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Bifidobacterium longum BL999 Supplementation: A New Approach to Managing Dogs with Anxiety

It is conservatively estimated that Nestlé Purina recently conducted a Q 29 percent of dogs suffer from Q trial with dogs supplemented with the anxiety.1 What is known about the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BL999,* causes and physical manifestations a strain shown to help dogs maintain calm of this condition? behavior. What were the findings? The causes of anxiety in dogs are complex. A group of 24 anxious Labrador Retrievers A Genetics can be a factor, and some dogs are A was enrolled in the trial and all dogs were Ragen T.S. anxious from a very early age while others are fed the same complete and balanced diet. For the McGowan, PhD calm and happy-go-lucky. Anxiety can also be first six weeks, 12 dogs were supplemented with Nestlé Purina Research acquired through triggering events or stressors B. longum BL999 while the other 12 were given a St. Joseph, Missouri in the environment. Whether the origins are placebo. Following a three-week washout period, intrinsic, external or both, the severity of the the supplemented and placebo groups were anxiety may be more important than the cause. reversed for an additional six weeks, so that each An anxious dog lives in a chronic vigilant state dog served as his or her own control. of anticipating negative outcomes and negative During each phase, the dogs’ behaviors in emotional arousal, even when there’s no clear response to a variety of stimuli were recorded sign that something bad or frightening is about and heart rate and heart rate variability, as well to occur. as salivary cortisol concentrations, were assessed. While we think of anxiety as a psychological Day-to-day behaviors (e.g., spinning, pacing, condition, its effect on a dog’s physiological state jumping, barking) were also noted. is real. Dogs with generalized anxiety live in a The findings showed that B. longum BL999 state of chronic stress and thus may have elevated administration resulted in statistically significant cortisol levels2 and low heart rate variability, improvement in dogs displaying day-to-day meaning the time between heartbeats fluctuates anxious behavior, as well as reduced salivary *The probiotic B. longum BL999 is the active ingredient very little. If a dog is happy and excited to see his cortisol concentrations, decreases in heart in Purina® Pro Plan® 5 Veterinary Supplements owner walk in the door, his or her heart rate and rates and increases in heart rate variability. By Calming Care canine heart rate variability increase. If a dog’s heart rate feeding a probiotic that positively affects dogs, supplement. is elevated but the variability decreases, however, veterinarians can offer owners a new strategy to 1 Denenberg S, Landsberg GM, Blizzard T. Prevalence it is likely he or she is in a very stressed state. help manage dogs with anxiety. of Fearful and Anxious Behaviors in Dogs in the United States. Proc of the It is believed there is a connection ACVM/AVSAB Veterinary Behavior Symposium. Q between an imbalance of bacteria Chicago. 2013;50-51. in the gut microbiota and anxiety. “While we think 2 Beerda B, Schilder MBH, Van Hooff JARAM, DeVries Can you explain? HW, Mol JA. Chronic stress of anxiety as a in dogs subjected to social The gut is sometimes referred to as a and spatial restriction. I. Behavioral responses. Physiol A “second brain” because of the bi-directional Behav 1999; 66(2):233-42. psychological communication between the gut and brain via the 3 Collins SM, Kassam Z, Bercik P. The adoptive vagus nerve. In a study at McMaster University, condition, its transfer of behavioral phenotype via the intestinal bacteria from laboratory mice exhibiting anxious microbiota: experimental behaviors (e.g., circling, bar biting, spitting in evidence and clinical effect on a dog’s implications. Curr Opin the enclosure) were transferred to germ-free, Microbiol. 2013 Jun;16(3):240-5. non-anxious mice via fecal transplantation. As 4 Messaoudi M, Lalonde R, physiological Violle N, et al. Assessment of a result, the behavior of the anxious mice was Psychotropic-Like Properties 3 of a Probiotic Formulation transferred with those microbes. Understanding state is real.” (Lactobacillus helveticus this connection may be key to finding solutions. ROO52 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in Rats and There is scientific evidence that manipulating the Human Subjects. Brit J Nutr. 2011;105:755-764. gut bacteria can also have a positive influence on 5 Trudelle-Schwarz McGowan, anxious behavior, with specific probiotics having R. Tapping into those ‘Gut Feelings’: Impact of BL999 anxiolytic properties when fed to both animals (Bifidobacterium longum) and humans.4 on anxiety in dogs. ACVB Symposium 2018. NUTRITION EXCHANGE

Managing Dogs with Anxiety: Julia Albright, Easing Anxiety at the Veterinary Office: MA, DVM, DACVB Marty Becker, Make Behavioral Assessment Associate Professor of Keep Calm and DVM Veterinary Behavior Founder and CEO College of Veterinary Medicine Fear Free Part of the Routine University of Tennessee Practice On

Anxiety in dogs is like any other and asking for specifics about in- mistreatment prior to acquisition. After nearly five decades of working professionals, we cannot tell patients provide a more comfortable surface, medical condition: The longer it goes home behaviors as well as the owner’s I emphasize to clients that while in veterinary hospitals, attending a why they hurt or explain the medical such as a yoga mat or pheromone- untreated, the harder it can be to perception of the types of triggers that reward-based dog training can help an veterinary behaviorist seminar several procedures they must undergo. The infused towel. manage. Uncovering the clinical signs elicit them. Also ask the client how long owner communicate with his or her years ago triggered an awakening about unfortunate result is that our patients • Changing the environment – Rather of anxiety isn’t always simple, because it takes the dog to return to normal pet better, this type of formal training how I was living out the veterinary oath often associate our care with pain. Just than have an anxious patient sit in owners don’t necessarily associate their behavior after becoming anxious. has less to do with managing anxious that compels me to prevent and relieve pulling into the veterinary hospital the waiting area, it may be helpful dogs’ behaviors with a condition that I recommend adding several behaviors than the owner may think. animal suffering. While I had always parking lot can engage a pet’s fight to have the clients check in and then can be managed. Screening patients questions about behavior to the Often, simple steps can be taken by a dutifully cared for the physical well-being or flight response. And that can keep wait outside in a calm environment and educating owners are key to patient history you gather at every family to improve the emotional health of my patients, I hadn’t been focused on owners from seeking veterinary care until their appointment begins. prompt diagnosis and management wellness exam. If you are dealing with of their pet. Because many behavioral their emotional well-being. Since then, I when their pets need it. • Incorporating play – Tap into the innate of dogs with anxiety. Training several puppies, you’re probably already asking issues are emotional in nature, have dedicated myself to reducing fear, The good news is that our patients behaviors and needs of pets by giving staff members to talk with patients about behaviors that could become aversive punishment should not be anxiety and stress in pets through the don’t need to suffer in this way. There cats a place to climb, hide and scratch, about behavior can also help. Everyone problematic over time, such as house used to modify them. For example, Fear Free educational services. are many ways to make the veterinary or dogs interesting smells to sniff. on your staff should be noticing if a and/or crate training and mouthing. putting a shock collar on a dog to stop Many of our patients come environment a calmer, more enjoyable By taking steps to minimize pet pet is exhibiting signs of anxiety in However, it’s important to proactively him from barking when the owner through our office doors because of experience, including: anxiety we can provide a better level of the clinic and reporting behavioral inquire about behavior issues in pets of is gone will only make the dog with medical problems, from torn nails and • Reducing or removing anxiety triggers veterinary care and help our patients concerns to those with additional any age. separation distress equate being alone GI disorders to joint inflammation – Avoid what the patient hates. If the lead healthy and happy lives. behavioral education. with something even more terrible and cancer. Unlike other medical examination table causes anxiety, Correct misconceptions happening. Incorporate behavior about anxiety causes screening into routine Some owners feel guilty about their Offer options to owners Dog Anxiety Perceptions by the Numbers Key Takeaways exams dogs’ behavior issues, believing they of anxious dogs To better understand the impact of behaviors potentially associated with It’s important to ask questions about may result from a lack of training A referral to a behaviorist and anxiety, Purina recently conducted a survey of 826 US dog owners • A Nestlé Purina study showed specific behaviors because clients often or training mistakes. However, prescribing anti-anxiety medications whose pets visited the veterinarian in the last 12 months. that administration of the don’t associate subtle signs such as lip many misbehaviors can be linked are two potential ways to help manage probiotic Bifidobacterium licking, yawning, darting eyes or low to unrecognized anxiety issues, and anxious patients. Purina® Pro Plan® Anxious behaviors are common and often associated with anxiety. longum BL999 to anxious body posture with anxiety. both genetics and experiences can Veterinary Supplements Calming Care, I ask about those behaviors as well as contribute to anxiety disorders. Many a new probiotic supplement, can also be “It’s dogs resulted in statistically more overt signs, like pacing, panting, of my clients acquire their dogs after used as part of a multimodal approach. anxiety.” significant improvement in dogs excessive salivation, excessive cleaning, the four- to 14-week socialization Even if you refer a patient, be sure to displaying day-to-day anxious destruction and nighttime vocalization. period that is critical in a dog’s early stay apprised of the care the patient is behavior, reduced salivary cortisol If a patient appears anxious development. Lack of positive exposure receiving and remain involved with the 62% of dog owners surveyed have Of these owners, 49% concentrations, decreased heart during a clinic visit, you might start to various environmental stimuli care program. It’s important to reassure regularly seen behaviors that could attribute their dogs’ rates and increased heart rate the exam with, “Casey seems pretty can predispose an animal to fears clients that they are not alone in their be signs of anxiety in their dogs. behavior to anxiety. variability. anxious today — does he ever act like later in life. Likewise, most owners of quest to manage these challenging this at home?” If the client says yes, rescued dogs weren’t able to control behaviors. These owners are concerned about their dogs’ behaviors. • The longer behavior problems I recommend probing a little deeper factors such as genetics, neglect or of owners surveyed whose dogs have go untreated, the harder it can % experienced behaviors possibly linked be to manage and alleviate to anxiety say it has impacted their them, making proactive client lifestyle or changed their routine. 5 Screening Questions for 40 conversations critical. These owners want solutions. Canine Anxiety • A calmer, more enjoyable 1 Is there anything that makes your dog afraid or anxious? If a veterinarian diagnosed their dog with anxiety… veterinary environment is critical 2 If so, what triggers this fear or anxiety (e.g., being alone, loud noises, to fear-free experiences and more going to the veterinarian, thunderstorms)? % % % regular patient visits. 3 How does your dog’s fear or anxiety manifest itself (e.g., inappropriate 68 64 39 defecation/urination, salivation, dilated pupils, trembling, tucking tail, of these owners would would be similarly would be extremely or be extremely or very open to nutritional very likely to consider hiding, vocalizing)? likely to consider supplements. medications. 4 Did your dog’s fearful or anxious behavior result from a traumatic event behavior modification. or did it develop gradually? At what age did the behavior develop? Data was collected by Relevation via on online survey utilizing the Prodege panel facility. Qualified 5 Is there anything you can do to calm your dog? If so, what? How long participants were adult men and women age 18 or older, owned one or more adult dogs age 13 months or does it take for your dog to return to behaving normally? older, were the person in the household most responsible for taking the dog(s) to a veterinarian (12% were not qualified) and took the dog(s) to a veterinarian in the past 12 months (11% were not qualified). 826 nationally-representative dog owners qualified and completed the survey, 77% of the dog owners qualified. Online data collection was conducted from August 15-19, 2018. The online survey averaged 4 minutes in length. ®

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WHAT IF… A PROBIOTIC COULD HELP ANXIOUS DOGS FEEL CALMER?

Introducing Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Calming Care with Bifidobacterium longum (BL999), a probiotic strain shown to help dogs maintain calm behavior. In a blinded crossover design study, 90% of dogs showed an improvement in displaying anxious behaviors such as jumping, pacing, and spinning*.

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Helps dogs cope with external Helps dogs maintain Helps blunt cortisol stressors like separation, positive cardiac activity response to anxious unfamiliar visitors, novel during stressful events, events and supports a sounds, or changes in routine promoting a positive healthy immune system and location emotional state

LEARN MORE ABOUT NESTLÉ PURINA’S PROBIOTIC RESEARCH AT PURINAPROPLANVETS.COM. 1-800-222-8387 (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST M-F) | Talk to your Purina Veterinary Consultant

*McGowan, R. T. S. (2016). “Oiling the brain” or “Cultivating the gut”: Impact of diet on anxious behavior in dogs. Proceedings of the Nestlé Purina Companion Animal Nutrition Summit, March 31-April 2, Florida, 91-97. Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.