Canadian researchers have potentially found a botanical anti-anxiety medication for dogs that works similarly to Valium. Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that chemical components from Costa Rican vines and sycamore bark can be combined to create an effective anti-anxiety medication. So far the compound has been tested on dogs, piglets and rats. All animals appeared calmer after administration and no harmful side-effects have been observed.
Chemistry Professor, Dr. Tony Durst said, "We've compared dogs treated for anxiety with Valium and we found our compound acts similarly. It acts almost as well as Valium but it has none of the side-effects Valium is known for." Valium can cause several side effects in humans including agitation, aggression, drowsiness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and muscle weakness.
Durst said, "Dogs are known to be anxious, among other things. When thunderstorms arrive, when their owners leave them at home all day, they show anxiety." Animal behaviourist, Kelly French said, "Anxiety plays a big role in dogs. People don't realize that. They don't think, 'my dog is anxious,' because a dog can't tell you, 'I'm freaking out right now.' "Most of the behavioural problems I see are related to anxiety and fear. The dog is usually fearful, nervous, shy, trying to cope with a situation."
Durst is working with a distributor and hopes the medication will be available in veterinary clinics in Spring 2016. Durst is also working to get the drug approved for human use. Durst said, "We've made an application to Health Canada for permission to do human safety studies. We fully believe that based on the data we have, a human safety study will be very successful."
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