration for efficacy. This exploratory study sought to investigate the effects of olfactory enrichment with a blend of these EOs on dogs introduced to an unfamiliar environment. The authors sought to determine the minimum concentration required to achieve increased relaxation. In a randomized controlled crossover study design, 54 dogs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10 drops of the EO blend applied to their collars before entering an unfamiliar room with their owners. Behavioral observations were employed to quantify the total duration of activity and relaxation related behaviours for each dog under each treatment condition. A significant difference in panting was identified among the treatments (χ2(3) = 9.88; p = 0.020). Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in panting during the 10 drops treatment compared to the control treatment (p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed for other behaviors. To provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral tendencies in this canine population, owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), revealing low scores for anxiety in the study group. These preliminary findings suggest that a concentration of 10 drops of the EO blend on a dog's collar induces increased relaxation, specifically reflected in decreased panting behavior. Lower concentrations did not exhibit a significant relationship with the observed behaviors. These initial findings underscore the importance of exposing dogs to an appropriate concentration of EOs when exploring their potential benefits on welfare among dogs with low anxiety levels. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of EOs for canine welfare.

A person-centred team approach targeting agitated and aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia using the Senses Framework.

PURPOSE: The increase in agitated or aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia is a challenging problem. Such behaviour causes stress for both resident and caregiver. Many non-pharmacological interventions have been studied, but these interventions disregard the resident's unfulfilled needs and are executed by a single, designated caregiver. This study tests a non-pharmacological intervention, applied by the entire team and based on the resident's underlying needs. DESIGN: A pretest and post-test interventional study design was used, in which 65 residents with dementia who expressed agitated or aggressive behaviour. Data were collected from December 2016 until March 2017. METHODS: The ABC method and the Senses Framework were used to assign residents to either therapeutic touch, group music sessions or a meaningful individual activity. All staff members applied the interventions. Data were collected by use of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version (NPI-NH) and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). RESULTS: The frequency of aggression, loss of decorum, depression and the severity of aggression decreased for all three interventions. However, the overall severity of fear also increased. The overall prevalence of agitated of residents decreased for the therapeutic touch, group music sessions and individual activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the possibilities of designing individualised interventions on the Senses Framework and the ABC method for addressing agitated and aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia. The framework presented in this study should be further explored. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A team-based approach is effective to reduce agitated or aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents.