Relieving Anxiety in Traveling Pets

We have previously written about the importance of NOT SEDATING your pets with traditional sedatives when traveling. We have also offered up some effective herbal alternatives.

Now below is a study from our friends at Vet Blog showing there is some scientific evidence for pheremones being effective in calming anxious pets.

Many dogs become terrified during thunderstorms. Wind, heavy rain, lightening or thunder trigger a syndrome known as storm phobia.

Dogs suffering from storm phobia may hide, pace, tremble or vocalize (howl or whine) during storms. Severely affected dogs may panic and injure themselves in a desperate attempt to escape from the frightening stimuli.

Pheromones are chemicals that trigger instinctive responses in animals. Several pheromones have been well documented in dogs.

Dog-appeasing pheromone is commercially available. It is marketed for its calming effects on dogs. In theory, it should be beneficial to dogs that suffer from storm phobias.

Like diet’s effects on feline diabetes, this sort of theory is easy to test with an unbiased scientific study. The April, 2008 NAVC Clinician’s Brief reports on one such study. From the Brief’s commentary on the study:

The results are clear and show that the use of the DAP [dog-appeasing pheromone] diffuser–along with other behavioral therapy, such as desensitization to storm sounds–can improve the behavior of some dogs with storm phobia.

I am very happy to have a scientifically proven way to help my storm-phobic patients. It stands to reason that dog-appeasing pheromone may have many additional uses. But, as scientists like to say, more research is needed.

Relieving Anxiety In Traveling Pets with Flower Essences

By Valerie Marshall Animal Land Pet Movers' Director of Marketing

Many dogs and cats become fearful and anxious during thunderstorms, car rides, trips to the vet or when relocating, and could use a little help calming down. There are many remedies available, and choosing the proper one for your companion may take some trial and error. Each animal's problem and personality are very individual, so it is difficult to know which remedy will be best without experimenting. Here I will discuss Flower Essences as an option in relieving their fear and apprehension.

There are a variety of formulations available and some are more effective than others. It is important to buy Flower Essences from a reliable source to insure the "stock" essences (the original bottles of essences from which blends are created) are of good quality and the formulations are well thought out. Cats seem to be especially responsive to Flower Essences, and their ease of administration makes them simple to use. Flower Essences are quite safe as there is truly no possibility of giving too much or even a problem in choosing the wrong remedy. If the remedy is incorrect there will be no reaction, either positive or negative, but there is truly no possibility of side effects. Here is a link to some at the Only Natural Pet Store, which some of our clients have found effective.

Flower Essences can be given orally, dropped in the drinking water or rubbed into the skin at the ears and paws. For chronic issues such as a cat or dog having difficulty adjusting to a new member of the household, they can be given 4 times per day. For acute situations such as a trip to the vet, thunderstorms, or fireworks, they can be given every 10 - 15 minutes until some relief is noticed, then give every 30 minutes until the upset has passed. There are a variety of formulations available for a multitude of emotional difficulties, so it is best to read through the descriptions of each essence to get a sense of which seems to match your companion's issues best.

Pet Travel - Do NOT Sedate Pets for Air Travel

Many pet owners are afraid their pet will be too stressed to travel and want to offer relief by giving them a sedative. The short answer is DON'T DO IT.

The longer answer is that the sedative vets give to pets is almost always "acepromezine" or ACE for short. While this is an excellent and safe drug on the ground, it is dangerous for pets who will be flying as it restricts the respiratory functions. It also effects the pets natural balance and equilibrium. The American Veterinary Association recommends that ACE not be used for flying pets as does Animal Land Pet Movers.

The good news is there are many things which can be done to prevent anxiety. First, acclimate your pet to his travel kennel (click HERE for post). Also, we have had very good success with several herbal remedies. We have created a 3 page PDF brochure which goes into detail regarding the different solutions. If you would like to receive it, please send us a quick EMAIL and we will get it to you right away. These techniques when used in tandem have proven quite effective.