A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the value of Petscool (Pet Remedy) ameliorating fear of handling in companion rabbits

English summary:

The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of a product based on essential oils known to be soothing on the manifestations of stress reactions in pet rabbits during a veterinary consultation.

The rabbit is an animal very sensitive to stress and it therefore seems interesting to use methods complementary to the treatment traditionally carried out in veterinary consultation.

Enjoying a good reputation with owners, aromatherapy has the advantage of being simple to use: essential oils can be diffused using a sprayer or electric diffuser, without constraint for the manipulator or for the animal.
According to the results of this study, the combination of of valerian absolute oil, vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils, known to be calming and contained in the product tested, would appear to be effective in reducing the manifestations of stress reactions in rabbits having participated in the study (lower mean initial heart rate in the presence of the product compared to placebo.

A behavioural test carried out in an Open Field made it possible to determine the temperament of the rabbits which participated and the study of the effect of the product according to their temperament showed that the “Anxious” and “Shy” rabbits would seem more receptive to the tested product. than the "Calm" and "Bold" rabbits.
However, the statistical tests used do not make it possible to state with conviction that this product would be effective in all pet rabbits. It would therefore be interesting to continue research using a confirmatory study, the parameters studied could then be grouped together by association, which would increase the power of the analysis.
It is possible occasionally to use Pet Remedy Calming spray on a compression towel. This product would therefore seem to be an interesting tool to add to the classic therapeutic arsenal when consulting a pet rabbit, in particular with rabbits which appear to be the most sensitive to stress.
Due to the ease of use and the low risk of side effects, it would also be possible to recommend this product for use in the animal's home, during any event that modifies its lifestyle (new animal in home , moving home, transportation, etc.) potentially a source of stress, allowing the owner to improve the well-being of his companion.