Continuing on from the post about Belle last week, I thought I might do a quick review on a supplement that we have been using to help her anxiety.
When we first found out that Belle had anxiety, the Canine Coach undertook a behavioural training program with us and helped us realise where her problems stemmed from and a special plan in order to treat them, which included supplements as well as behavioural training. I also endeavored to do as much research as possible on things that could help our baby girl. I am big on natural supplements and aids in our own lives and we are very much into clean living, so if possible I was determined to find a natural aid which could be used as desired, rather than a medication that required weaning on and off. I was also worried about medication changing Belle's temperament when she wasn't anxious, like when at home playing with Occa, because she has a beautiful nature and soul that we didn't want to mess with permanently.
The Canine Coach gave us several suggestions about scents, special coats and a product called 'The Rescue Remedy'. We researched every option; some were quite costly, others we felt might disturb her more then help, however 'The Rescue Remedy' seemed to offer results at a low price which made it easy for us to test out. 'The Rescue Remedy' comes from the Bach Flower Remedy product line, it is "a blend of five different Bach Flower Remedies: ... created by Dr Bach to deal with emergencies and crises... it can be used to ... get through any stressful situations... help us relax and get the needed calmness." (Excerpt taken from their website, for more information visit http://www.bachflower.com/) The various reviews that people had posted about their use with their pets were very positive. So we decided to give it a go!
'The Rescue Remedy' products can be bought online, or in Canberra they can be purchased at Discount Chemist Warehouse. It comes in a couple of different forms; a spray or a dropper. After some thought we went with the dropper as Belle freaks at aerosol sprays which would not be productive for getting the substance near her. Please note; it is important that you get the specialised pet version as they are careful to ensure there is no alcohol in the ingredients and it is completely pet friendly.
We started using the liquid directly into Belle's mouth, you can just add it to food or water but as Belle and Occa share most of their edibles we wanted to make sure that Belle got 100% of the liquid, every day. We noticed a change within the first few days, she generally seemed a little calmer, but the longer she remained taking it the less of an effect it had. Because of this I decided to only give it to her during times of known stress, or when she seemed particularly anxious. This approach seemed to tackle it the best. We've now been able to manage her anxiety using training and 'The Rescue Remedy' sporadically during moments of high stress. It takes the edge off and she seems more capable of relaxing and listening to us after she has taken it.
If you are thinking of adding this product to your arsenal, I would suggest that you only use occasionally, as it seems that the animal can build up a tolerance to the liquid thus reducing its effectiveness. Because of it's all natural ingredients there is no need to taper on or off this product, simply use as required and monitor the behaviour.
Let us know if you have used this product for any of your pooches for their fear or anxiety (it is commonly used for weather fear) and your experiences with it. We'd be very interested to hear!
Forever love your dog,
Emma
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