title: Calming effect of orally administered γ-aminobutyric acid in Shih Tzu dogs.
abstract: The calming effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by oral administration were investigated in four adult Shih Tzu dogs. Three dosage levels (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight) and non-administration were tested by an increase and decrease method. Changes in activity (for 1.5 h) and urinary cortisol levels (pre-administration, 3 and 7 h later) of dogs were monitored after administration. Without reference to dosage level, the mean times spent standing (P = 0.06), sitting (P < 0.05) and walking (P < 0.05) tended to decrease compared to non-administration. A significant depression in the urinary cortisol level was observed at 7 h after administration (P < 0.05). These results indicate that orally administrated GABA exerts calming effects on dogs as well as humans.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Chuo, Sagamihara, Japan. uetake@azabu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Katsuji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Uetake
authors.forename: Ayano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Okumoto
authors.forename: Noriko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tani
authors.forename: Akihiro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goto
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanaka
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004285:Dogs / Q000523:psychology*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D006854:Hydrocortisone