Product Developed for Pets Helps Save Endangered Species Half a World Away

Sept. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- (Omaha, Neb.) Sentry HC Good Behavior® Pheromone Collars are giving the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Project in South Africa new hope in their efforts to save the endangered African Wild Dog species, known as the most vicious canine species alive. The collars, developed and used to help house pets overcome behavioral problems caused by stress and anxiety, are being used to help reduce aggression caused by stress during the initial introduction of wild dogs into newly created packs in protected areas. During the 30 days the collars release pheromones, pack politics settle with less violence, helping ensure that the species continues.

“When you’re trying to change male dogs from one pack to another to prevent inbreeding, they often kill each other. Pheromone sprays had little success because they could not be applied long enough,” explained Peter Oberem, a veterinarian and managing director of Afrivet, who brought the collars to the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Project. “These pheromone collars have been a great success. They are long lasting and the mobility they provide, traveling on the dogs as they move about, has been a key part of the success.”

The collars contain appeasing pheromones, created to mimic those produced naturally by mother dogs and cats to calm their young. Because dogs and cats recognize these pheromones throughout life, they can be used on pets at any age. The collars release pheromones over a 30-day period, helping animals to better handle stress and anxiety, common triggers to behavioral problems such as aggression and anti-social behaviors like hissing, inappropriate marking, and destructive behaviors like chewing. Because the pheromones are not absorbed systemically, they do not produce side effects. Pheromone therapy is preferred by many veterinarians as a first line treatment for suffering pets, above sedative medications which can cause side effects. This makes the collars a safe, natural way to address behavioral issues, either in conjunction with behavior training or as an alternative when training does not work.

“We’re very pleased that the Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collars have proven so effective even on these wild animals, and to be a part of saving this species,” says Caryn Stichler, vice president of marketing for Sergeant’s Pet Care Products. “The pheromones help dogs and cats overcome common stressors such as separation anxiety, thunderstorms, fireworks, moving, trips to the vet and boarding. We were already aware that collars are extremely effective for house pets. In our studies, more than 70% of dogs’ stress-induced behaviors were minimized or eliminated. Results of a similar study on cats were even more dramatic,” Stichler explained.

The success of the Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collars has conservationists considering replicating the project using pheromone collars in more conservation projects in the future. Other wild animals with endangered or dwindling populations such as the African Jackal could also benefit from the pheromone collars.

Based on the success of the Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collars in Wild Dog pack integration efforts in South Africa, trials are underway using the Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collar for cats with African Wild Cats at the Dabchick Wildlife Reserve and Conservancy in South Africa's northeastern Limpopo Province. This is the first-ever pheromone collar for cats, and has had very high success rates with domesticated cats.

For questions or to secure exclusive coverage of this story, please contact
Patsy Sumner at 402-938-7045 or Kelly Lytle Baehr at 402-938-7035.
For more information, please visit sentrypetcare.com/wilddogs

About Sergeant’s Pet Care Products

Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Inc., is based in Omaha, Neb. USA, and is a leading supplier of pet supplies including flea and tick remedies, health and well-being products, natural and formulated treats, rawhide chews, pet dental supplies, aquatic supplies, toys and accessories. Sergeant’s has been caring for pets since 1868, is America’s oldest full-line pet supplies company and has one of the most trusted names in pet care. For more information, visit the Sergeant’s web site at sergeants.com.

About the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Project

KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Project is one of the largest conservation programs working to save the African Wild Dog, an endangered species now considered to be extinct in 23 African countries. The Project is carried out through a partnership between the Endangered Wildlife Trusts’ Carnivore Conservation Group and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife; supported by The Green Trust and Land Rover South Africa, and in collaboration with The Smithsonian institute.