Veterinary visits are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of companion animals but can cause significant fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) in dogs, affecting both their behavior and physiological responses. Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) have gained increasing attention as an effective strategy for managing FAS during veterinary clinic visits. PVPs such as trazodone, gabapentin, and dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel are commonly used. However, these options are not always effective for all dogs, and for some, like dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel, the duration may be too short and cost-prohibitive for long-term use. Clonidine, an α-2 adrenergic agonist, presents an effective and affordable option that could potentially reduce FAS in dogs during veterinary visits. Despite the growing interest and research in various PVPs, studies on the efficacy of clonidine in veterinary visits remain scarce, highlighting the need for this investigation.

This study will evaluate the efficacy of clonidine in reducing FAS in dogs during veterinary visits through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Twenty-two client-owned dogs with a history of FAS during veterinary examinations will receive clonidine (0.025-0.03 mg/kg) and placebo across separate visits, with a one week washout period. Primary measures of stress will include heart rate variability (HRV), serum cortisol, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and rectal temperature. Additionally, two veterinary staff will assess behavioral stress indicators, and owners will complete surveys on their dog's behaviors. Clonidine is hypothesized to reduce physiological and behavioral signs of stress. Owners are also expected to report lower FAS levels in their dogs when clonidine is administered. This study will provide valuable insights into the potential of clonidine as a safe and cost-effective PVP option for reducing FAS in dogs during veterinary visits.