Aromaterapia con aceite esencial de lavanda como medida de relajación en animales de compañía que asisten a consulta veterinaria.

Abstract

It is fundamental not only to show the professionalism and ethics of a veterinarian but also to provide a correct clinical diagnosis. It is very common to come across patients who are stressed easily; this research aims to assess the effect of aromatherapy with Lavender oil (Lavandula spp) in contrast to Adaptil® as a relaxing treatment in pets that receive a consultation at the veterinary clinic of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Outcomes were evaluated using a randomized complete crossover block design, with ten dogs studied. Four appointments were made in time to determine if there was an immediate effect on the patients. Five groups were made with two individuals each, of which groups A, B, C, and E received aromatherapy using lavender. In contrast, group D or the control group received synthetic pheromones. Groups A and D received four complete sessions of aromatherapy when exposed to the scent in the consultation room and showed fewer signs of stress on both the third and fourth day as their cortisol levels remained within normal ranges. In other words, it showed that there were indeed positive results in the variable of days with a remarkable reduction of cortisol (P=0.0005) as well as behavioral changes (P=0.0098), indicating that the dogs linked the lavender scent with a feeling of calmness. Keywords: stress, pheromones, cortisol, Adaptil®, dogs.