Use of behavior modification and behavioral medication for distressed shelter dogs Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB, CAAB Biology Department University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA

2013 data CCSPCA reasons for euthanasia LRR dogs 1,168/1,517 (77%) LRR cats 168/698 (24%) 35.4% health (physical) (all cats and dogs) 311/ % behavior (all cats and dogs) 349/879

New CCSPCA board mandate October 2013 Conflict of interest concerns Corruption concerns Lack of modern scientific/veterinary knowledge (death rate increase and lack of care concerns) Mandate from state with county changes Board increased in size from 10 to 19….no one was removed from the former board

CCSPCA special consults 18 November 2013 through 7 February 2014 (12 weeks) 37 dogs evaluated; dogs flagged by director or adoptions manager as a potential concern because of their behavior; concerns of the adoptions manager included the welfare needs of the dogs. 12 dogs were evaluated once 15 dogs were evaluated twice 4 dogs were evaluated 3times 3 dogs were evaluated 4 times

Consult content History of source of dog History from kennel workers, volunteers and other staff Observation of dog in kennel and when being walked (almost always by a volunteer) Observation of dog when approached, given a treat, asked to track gaze and movement, and to sit Observation of dog with another dog (Picasso) in approaches and walks Physical exam (if possible and help available) Outside laboratory or vet/specialist evaluation, if recommended (no access even to clin path lab at first) Detailed write up of observations, diagnoses/concerns, potential treatment, initial treatment, assignments for staff evaluations and recording evaluations Weekly follow-up

Concerns identified in 37 dogs ConcernNumber of dogs Non-specific fear/anxiety including shying and aggression in certain circumstances 37 Fear aggression1 GAD2 OCD2 Aggression to other dogs on walks10 Self-mutilation2 Noise phobia2 Joint pain8 UTI1 Rough/abusive treatment and restraint +/- defensive response from the dog 12

Recommendations Head collar/ Harness/lead Toys (food, also) Behavior mod Neuter ASAP Diet/ supplement Medication recommended/ 14 received any at all 10 received sufficient treatment to evaluate results

Medication Number of dogs prescribedNumber of dogs treated Alprazolam54 Amitriptyline66 Fluoxetine42 Gabapentin1410 Tramadol11

Outcomes 19 dogs had medication recommended 14 received any at all 10 received sufficient medication to evaluate results (longest treatment time = 4 weeks) 8 of these 10 dogs (80%) were ultimately adopted/fostered (1 still on medication; 1 treated and weaned) 13 of the 18 dogs (73%) for whom no medication was used, but behavior mod and other interventions were recommended were ultimately adopted/fostered in rescue or by individual

CCSPCA data November 2013-February 2014 NOV 2013DEC 2013JAN 2014FEB 2015TOTAL INTAKE ,231 LRR76.4%83.7%94.8%90.7%- EUTHANASIA29.6% (all before 18 NOV) 21.3%7.3% (peak behavior treatment) 11%- ADOPTIONS TRANSFER/RESCUE OWNER RECLAIM

Conclusions 1/2 This shelter did not ‘shelter’ – it made dogs behaviorally more reactive. Treatment and education helps. The hypothesis to test and about which shelters need to acquire data is: Shelters cause and/or worsen fear and anxiety in dogs. A version of this study has been done in 1 set of rehoming shelters in the UK. Variation across shelters would be expected, hoped for and informative. Abusive, ill-informed, forceful handling by humans kills dogs. Any time a dog’s behavior changes for the worse watch how the caretakers handle the dog. Fear and aggression may be fairly normal – even adaptive - responses to suboptimal sheltering, and to the rearing experiences certain populations of dogs experience (poor pre-, peri-, post-natal nutrition, abuse, neglect, et cetera).

Conclusions 2/2 The more we invest in informed behavioral evaluations, staff education and true veterinary behavioral care, the more humane the experience for the dogs…and humans. Behavioral medication use had no drawbacks – except the political ones – and improved the lives of dogs who would otherwise have been killed. Behavioral intervention, including medication, improved the way the volunteers and staff handling the dogs daily understood, viewed, handled and treated the dogs. The types of interventions here – play, controlled introductions, true behavior mod, food and other toys, changes in harnesses and leads, more and safer exercise, cognitive stimulation and medication – all work, and likely should be considered for all sheltered dogs. The tools now exist that implementing such changes is a matter only of will.

The Aussie rescue gang Linus Toby Picasso The lovely Missy Rose

Resources My Journal: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research (Elsevier)