Recommendation for Natural Treatment for Thunderstorms or Fireworks

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Can anyone recommend what to give our Doodles for their anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks?  We recently tried a product called "Pet Calm", Richard's organics which contains Valerian, Chamomille, Hops, Passion Flower, Scull Cap...etc. for anxiety and stress.  Is this safe?   Our Doodle Olivia gets very stressed with storms and fire works.  Our other Doodle Sydney barks during storms and fireworks.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

We used this item for one of our past dogs who was very fearful during thunderstorms, etc. It really did seem to help him. He was not relaxed and happy go lucky but he was much calmer than he normally was without it. It has a 100% guarantee with it so it might be worth a try.

https://anxietywrap.com/default.aspx

 

 

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Thanks, Ricki!  It's good to know someone has tried this natural remedy.  We are leary of side effects of this product we have given to Olivia since our Olivia recently had a seizure (the first one ever last month and she is 5 years old).  Oh, My......what is happening with our beloved Doodle Olivia who gives us so much love??????

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't think Ricki is referring to the same thing that you are.

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

F.  Do your Doodles have any problems with thundertorms?  Since we have lived  in PA and are back in NJ our Doodles are so sensitive to thunderstorms and fireworks.  We were expecting thunder today (with the weather report) and gave our Olivia the organic drops since the instructions indicated to give the drops before the event.  We probably over-reacted.  We hate to give Olivia something that is not necessary.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No my doodles are OK with thunderstorms, thankfully. I am sceptical that those drops would do much good but I'm that way about lots of those sorts of things. I think you need to be sure you don't get anxious about the dogs getting anxious or a vicious cycle develops. The dogs can certainly sense your moods.

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

We probably do shed lots of anxiety onto Sydney and Olivia.  It seems to have gotten worse when we lived in PA (2007 to 2009).  We experienced a tornado which travelled along the back of our home.  And, as you know, fireworks are legal in PA.  We had to listen to them constantly when we lived in PA.  Our behavior probably created more anxiety for our Doodles.  We have been back in NJ almost 2 years now and we still pray for rain w/o thunder and lightening.  Our Olivia senses a storm way before we do.  Any suggestions on how we can change our behavior so that our Doodles are not affected.  THANKS!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

I just wanted to chime in that just because something is "natural" does not mean it is "safe". With seizure prone dogs many "safe" things do have a negative effect.  One example that comes to mind is "EPO" (Evening Primrose) which should not be given to a dog that has seizures.

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Andy and Sharon, thank you for your information on EPO and dogs prone to seizures.  We have been giving Sydney EPO with her breakfast every morning for her coat and allergies and decided to add it to Olviia's breakfast as well.  It seems that Olivia had her seizure a week or so after we began giving her the EPO.  It could have been a coincidence but we have stopped giving both of our Doodles EPO.  The food they get certainly has many of the nutrients in it for healthy coats and stools.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sorry, I think my post was confusing. I have not used Pet Calm. I was referring to the product in the link that I posted which is called "Anxiety Wrap". It is not a remedy as much as a tool. It is a tight coat/covering type item that gives the dog a sense of security-like being held I guess. If you check the link in my original post you can take a look at it. Sorry again for the confusion.

 

The product you have looks safe in general but I don't know anything about how it would effect a doodle with a  history of seizure. I would recommend consulting with a good Holistic Vet for safe, holistic options for Olivia'S anxiety.

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Hi, Ricki,

Thank you for sharing your information with the Anxiety Wrap.   We do appreciate your comments and are open to any positive experiences you have had with your Doodles.  We did see the Anxiety Wrap at a recent Pet Expo.  The Pet Calm we used were drops we purchased at Petco (a local Pet store) so we were concerned about this natural medication since our Vet is against any holistic treatments we mention.  Perhaps we should try the Anxiety Wrap with Olivia and Sydney who barks at Thunder and Fireworks. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

You may end up needing to combine some of these ideas for the doodles. Maybe one of the wraps and also a calming remedy?  I appreciate your attempts to help them without drugging them. :) My guess is that your vet is against any holistic remedies because he/she is unfamiliar with them and can't give you an accurate assessment of them. Like M.D.'s, vets are not trained in that field so once you mention it they are pretty much out of their element.

[ERIC A. NATER]

I would try the "Anxiety Wrap".  I saw a consumer show recently that tested an almost identical item called a "Thundershirt".  They were very skeptical about it working, and put it to the test.  They filmed a dog reacting to a recording of a Thunderstorm, and a Vacuum Cleaner, and some other noises, and the dog would totally panic, and run and hide.  They then put on the "Thundershirt" and repeated the test, and the dog remained calm.  Unlike any Holistic treatment, the "Thundershirt" will not have any possible side affects.

http://www.thundershirt.com/