Category: Anxiety & Nervousness

New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July are times for celebration, but if you own a dog with a noise phobia, these dates can be very stressful. The inevitable fireworks can have your dog shaking and trembling in fear. Summer thunderstorms can be just as traumatic for him.

What can you do to support your dog through these frightening situations, and teach him not to be afraid?

There’s no quick solution to this problem, but here are some suggestions that may help.

1. Don’t get angry at your dog when he’s scared. It’s not his fault, and this will only make things worse for him. Not only is there a terrifying noise, but the person he relies on for comfort and security is cross at him!

2. Keep your dog safe. If he is an outdoor dog, bring him indoors so he doesn’t break out of your yard trying to get away from the noise. If he’s crate trained, he may be happier in a secure and familiar crate.

3. Keep a bottle of Sleepytime Tonic handy. This pleasant tasting elixir contains a blend of herbs and Bach flower remedies to reduce anxiety and calm your nervous canine. Put a few drops in his mouth, and within only 20 minutes he’ll be more settled. Sleepytime Tonic is safe enough to use every day, and will make life much easier for your anxious dog.

4. Don’t pat or cuddle your dog excessively when he is showing signs of fear. This rewards him for his fearful behavior, so he is more likely to repeat it. Just act normally, stay calm and talk to him in a relaxed tone of voice.

5. The best long term solution to noise phobias is desensitisation. This is basically retraining your dog so he is relaxed during thunderstorms, firework displays or other noisy situations.

The first thing you need to do is train your dog to settle on a mat, and stay calm. You can do this with a clicker or just with food rewards. Teach him a few tricks such as “high five” or “roll over” and practice them until he can do them quickly and with lots of enthusiasm.

Your next step is to purchase a CD of scary noises, and play it softly while you ask your dog to do one of his tricks. Ideally, he should be so keen to do this that he won’t notice the noise. Gradually increase the volume of your CD, but always do it slowly enough so that your dog doesn’t become nervous. The idea behind this training method is that he is happy to perform the familiar behaviors, and isn’t as likely to notice the noise.

This isn’t perfect, because thunderstorms often have changes in the atmosphere that can’t be created by a CD. Also, fireworks have smells that your dog will notice. However, it’s a very good start to helping your dog get over his fears.

Some dogs never learn to cope with loud noises, and all you can hope for is that they are less frightened during a storm or fireworks display. If that’s the case with your dog, then the best that you can offer him is a safe place close to his family where he can’t come to any harm.

 

It can be challenging living with a dog that just won’t relax. Some dogs are anxious, and can become stressed if there are any changes to their daily routine. Other dogs are like children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and just don’t seem to be able to calm down.

 

It’s important that you make sure there aren’t any medical or behavioral reasons for your dog being fidgety. Perhaps he has arthritis, and sitting still for any length of time is uncomfortable. If so, he will benefit greatly from the pain relieving effects of Joint Resolution. Perhaps he is a high energy dog and just isn’t getting the physical and mental stimulation he needs. In this case, you need to exercise him more, and give him opportunities to use his brain, such as obedience training or trick training.

 

If you have dealt with such issues, and your dog still won’t settle, you may feel you have run out of options.  Fortunately, there are natural treatments which will calm an unsettled dog and make life a lot more relaxing for him and for you. However, how do you choose the best treatment for your dog?

 

Commonly Used Natural Remedies

 

Two popular treatments for restlessness and agitation in dogs are Rescue Remedy and Sleepytime Tonic.

 

Rescue Remedy contains a very small amount of flower material in a 50:50 solution of water and brandy. These essences  were created by  Edward Bach in the 1930’s. Each essence, or remedy, is directed at a specific spiritual or emotional problem such as grief, shock or a visit to the vet. They are completely non-toxic and very safe to give your dog at any time.  According to users of Rescue Remedy the product works because it contains the “energetic” nature of the flower and that this can be transmitted to the user,

 

Sleepytime Tonic was formulated by Robert McDowell, who is considered to be the world’s leading authority on using western herbal medicines to treat illness in our dogs. It too contains flower essences, but they are carefully combined with other ingredients which have similar effects. Herbs such as Valerian, passion flower, vervain and Skullcap are natural calming agent, and are well known to reduce anxiety and restlessness. There are no side effects to using Sleepytime Tonic  and its natural honey flavor means that dogs are only too happy to swallow it.

 

Choices, Choices…

 

Given that both Rescue Remedy and Sleepytime Tonic are both effective in reducing stress and calming an unsettled dog, is there any advantage to using one over the other?

Arguments in favour of Sleepytime Tonic

Does not contain any alcohol.

contains Bach Flower essences, as does Rescue Remedy. However, its combination of calming herbs means that it works in two ways: the flower essences help soothe your dog’s emotions, and the herbs will physically relax him and help him calm down.

Product does not just rely on the “energetic” nature of flower essences. Rather, the percentage of the herbs in the formula is significant enough to effect a change.

The product is larger for less money  ($13 for 1 fl. oz vs $15 for .35 fl oz)

What do you have to say? Have you tried this product? Include your opinion!

 
 
 

 

 

Arguments in favour of Rescue Remedy

 

Has stood the test of time.

Is available almost everywhere.

Because the dosage of flower essence is so small it can be used inconjunction with conventional drugs, with no fear of drug interaction.

What do you have to say? Have you tried this product? Include your opinion!

 

 

 

 
 

 

Cats and dogs are known to fight like, well, cats and dogs. However, if you want to adopt a cat, there is no reason you can’t teach your dog to get along with it. It just takes a little time.

 

Consider your dog’s breed and temperament. Some breeds, such as terriers, have a very strong prey drive. They are bred to chase, and are going to do exactly the same thing to a cat. You’ll need to be particularly careful when introducing your cat to a dog with this type of temperament.

 

Ideally, choose a young kitten to add to your family. It is less likely to be afraid of dogs. Adult cats can learn to share their lives with a dog but again, it can take much longer.

 

Before you introduce him to your new cat, pop some Sleepytime Tonic on your dog’s tongue. Herbs such as Skullcap, Passion Flower and Valerian will calm your dog and reduce any anxiety he may feel. Sleepytime Tonic also contains Bach Flower Remedies which reduce shyness, fear and nervousness. Dogs love its natural honey flavor, and it is safe enough to use every day.

 

Here is a step by step guide to help your dog accept your cat.

 

1.      When you bring your cat home, keep it in a separate room to your dog, but allow them the freedom to sniff around the door. This lets them hear each other, and become familiar with  the scent of each other. Continue to do this for a few days, until each is no longer excited by the presence of the other.

 

2.      Put your kitten in a cat carrier, and encourage your dog to walk up to the carrier on a leash. Your dog can investigate your cat through the spaces in the side of the carrier and your cat can do the same, while both are kept quite safe. If your dog is behaving nicely around your cat, give him regular treats as a reward.

 

3.      The last step is to allow your cat and dog to meet without any barriers in place. You should only attempt this if your dog is quite relaxed around your cat. Keep him on a short leash, and let both animals sniff each other. Again, reward your dog for staying calm around your cat. 

 

Only after several weeks of your cat and dog interacting well under close supervision should you let your dog off his leash.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that this process shouldn’t be rushed. If at any time your dog or cat becomes stressed, take a break and move back to the previous step in the process. There is no hurry. If you do this right, your dog and cat will live harmoniously for many years.

 

In spite of your best efforts, things may just not work out between your cat and your dog. Make sure they are always supervised when they’re in the same room if they don’t appear to be getting along. Lock them up so they can’t get to each other if you need to leave them unsupervised. They are both quite capable of hurting each other, and it’s not worth taking any chances.

 

Cats and dogs can live together very well, providing they’re introduced properly. Do invest time in the process, and your life will be enriched by the company of both of your furry friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever watched your dog when he’s asleep? You may have noticed his feet paddling, and his eyelids twitching. He may even yelp or whimper in his sleep. It looks like he’s having a very vivid dream.

 

When your dog is asleep, he goes through the same sleep patterns as we do. He too has REM (rapid eye movement) and non REM sleep. Most of his nap time is spent in non REM sleep, where his mind is still but his muscles aren’t fully relaxed.

 

When your dog is in a deep REM sleep, his brain is as active as it is while he is awake. This is when he twitches, paddles and yelps. Fortunately, during this type of sleep, his body is extremely relaxed, so he’s not able to get up and move around, and won’t cause himself an injury. Only about 10% of his sleep time is spent in REM sleep.

 

Given that your dog’s sleep is just like ours, it’s fair to assume that he also has dreams and nightmares. If you do notice that he is deep in REM sleep, don’t wake him. He’s likely to be disoriented if he is suddenly woken up from REM sleep, and he might just snap at you.

 

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

 

Your dog’s sleep requirements vary depending on his age, his breed and how active he is during the day. Growing puppies will sleep for at least fifteen hours a day. Active adult dogs such as those  who work stock, or those involved in police or customs work, will also sleep more than a sedentary dog. Giant breeds of dogs tend to be less active just by nature of their size, and they may not need to sleep as much as a more active breed.

 

Older dogs may find it difficult to settle to sleep. They may suffer from dementia, and may pace the floor at night. Sore joints can make it uncomfortable to lie still for any length of time.

 

A Good Night’s Sleep

 

Here are some suggestions to help your dog enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

 

1. Take your dog for a gentle walk around 1-2 hours before bedtime. Don’t exercise just before bed, or his heart rate will be high and he’ll find it hard to settle.

 

2. Take care with the timing of dinner. It’s hard to get to sleep when you’re hungry, and a full tummy can be uncomfortable when your dog is lying down. Give him his meal at least one hour before he has to go to sleep.

 

3. Provide a comfortable sleeping environment. Give him a soft bed to lie on, and make sure he isn’t too cold or too warm.

 

4. If your dog is elderly and a bit stiff, Joint Resolution will help to ease any pain in his joints. He’ll be much more comfortable when he’s lying down.

 

5. Sleepytime Tonic contains gentle and effective herbal sedatives and Bach Flower Remedies to encourage a restful night’s sleep. Put a few drops on his tongue shortly before bedtime, and he’ll be off to the land of nod in no time.

 

A good night’s sleep is important to your dog. It will recharge his batteries, and he’ll wake in good spirits, ready to meet the new day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When your dog gets older, parts of their body don’t work as well as they used to. Their legs get stiff, their eyesight isn’t as good, and they may become deaf.

 

They also can appear to develop dementia, with memory loss and restlessness, not unlike people with Alzheimer’s Disease. In dogs, this illness is known as canine cognitive dysfunction and affects at least 30% of dogs who are over 11 years of age.

 

Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction show very specific changes in their brains. Their brain is smaller and they have less nerve cells than a healthy dog of the same age. They also have less neurotransmitters, which are involved in sending signals from one nerve cell to the next.

 

Sleeping Like a Baby?

 

The more common symptoms of this disorder are increased anxiety, going to the toilet in the wrong place, and forgetfulness. These old souls don’t seem to remember anything you have taught them!  They are also known to walk through the house at night, and can keep the whole family awake.

 

It’s not easy to diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction. The first thing you need to do is to make sure there are no medical reasons for your dog’s change in behavior. He may be going to the toilet inside because he’s lost control of his bladder. He may be unable to sleep because his joints are aching.

 

A definite diagnosis can only be obtained by doing a brain scan on your dog. This can really hurt your budget, so you’ll find that your vet will probably be happy to recommend treatment based on your dog’s symptoms and the results of routine blood tests.

 

Relief For Both You And Your Dog

 

If your dog suffers from canine cognitive dysfunction, it can really distress him and also disrupt your lifestyle. You’ll be tired from being woken repeatedly at night, and you’ll be well and truly tired of cleaning up after your dog.

 

Here are some suggestions which may make life easier for your old dog, if he is showing signs of brain deterioration.

 

1. Feed him a  food containing lots of anti-oxidants; this can make a big improvement in his demeanor. You may also want to give him a senior supplement containing Ginkgo Biloba to help enhance his brain function.

 

2. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication called Anipryl to increase the amount of neurotransmitters in his brain. 75% of affected dogs will improve to some extent while they’re taking this drug.

 

3. Keep his mind active by allowing him to interact with other people and their dogs, and taking him for regular walks. Reinforce his training, and teach him new behaviors to keep his mind alert.

 

4. Sleepytime Tonic will help with anxiety, and also reduce restlessness at night. It contains natural sedatives such as Valerian, Skullcap and Wild Lettuce to help him settle at night.  Sleepytime Tonic is completely natural and has no side effects at all, so you can use it as often as needed to make sure he gets a good night’s sleep.

 

 

We need to take care of our elderly dogs, both physically and mentally. By doing this, we can enjoy their twilight years as much as they can.

 

Bird flu, swine flu, equine flu, and cat flu! It’s no surprise to learn that there is also a canine flu, and it can make our beloved dogs quite unwell.

 

Canine flu has been around for a while, with vets first formally diagnosing it in Florida in 2004. However, most dogs have no immunity to this virus. Around 80% of dogs that are exposed to canine flu virus will become ill, with symptoms appearing up to  a week after infection. The other 20% will not show any signs of illness, but they can still spread the infection.

 

The virus is spread when an infected dog sneezes, and sprays infected droplets into his environment. It can also be spread in saliva. Unfortunately, an infected dog is very likely to infect other dogs in the period before he shows any symptoms. Because he will look perfectly healthy, his owners will have no idea that he is carrying the infection. They will continue to take him for walks, to dog parks or to obedience classes.

 

Most dogs with canine flu will only develop a mild illness, with a runny nose and a cough. They may also go off their food and have a fever. Most dog owners think their dog has a touch of the more common illness kennel cough, however with canine flu, symptoms can last four to six weeks or more. Some dogs will also become more seriously ill with pneumonia, and they may die.

 

Treatment of canine flu basically involves treating your dog’s symptoms. If he has a severe dose of the flu, he may be given the human drug Tamiflu. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics to stop bacteria infecting your dog’s inflamed respiratory tract, to try and prevent him getting pneumonia.

 

There are several things you can do at home to make your dog more comfortable while he recovers from flu.

 

• Take him in the bathroom when you have a shower, and let him breathe in the steam. This will soothe his airways and keep them moist, and help to ease inflammation.

• Keep his nose clear of discharge by wiping it with a soft damp cloth. It’s uncomfortable when the discharge dries and cracks on his nose.

 

• Give him Sleepytime Tonic at bedtime. It contains herbal ingredients such as Valerian, Skullcap and Wild Lettuce which are natural sedatives with no side effects. This will make sure he has a restful night’s sleep, which will help him feel better.

 

In June 2009, a vaccine against canine flu became available. However, vets don’t recommend routine vaccination of all dogs. Whether or not you need to vaccinate your dog depends on your lifestyle.

 

Think about how your dog spends his time. If he goes to dog shows or obedience training classes and he is exposed to many different dogs on a regular basis, it may be worth considering vaccinating him. Similarly, if you are always taking him to a communal dog park, he is more likely to pick up infection, and vaccinating him would be a good idea.

 

Dogs with chronic illnesses such as cancer are also at more risk of falling ill with severe canine flu, so it is appropriate to think about immunising them.

 

If your dog doesn’t mix with other dogs, and spends his days on the couch, except for a stroll around his neighborhood, there’s very little risk of him becoming infected, and he may not need to be subjected to an injection.

 

Because canine flu can’t spread to people, you can still hug your dog and give him lots of tender loving care. That’s an important part of his treatment, and is guaranteed to lift his spirits when he’s ill.

Photo by Vicki Yang

When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many changes you have to go through. Changes to your body, changes to your routine and, if you plan to have a separate nursery, changes to your home.

 

Life will also be quite different for your dog. For so long, he has been almost like your child himself. Now he has to share you with a little creature that looks different, smells different and makes an awful lot of noise!

 

Start making changes to your dog’s lifestyle well before you bring your baby home. That way he has time to adjust, and won’t be so shell shocked at the new arrival.

 

Here are the important steps to preparing your dog for a new baby:

 

1. Give him a refresher course on basic obedience training. Teach him not to jump, and train him to go and lie on a mat on command. That way, you won’t be trying to change a diaper while your dog is underfoot.

 

2. Put some boundaries in place so your dog gets used to having limits. You may not want your dog going into the nursery, or into your bedroom if your new babe is sleeping with you. Baby barrier gates are ideal. Your dog can still share the lounge room with you, but you won’t have dog hair in your baby’s room.

 

3. Introduce your dog to children. It’s helpful if your dog meets young people before you introduce him to your new family member. Perhaps you can visit friends or family who have children. Try to avoid children who will shriek or run around when your dog approaches; that won’t help your dog get used to them at all.  Ask the children to give your dog treats so he learns that they are good to be around.

 

4. When your baby is born, let your dog become familiar with her smell on a baby blanket before you come home from hospital. Don’t be surprised if your dog wants to sniff and nudge the little wrapped bundle. He will be extremely curious. It’s okay to let him sniff, but take care. His enthusiasm may result in someone getting scratched. Under no circumstances should you leave your child alone with your dog.

 

5. Although the changes to your life are huge, do your best to spend a little time with your dog each day. That way he won’t feel neglected. It won’t take long until you’re able to go for a walk with your new baby in the stroller, and your dog can come too.

 

5. Give your dog Sleepytime Tonic. This honey flavored liquid combines herbs and  flower essences to calm your dog, relieve any anxiety and help him relax. It will make it easier for him to adapt to the sounds and smells of a new baby, and it’s safe enough to use every day.

 

The arrival of a baby in the house needn’t be difficult for your dog. Be proactive, and make an effort to prepare him well beforehand. By doing this, you can make sure your dog and your baby grow up to be the best of friends.

Causes of Excessive Barking

Even though most people can handle a barking dog, it is when the barking becomes excessive that problems arise. There are many reasons why a dog will bark non-stop, such as:

*Having pent-up energy

*Being improperly confined, such as a dog being locked outside in the rain

*Hearing noises such as thunder or cars passing by

*Being bored because they have been left without any toys to play with

*Having a genetic pre-disposition

*Separation anxiety

Of all the different reasons that a dog will bark excessively, separation anxiety is the most common.

If a dog is used to having his owners around all the time, then he will be more prone to exhibiting signs of separation anxiety when his owners leave him alone for any length of time. Separation anxiety usually occurs after a dog who has become accustomed to having his humans around him all the time, is left alone for a period of time, or after a vacation is over and the owner returns to work or school and the dog is left home alone, or after the dog experiences a traumatic event.

The second most common cause of excessive barking is loneliness. Dogs who are left alone for significant periods of time without being able to interact with their owners, will feel lonely and start to bark.

Other reasons why a dog will feel lonely and bark excessively would be if he was just a mere pup and was stilling learning to amuse himself; or if he is an overly active dog who constantly craves, and needs, an outlet for boundless energy, such as a sporting or herding breed of dog.

Solutions to Your Dog’s Non-Stop Barking

1. The easy solution to fending off your dog’s loneliness barking is to make sure that your dog has plenty of toys to keep him occupied while you are away from him.Try a kong. It’s a hollowed out toy where you can put treats or peanut butter. it will take a while for your dog to get all of the food out. Click here to ready more home-alone solutions .

You can also attempt to retrain your dog’s behaviorism. Some dogs will bark at strangers, people walking past the front gate, and even at other neighborhood dogs. If your dog does this, you should try to stop your dog from barking as soon as he opens his mouth. However, this can be tricky, not to mention exasperating, to catch your dog in the act.

One way to do this is by teaching your dog the ‘quiet’ command. Whenever your dog starts to bark, stand over him with a treat held just above his nose and say ‘quiet’ or ‘shh’. The word you chose doesn’t really matter as long as you always remember to use the same word each time. As soon as your dog stops barking so that he can sniff at the treat, immediately praise him and give it to him. However, each time that you practice this command with your dog, let your dog be quiet for longer periods of time before giving him his treat.

Some dog owners have had success using citronella spraying anti-bark collars on their barking dogs. The citronella spray collar is deemed to be safe and humane. It works by spraying a light mist of citronella in front of your dog’s nose whenever he barks. Dogs do not like the smell of citronella and are usually able to quickly associate barking with the bad scent.

Natural Solutions

Besides trying the above solutions to curb your dog’s excessive barking, natural remedies can also be implemented as well, especially if your dog’s barking stems from separation anxiety. The perfect herbal remedy is Sleepytime Tonic , which can be used to curb your dog’s excessive barking in a very gentle, but successful manner, through the use of specially chosen herbs and other homeopathic ingredients.

Such ingredients include vervain, valerian, skullcap, and passion flower, amongst others. All of these herbal ingredients are known for their wonderful calming properties as well as their power to help soothe dogs that are considered to be overactive, hyperactive, and high strung.

Sleepytime Tonic is a safe alternative to prescription veterinary medications and its natural approach will help to heal any underlying issue that your dog may have.

Just a few drops in your dogs mouth, or in his water dish, will help him to remain relaxed and calm without a thought of barking.