| Summary: | The growing pet food market for feed supplements offering behavioural support has led to an increase in popularity of use, often without sufficient evidence to support claims. In particular, it is questionable whether various “calming” herbs and herbal blends are truly providing the desired outcomes. This study investigated whether a calming herbal nutraceutical for dogs had an impact on canine behaviour and to what effect. Thirty male English Foxhounds, Canis lupus familiaris, were fed the nutraceutical daily for four weeks following a control period. Overnight behavioural observations from video footage were carried out using scan sampling at sixty second intervals for six-hour periods daily, both in the control week and week four of the feeding trial. Stranger approach tests were also performed during these weeks on three separate occasions. Observation data were analysed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test. The paired t-test indicated a significant reduction in agonistic interactions, play, autogrooming, locomotion and stretching within the group. The stranger approach tests showed a significant increase in the number of hounds approaching the stranger, moving away, lying, standing, and sitting during the trial week, and a significant decrease in instances of hounds resting. Reduction in group agonistic and play interactions overnight suggests signs of a “calmer” pack. Increase in rest overnight may have impacted daytime behaviours, specifically in response to the stranger approach test. The results warrant further investigation of calming herbal nutraceuticals and their potential value as a tool in a holistic approach to managing canine behaviour.
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