With Fireworks night upon us, let's focus on two products to help relieve pet anxiety - Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Dorwest Valerian Compound
Anxiety and nervous behaviour in dogs and cats can encompass an array of conditions with many varied causes that may need different actions.
Herbal products are ideal to induce calm and relaxed demeanour, but some cases will also benefit from the use of behavioural techniques from a qualified animal behaviourist.
Specific situations can cause anxiety – such as thunderstorms, fireworks, travelling, meeting strangers, going into kennels, visits to the vets or just a new experience or an unfamiliar place. Often the problem is not really nervousness but fear or apprehension of what is expected when a new situation arises. This is often the case with young dogs but correct training and appropriate support will help them overcome this as they mature.
On-going or habitual anxiety or nervousness may have various causes and a range of techniques used with longer term use of our herbal medicines may be needed to overcome this, but with time improvement can be achieved.
In old age some dogs can suffer from anxiety that may be due to deterioration of sensory function associated with age and the resulting feeling of loss of role and function. This may result in disorientation, random barking, inability to settle and general restlessness.
Rescued or re-homed dogs may have issues from their previous life and can take some time to adjust and so can benefit from calming support as they learn to adapt.
So:
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Plan ahead for situations which may be fearful
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Make a plan of action on how you are to deal with the problem and stick to it
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Be aware of signs of anxiety as your pet ages
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Instil confidence and security through positive behaviour
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Consult a qualified professional for behavioural / training advice if needed
Dorwest Supplements
Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian tablets are a licensed veterinary herbal medicine to relieve anxiety, nervousness and excitability in pets and help relaxation.
Ideal for long term use and can be given indefinitely or for as long as required for a calmer and more relaxed disposition.
Does not cause drowsiness or impair normal behaviour or performance making it ideal for those needing to be settled for travelling, training or obedience work. Given prior to a journey they will calm nervous travellers and is useful where new surroundings or situations might cause apprehension or anxiety. In cats, this tablet is also effective to control territorial spraying as the tranquilising effect reduces the impulse to mark territory.
Dosing Instructions: Dogs and cats need 1-2 tablets per 5 kgs bodyweight daily depending on the severity of the condition, dividing the total dose into two and give morning and evening. For use on singular occasions, give 12 hours and 2 hours before event using the higher dosage rate.
Use from 8 weeks of age. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Can be given in conjunction with other medication.
Dorwest Organic Valerian Compound (liquid)
For anxiety in a specific “one off” or unexpected situations Dorwest Organic Valerian Compound, containing three herbal extracts (organic extracts of vervain 50%, valerian root 25% and mistletoe 25% - conforming to British Herbal Pharmacopoeia standards), will work quickly to relax and settle dogs within half an hour of administration. For cats, putting a few drops on the bedding induces a calm state by giving off an aroma which cats find reassuring. You can also add to food, directly into their mouth or they will lick it off their paw. For dogs, it should be given by mouth or try in food.
Valerian Compound also works well with Dorwest Scullcap & Valarian tablets in particularly stressful situations, such as firework events.
Dosing Instructions:
For cats: a few drops on bedding and a further ½ teaspoon by mouth or in food when fireworks are severe.
For dogs: by mouth or in food. Small dogs – ½ teaspoonful, large dogs – 1 teaspoonful, giant breeds – 1 to 1½ teaspoonfuls.
How soon before Fireworks Night should I start to prepare?
For severe phobias: One month to go
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Ensure you have purchased your Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian tablets and / or Valerian Compound
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Pets with severe phobias will benefit from being given Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian tablets three to four weeks before the event
For moderate phobias: 10 days to go
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Start giving Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian tablets twice daily, every day now
One day to go
Even if you haven’t given any Dorwest Skullcap & Valerian tablets before today, you should still notice some benefit from giving them now. You can also give double the normal dose when fireworks are at their worst, ensuring that the second dose of the day is given two hours before dusk.
5th November – the BIG day
Dorwest Skullcap & Valerian tablets, even if started this late can provide some benefit. If you own a cat, drop some Valerian Compound on the bedding. Valerian Compound is also useful to give to cats and dogs by mouth, in case an especially loud noise warrants a “top-up”.
If you would like to discuss these supplements or this article further, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team on: 01565 740 777 or [email protected] .
