Fearful Fido: An investigation of a novel approach to companion animal welfare in the veterinary clinic *

Using a simple functional model of a ‘brain unit’, Robert will focus on the underlying neurobiology of these important emotional experiences. This then opens the door to a greater understanding of how aerosol products like Pet Remedy can help pets manage their own stress levels by building emotional resilience. Pet Remedy is an interesting ‘calming agent’ because it has 2 distinct modes of action. The first is a direct pharmacological effect on receptors in the brain (GABA, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline etc.). We see this as REACTIVE mode of action, doing something TO the animal. The second is an indirect, non-pharmacological effect via the olfactory system, which is tightly connected to the emotional limbic system. This plays a PROACTIVE role, doing something WITH and FOR the animal. This is because its connections with the limbic system help facilitate ongoing associative learning and updating of the animal’s emotional experiences during successive visits to the veterinary practice.

• Understanding the importance of the emotional experience for the animal within a clinic setting and beyond.