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Clinical Behavior Trial

Does your dog get anxious?   

Does he/she vocalize, pant, become destructive, shake or tremble when you leave the house? Has your dog been diagnosed with separation anxiety? If you answered yes to either these questions, your dog may qualify for a clinical study evaluating a new dietary behavior supplement. Your dog will be further evaluated by a Veterinary Behaviorist before enrollment.  

Grass

Testimonial

"Participating in the study was a positive experience. The study protocol was detailed and easy to follow, which made the process smooth and manageable. Although the list of required tasks might seem overwhelming at first glance, once I started, it quickly became part of my routine, especially with the help of daily and weekly reminders. 
 

The research team was always available to answer questions that came up, providing excellent support and reassurance throughout the study. Their responsiveness and willingness to assist made a significant difference in ensuring I could follow the protocol accurately and effectively. 
 

I highly recommend participating in the study, not only because it has the potential to significantly help your dog, but also because it contributes to advancing scientific understanding of the condition. I would not hesitate to do it all over again."
 

  - J.D., Arlington, Virginia 

Background & Purpose

Separation anxiety is a common diagnosis in dogs and may result in distress for both the dog and its human caregivers. Clinical signs include pacing, vocalization, urination, defecation, and destruction of bedding or other household items. Crating the dog may prevent destructive behaviors in the home, but the dog may destroy bedding and may urinate, defecate and/or injure itself by attempting to escape confinement. 

 

Animal Behavior Wellness Center is conducting a fully-funded clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel dietary supplement in the relief of clinical signs associated with canine separation anxiety. This is a single site, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

What Happens in this Study?

The entirety of this study is conducted remotely. No travel to/from the clinic is required. If your dog meets the criteria to take part in our study,​
 

  • He/she will be screened remotely by a Veterinary Behaviorist.

  • A 30-day supply of supplements will be shipped to your home.

  • An audio/video recording device will be shipped to your home.

  • Pill Pockets® or Pill Wraps® will be shipped to your home, upon request.

  • Behavior questionnaires will be emailed to you upon enrollment.

Pet Owner Responsibilities

Participation in this study is voluntary and is offered at no cost to you. You will be responsible for:
 

  • Administering the supplement to your dog once daily for 30 days.

  • Supplying a total of 6 audio/video recordings of your dog to the investigator for evaluation.

  • Completing initial, and daily behavior questionnaires.

  • Following your usual handling, activities, and schedules to the greatest extent practical. 

  • Adhering exclusively to positive reinforcement, and refraining from any punishment of a nervous or anxious dog.

Participation Requirements

We are looking for dogs that meet the following criteria:
 

  • Are at least 12 months of age.

  • Are less than 8 years of age.

  • Are not pregnant or lactating.

  • Weigh between 11-66 lbs (5-30 kgs).

  • Live in a home with fewer than 3 other dogs. 

  • Are not being treated concurrently (or within 30 days of the first baseline evaluation) with any other behavioral supplement or psychotropic medication.

  • Are not currently enrolled in a behavior modification program.

Benefits & Risks of Participating

The supplement is intended to provide a calming effect on the pets to whom it is administered, thus ameliorating the clinical signs associated with stress. No adverse effects are expected. This study is voluntary and you are free to withdraw at any time.

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If your dog qualifies for and completes the study, he/she will be providing valuable information for helping other pets with separation anxiety in the future.

Compensation

For your participation in, and compliance with the terms of the study and the Owner Informed Consent, you will receive the following:
 

  • At the completion of the 30-day study, you will keep the audio/video recording device and be compensated with a $200 Amazon® Gift Card.

  • Eligibility for a 10% discount on a future, in-person behavioral evaluation with Drs Pike and Eng (optional).

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