Dogs suffer from anxiety for a variety of reasons. There are many ways to treat anxiety and to calm dogs down when they are experiencing stress. Western herbal therapy typically provides treatment when stress is going to be taking place.
Chinese herbal therapy provides a more wholistic (often spelled “holistic”) approach as it examines the “whole” dog. It considers the entire body and organs that impact upon a health issue. By balancing those organs, meridians, and bodily functions the body can work effectively to relieve the issues. Chinese herbal medicine and Western herbal medicine are different in many ways. Chinese herbal therapy and Western herbal therapy differ in their philosophies, concepts, and their applications.
Flower Essence & Herbal Remedies:
A Little Background
Flower essences are infusions made from the flowering part of the plant, which uniquely address emotional and mental aspects of wellness. In the 1920’s the first 38 flower remedies were formulated by a British physician, Dr. Edward Bach who discovered that certain flowers emit frequencies that effect specific symptoms. Herbs include various parts of plants. Herbs have been used successfully for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Although he scientific names are more precise, I have described each product using “common names” in order to make it simpler for you.
Suggestions
Rescue Remedy is a flower essence blend of helianthemum, clematis, imatiens, cherry plum, and star of bethlehem. This remedy is to be either administered orally or directly onto your dog. It is most effective when administered orally when a stressful situation is pending or occurring.
Animals Essentials Tranquility Blend contains a blend of certified organic herbs including valerian root, skullcap, passion flower, and oat flowering tops. The blend is to be administered orally when a stressful event is impending.
Chinese Herbal Treatment
A Little Background
One of the components of Chinese medicine is the use of far eastern herbs. Chinese herbal therapy has been around for 5,000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the focus is on the body as a whole. The health of the organs and meridians directly affect health. Eastern herb therapy addresses the body as a whole. To get a better understanding of TCM click here.
Suggestions
Calm Shen uses Chinese herbs. The word “shen” translates to “the spirit or the soul” and promotes calmness of the spirit and soul over time. Dr. Karen Becker recommends it and I trust her. It comes in the powder form and large pills that can be easily broken apart. One of my dogs, Harriet liked the pill form, but Bevi wouldn’t eat it. I use the powder form and mix it into their raw diet.
Sources:
Karen Becker. “Proven Ways to Calm Your Dog from Storms, Separation Anxiety, and Other Phobias.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 14 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Feb. 2016. <http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/02/14/dog-maladaptive-stress-response.aspx>. Dr. Jones’ Natural Animal Care Course. Web. 20 Jan. 2016. Lecture 20: Herbs For Liver Disease, Lumps And Bumps, Noise Anxiety, Pancreatitis, Ringworm, Senility. Dr. Jones’ Natural Animal Care Course. Web. 20 Jan. 2016. Lecture: Noise Anxiety. Section 8 Lecture 103. |