Abstract
We selected chamomile roman (Anthennis nobilis) and sandalwood (Santalum album) aroma essential oils which are reported relaxing effect on humans for dogs with 1/2 concentration of human use and investigated the effect of these oils on the behaviour of dogs.
Eight healthy dogs that had never been used in experiments of olfactory stimulation were exposed to [control] condition for 3 days and then oil odour condition ([chamomile] or [sandalwood]) for 3 days, with 30 days between each oil condition. Posture (five categories) and behaviour (nine categories) were video-recorded continuously for a total of 45 min, consisting of 15 min before odour exposure, 15 min during odour exposure, and 15 min after the end of odour exposure. ANOVA with P corrected for multiple testing followed by post hoc Tukey tests for the evaluation of significant effects. There was no significant difference in time spent in posture and behaviour in both [control] conditions, however, the total time spent in standing was significantly increased after [sandalwood] oil exposure. These results suggest that we need to notice the scent type and characteristics of oils when using them at home, since such factors might be reflected in the behaviour of dogs.
