Do Storms Scare Your Pet?
Sep 7, 2008
Certified
nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author Brenda Watson is
among today’s leading authorities on natural digestive care, optimum
nutrition, and internal cleansing and detoxification. A PBS mainstay
and national media presence, Brenda is dedicated to helping people
everywhere achieve vibrant, lasting health. The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps is her most recently published book.
Natural Stress Relief For Storm-Wary Pups
The carefree days of summer are finally here again. But instead of enjoying some fun in the sun, many dog owners (and their canine companions) are left worrying about that all-too-common seasonal phenomenon—the summer thunderstorm. That’s because one loud ‘boom’ and suddenly your happy-go-lucky pooch is transformed into a panting, pacing bundle of nerves that makes even the Cowardly Lion look brave. However, before you reach for the doggie Prozac, consider this: the natural world provides an abundance of soothing solutions that are not only safe and effective, but that may help Fido find the courage he needs to weather the next storm in confidence.
The Science behind the Storm
Thunder is the
sound created by lightning as the discharged electricity heats
the surrounding air. This causes a shock wave to form, and that
shock wave can produce anything from a low, rolling rumble to
a sharp crackling noise, both of which can leave dogs trembling
in their wake. What’s more, dogs are able to sense the
change in barometric pressure that precedes a thunderstorm, so
their anxiety may begin long before their human companions even
notice the approaching weather. Depending upon the individual
dog, behavior during a storm can range from mild (panting and
shaking) to severe (urinating or defecating in the house).
Natural Ingredients Offer Soothing Relief
Persistent
anxiety in dogs can lead to even more serious health problems
over time, so providing relief at the first signs of stress is
essential. Nowadays a growing number of pet owners are seeking
the advice of holistic veterinarians who understand the healing
power of herbs and other nutraceuticals. Just as these natural
remedies help promote calmness in humans, so they have been shown
to help ease feelings of stress and apprehension in dogs, particularly
those feelings associated with noise phobia.
Natural ingredients such as lemon balm, motherwort, chamomile and black cohosh root provide a relaxing effect that helps defuse anxiety and ease tension in the muscles. Because of their mild sedative properties, herbs such as skullcap, valerian root, hops and ashwagandha (an Ayurvedic remedy) may also be included. In addition to the herbal components that may be found in a natural stress-relief formula for dogs, beneficial nutraceuticals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), vitamin B-1 and the amino acid L-theanine may be used for their proven anti-stress effects on the central nervous system.
Flower Essences: Powerful Vibrational Support
Flower essences are the natural energy vibrations that resonate
from plants and flowers. First documented in the early twentieth
century, their unique healing properties have become a well-known
natural remedy for a wide range of emotional issues in both humans
and their canine companions—including the anxiety triggered
by a fear of loud noises.
Says renowned holistic vet Dr. Joel Murphy, “Just like humans, dogs are extremely receptive to the distinct energy patterns or ‘essences’ of plants and flowers, and I’ve found that certain blends provide powerful relief not just for stress and anxiety, but also for detoxification and overall health. This is so important, because dogs today are living longer than ever, and pet owners want to do everything they can to provide safe, natural solutions for keeping them as healthy and active as possible.”
Calm, Cool and Collected
Before that familiar
rumble rolls around again, speak with your veterinarian about
the natural solutions available to help your dog stay calm during
the storm. An herbal anti-anxiety formula may be the first step
toward alleviating apprehension and ensuring a healthier, happier
best friend.
Holistic,
Joel Murphy,
Pet,
Storm,
Vet,
Watson, Brenda 





































Reader Comments