I'm still interested, but still a bit apprehensive. I'm reading all I can. Thanks for the new thread with JUST info.

I think if we could keep focused on the questions and bounce things off each other we can all try the different suggestions. No two pups are alike so you would not expect then to react the same.

The peppermint oil is very interesting too. I might stop tomorrow and try this as well. Now that I am thinking about this I think this is what my sister used on her GSH pointer when she has huge anxiety issues. It worked for her. I'm going to ask her tomorrow too.

I have definitely heard this for migraines in humans and when i feel a headache coming on i pop an altoid and it works it stops the headaches as someone told me this. Also told me to use peppermint oil on temples so i will be curious to see how it works for anxiety as well as dexter get's car sick so want to see if this works

Here is my two cents on rescue remedy. My understanding is that there is no science based study that is does anything for dogs but make you feel better that you did something to help and there for you calm down and the side effect is that dog calms down.

I tend to medicate my dog with things that are based in repeatable study that have facts in writing and by researchers that can repeat the study not by hear say and nothing repeatable or proven.

Drugs like Bio Calm. composure or Prozac. Things like Through a Dogs Ears music to calm would be a choice that is less documented not drug based thing that can calm dogs and not cause side effects with additives a dog should not have.
Also thing like T Touch or anxiety wraps work. What about a calming cap.

JL

If I try this, and if there is a noticeable difference, trust me I will know. Uni is the biggest spaz. There is no psychological difference on ME if I give her something or not. Now if only I"m not such a big baby to try it on her..... I will try it on myself first.

There ya go... you take it and calm down... and see if it effects her? Then you'll know if you're her problem or not!:D

I have one that used to get car sick and 3 that don't... well at the time 2. I seat belted them in the back seat with the sickie in the middle and the other 2 taught her how to act and that it's fun to ride in the van! It took 2-3 times but now it doesn't bother her in the least. Glad it didn't work the other way 'round.:eek:

Melatonin is available anywhere and is cheap - Target, Walgreens, CVS. It comes pretty standard - 3mg - you would want the "regular", not sustained release. And yes, Nikki (miss her so much!) was wanting to use the anxiety shirts w/ Sugar :).

Do you have links to any of these products. I've have not heard of any of them before. All I'm trying to do is find more information and give my little guy some type of relief. Are BioCal and Composure RXs? Obviously Prozac is a RX and was one of the things that my sister tried on her dog. It made her into a zombie. The oils actual did help so it makes this more confusing.

As for T touch and anxiety wraps which we touched on do you have any type of scientific studies regarding these? What is Calm Cap? Something that goes on their head? Like a hood?

When we were going to florida, the vet said to give a 1/4 of a tsp. of baby benedryl.. it is enough to take the nervousness out of the equation, but not make them like a zombie... it worked like a charm on the way down, they actually enjoyed the trip! and I didn't even have to give it on way home, they were then used to riding around by then so NO anxiety.

I have used Rescue Remedy and it works and I being a calm person don't think this is the case of why it works :rolleyes:

I also believe that if a person has a pet that has serious anxiety issues that are prolonged they need to be seeing a special vet because there may be some other concerns that are causing the problem.

There are probably people who give too much of a dose to their pets at a given time and I believe that could cause an upset stomach. To much of ANY thing can do this to a small Yorkie, so it's up to the parent/owner to use caution.

Some people have rubbed it on their pets ears and it worked fine for them this way.

thanks totally agree too much of a good thing can be dangerous. I tried the RR on dex ears when going to vet as he gets so stressed in car and was bummed when it did not work for him as I am scared to give him anything that has to be ingested especially before i knew about non-alcoholic version due to pancreas issues. Dr dodd's tech gave the non-alcoholic version to him to destress him before blood work as well and he did ok

I have just resulted in he stays home unless going to vet sadly as too stressful for him and I and groomer comes to the home now to make it easier on him :(

i read through this thread and the other one and have some input. Morgan has a terrible fear of thunder, loud noises, high pitch noises (like the beep from the CO/fire alarm when it resets), and changes in the electricity/pressure in the air (i'm guessing that's what it is). I have never tried RR or any product like that with her. I've tried ignoring it and just calming going on with whatever i'm doing but it doesn't help her. i don't baby her to enable the problem. I've tried wrapping her tightly in a blanket, wiping her down with an anti static sheet, holding her on my lap, and putting her vest harness on a little more snuggly then usual. The harness does help a little sometimes but none of the other things do. I an interested in getting one of those vest for her and am more partial to the anxiety wrap with the butt straps. i've watched the videos and read all over that site. I was going to order one but i need one custom made because morgan is just a little smaller then the smallest size they make. When i emailed them a month or so ago their custom maker wasn't able to make anything for a few weeks to months so i waiting. So i just emailed them again after reading this thread to see if she's back.

OH, and i read some one here suggested peppermint oil which i find interesting. I was just reading something on a groomers forum about what to do to make the dog more comfortable when they first meet you. Someone suggested chewing cinnamon or peppermint gum (not sure which they actual suggested) because for some reason it seems to calm them. I'm gonna start trying it at work to see what happens.

Peppermint oil
 

Be careful which peppermint oil you use, use ONLY food grade... Just a drop or 2 on your dogs paws (all 4 pads)

I have been doing some reading and from what I have read peppermint oil (the essential oil) should not be used on paws because they will lick it and it shouldn't be ingested..

Remember if you cannot cook with the peppermint oil then you cannot use it on your dog's paws.

I know peppermint oil works awesome for many other things and in humans as well. My friend buys peppermint leafs and makes a tea before bed and it helps her insomnia..

Anyhow here are some links.
HowStuffWorks "Peppermint: Herbal Remedies"

How to Calm Dogs with Peppermint Remedy | eHow.com

How to Calm Dogs With Peppermint Oil on Paws | DailyPuppy.com

I use Lavendar oil for my showdogs. when we are in the car I spray the pad in their crate before I put them in and when we are at the show I spray the blanket I lay on the table. I also spray some on my clothing and it helps calm me down also.