Re: dogs and thunderstorms

[Guest guest]

I got this on one of my other groups. I just thought it was interesting and

may be helpful to some. It also gives some holistic animal sites...

Hazy, Lazy, Crazy days of Summer...

Kaboom!

With summer here, many pet owners are faced with animals that become

extremely distressed or even completely panic stricken during a

thunderstorm.

Many animals show signs of stress long before the storm actually arrives.

How do they know a storm is coming?  One theory is that animals can sense

subtle changes in atmosphere, barometric pressure before we can measure such

changes.  By whatever mechanism they are able to sense a storm coming, many

pets virtually freak out and can cause harm to themselves or their

surroundings.

Some dogs will show signs of stress such as panting and pacing.  Others may

do this as well as trying to hide behind objects or under the bed.  Some

dogs

will select the bathroom, behind the toilet or under the skin for their

" hiding " spot.  Why the bathroom?  It may be because the dogs are trying to

" ground " themselves and these objects offer the dogs a grounding mechanism.

Some dogs will even go to the extent of trying to escape out of the house,

crashing through windows or digging at the door.

Many vets prescribe tranquilizers, as this " knocks the dog out " during the

duration of the storm. Tranquilizers may actually be needed for the more

extreme thunderstorm phobic dogs as they can do harm to themselves in their

frenzy.  Dogs who are extremely thunderstorm phobic should always be

monitored to prevent them from injuring themselves.

Herbal therapies offer some help for mild to moderate thunderstorm phobic

animals.  There are a myriad of herbs that help promote relaxation...some

are

familiar,  such as chamomile and hops.  Traditionally, valerian and skullcap

are used to help promote relaxation.  St.swort and Kava Kava are also

employed for anxiety prone individuals.  However, St.swort works on more

of a cumulative effect rather than a quick herbal first aide.  In my

experience, valerian and skullcap offer fairly quick and reliable results.

Capsules are available but need to be digested first to work.  A quicker way

to administer a " first aide " to an animal is in tincture form (liquid

extract).  Herbal remedies work by dosing the individual with a quantifiable

dose of active ingredients that produce the desired effect.

Some people also report good results with flower essences such as " Rescue

Remedy. "   Flower essences work on a " spiritual level. "   Homeopathic

preparations are also available, working on an " energy " level of like curing

like.  In an upcoming e-newsletter, we will review the differences between

traditional herbal remedies, flower essences and homeopathy.

Aromatherapy can also be employed to help calm the individual.  You can

prepare a combination a few drops of lavender essential oil with at least 4

oz. water in an atomizer.  Spray this into the air during stressful times;

lavender is used in aromatherapy for peace and relaxation.  You can also

make

an herbal aromatherapy bandana collar for your animal companion by combining

equal parts of dried or fresh lavendar and chamomile, rolling this

combination up in the bandana and tying the bandana loosely around your

pet's

neck.

HOLISTIC VETERINARY INFORMATION:

To locate a holistic veterinarian in you area that can assist you with

appropriate holistic health care choices for your animal, you can contact

the

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), 2214 Old Emmorton

Road, Bel Air, MD 21015,    http://www.altvetmed.com/http://www.altvetmed.com/ " >

www.altvetmed.com

What does HERBS FOR ANIMALS have to offer?

HERBS FOR ANIMALS offers an herbal tincture, Calm Down!, http://www.orderpages.com/hfa/products/tinctures.htmlhttp://www.orderpag\

es.com/hfa/products/tinctures.html " >Tinctures

which contains Valerian, Skullcap, Passion Flower and Cramp Bark. These

herbs

have traditionally been used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.  The

best way to administer tinctures is hidden in a tasty treat or directly into

the mouth.  The Calm Down! formula should be given at the first sign of

distressed behavior.  It can also be used with nervous or jittery dogs that

are car-ride phobic.  One hour prior to the car-ride, the tincture should be

administered, and re-dosed about 15 minutes before actual departure.  There

is no need for concern about " overdosing " as it does not sedate the animal,

but seems to give them a sense of peace.

Owners of  Conformation show, Obedience and/or Agility dogs have reported

more focused attention in the show ring with its' use.

All Herbs for Animals products can be ordered at our secure site,  http://www.herbsforanimals.com/http://www.herbsforanimals.com/ " >http://www.herbsforanimals.com/http://www.herbsforanimals.com/

Walk, H.H.

BS, CH, LMT, NCTMB

Herbs for Animals, LLC - Canine Massage & Herbal Therapies

36721 West Indian School Road, Tonopah, AZ 85354

Phone :   Email: lisa@...

Webstore: http://www.herbsforanimals.com/http://www.herbsforanimals.com/ " >

http://www.herbsforanimals.com/http://www.herbsforanimals.com/

" Live in peace with the animals. Animals bring love to our hearts, and warmth

to our souls. "

       Colleen Klaum

" He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We

can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. " Immanuel Kant

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 08/12/2002 8:58:07 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

parrot004@... writes:

> Rescue

> Remedy. " Flower essences work on a " spiritual level. "

I have used this on my hyper dog...they make a remedy for Hyperness...and it

really works...you can get it at your local herb store...I'm here to say I'm

impressed....

Allicia

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 08/12/2002 8:58:07 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

parrot004@... writes:

> Rescue

> Remedy. " Flower essences work on a " spiritual level. "

I have used this on my hyper dog...they make a remedy for Hyperness...and it

really works...you can get it at your local herb store...I'm here to say I'm

impressed....

Allicia

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 08/12/2002 8:58:07 PM US Eastern Standard Time,

parrot004@... writes:

> Rescue

> Remedy. " Flower essences work on a " spiritual level. "

I have used this on my hyper dog...they make a remedy for Hyperness...and it

really works...you can get it at your local herb store...I'm here to say I'm

impressed....

Allicia

[Guest guest]

I use it on my kid...LOL

Missy

[Guest guest]

I use it on my kid...LOL

Missy

[Guest guest]

I use it on my kid...LOL

Missy