Alleviative effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on behavioral abnormalities in aged dogs

J Vet Med Sci. 2005 Oct;67(10):1063-6. doi: 10.1292/jvms.67.1063.

Abstract

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 30 mg/kg) was administered to aged dogs with recent history of veterinary clinic visits (mean age: 15.3 years old) once daily for 2 weeks by mixing with food. Their owners subjectively evaluated the effects of GABA on behavioral signs often associated with aging in the dogs. Improvement in some of behavioral signs was notable without any observable adverse effects. Dogs administered with GABA tended to exhibit improvement in emotional states and signs may be caused by neurovegetable dysfunction, though effects on cognitive dysfunction syndrome were not always observed. Thus, GABA administration may be one of the effective means of improving the quality of life of aged dogs.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Animals
  • Behavioral Symptoms / drug therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid