Tuesday 10 June 2014

Behavioural Calming Aids

When our dogs are anxious or scared of something, many of us turn to some form of drug for help. Many of course don’t, and are really reluctant to use any form of medication.

However, there are many different options for us nowadays: herbal pills, treats with added calming ingredients, nutritional supplements, pheromone therapy, plug ins, collars, clinical medication, homeopathy and Bach flower remedies.  There are also calming aids such as the Thunder Shirt, the Canine Lullaby CD, and Calming Caps.

Generally we’ll try something because a friend has said that it works for their dog, or perhaps we’ve just come across it on the web. It’s all quite confusing, so I thought it might help to provide a wee summary of the options.

Herbal pills and calming treats: These have a variety of different herb mixes.  They are not all the same. It seems possible that one may be better suited to a particular situation than another. And it’s also possible that one dog will respond best to one or the other.

Nutritional Supplements: These are clinically active and tested ‘drugs’, correctly termed Nutraceuticals. They variously contain: the calming nutrients from milk, potatoes, some vitamins and proteins. The contents are based on food and are therefore considered natural and having fewer or no side effects.

Pheromone Therapy: There are devices that emit the same pheromones as a mother just after she’s given birth to her litter, providing a similar feeling of safety. There is a plug in device, a spray and a collar. Cats and dogs need different pheromones.

Medication: There are a number of different products, obviously only available though your vet.  These can help by working on the brain chemistry to provide a more relaxed state of mind.

Homeopathy & Bach Flower Remedies: These are said to work on the holistic emotion, mood and character of the animal. Many people would pick up a standard product, perhaps thinking that it works for all. It may well be that it would help, but the recommendation is to determine the right mix for your individual pet and situation.

The Thundershirt is a jacket that’s designed to fit snuggly and provide the dog with a feeling of security. It was originally devised for helping with fireworks fear but can help in many other circumstances, including travel problems.

And the Canine Lullaby concept is based on a regular heart beat rhythm combined with calming music to relax the dog.

So how can you choose? Do you just pick one and hope for the best. Many times people call me for help, saying that they’ve tried everything. Some will say that they’ve tried all these pills and things and nothing has worked. Others will only have tried some training measures.

Generally the problem with trying ‘everything’ is the scattergun approach. Too many random things have been tried. What works best, is a logically thought through, consistent, step-by-step program.

This then is where the calming aids above are of most benefit. It is generally believed that all these products work best in conjunction with behaviour therapy.

My recommendation therefore would be to speak with your vet or behaviourist. They will be able to determine which, if any, product is most likely to work and when and how to help you towards a quicker result, with less frustration along the way.

Copyright by Author : Anna Patfield
First published in the Northern Times, May 2014


For further information and help, please look at www.pawsability.co.uk or email anna@pawsability.co.uk