Using Melatonin really works. Satch was able to weather those numerous thunderstorms without even waking up. He did not shake or pace and he slept through the worst storm!
I will certainly be using Melatonin for his storm phobia in the future. I hope you can benefit from this information. Research online at veterinary sites about using melatonin for fears and phobias in dogs.
Hopefully, since Satch developed this phobia later in his life, he will now be able to return to the happy and fearless dog he always was before.
Goings on in my life without my dog companion. Things about dogs, pets, cats, and rescues
Showing posts with label storm phobia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storm phobia. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
We're having Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain -- Uh Oh! Satch is in the tub again!
Image by ConnieG via Flickr
My dog is deathly afraid of thunder. He becomes a pitiful, shaking, quaking mess when storms roll in. I have tried all different ways to relieve his anxiety and pain, to no avail. He will pace and hide and pace and hide, all while shaking violently and whining. It hurts me to watch him. I recently read an article about using Melatonin to deal with this problem. Below is an article I found, which is just one of many available, that talks about using Melatonin. I found it on OhMyDogSupplies.com.The first time I tried this was in the middle of the night when Satch's severe shaking woke me up from a sound sleep. He was finally able to calm down and go back to sleep, but it took a while for the effect to occur. Today, however, the storms arrived before I realized it and he was in full-blown panic. I gave him a dose but so far no effect. I will have to wait and see if I will need to do something else. The last time he went into a panic, he jumped into the bathtub and howled. I want no repeat of that, please.
So, here's the article I'm talking about:
Melatonin: Used To Treat Fear Of Thunderstorms |
December 15, 2008 |
Dogs are often scared of loud noises, not all dogs, but many. And of those who do have a noise sensitivity, thunderstorms and other similar, unexpected sounds, are often the culprits of their fears. Fear of thunder or other loud noises is very common. This is often true for puppies and older dogs. Dealing with the possibility of having a panic stricken, nervous dog, many owners resort to tranquilizers whenever alerted to an impending thunderstorm. This is an extreme treatment that is often recommended, but seldom needed. I would like to now introduce you to a new alternative should you ever need it for your own scared dog the next time a storm comes through your area. It is a safe, drug-free, over-the-counter supplement that is easily available to to any dogs with these anxiety problems. It is called melatonin. You have probably heard of melatonin before. It is a naturally occurring hormone that is secreted by a small endocrine gland called the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain. It helps to regulate and maintain the body’s circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock that tells mammals when to fall asleep and when to wake up). Melatonin, in humans, is often used as a natural sleeping aid. For dogs, melatonin is often administered to alleviate their fear of thunder and other loud noises. I have read studies that melatonin has a positive result with at least 75% of dogs who take the supplement. When do you administer melatonin, you may be wondering? With some dogs, melatonin is most effective when it is given just before the storm hits. In other dogs, it is best when this supplement is given just as they are starting to show signs of stress, anxiety and fear so you may have to experiment over the course of a few storms before you find the perfect application time for your own dog. Melatonin is said to work in the dogs body for about eight hours or so. One important note: do not use melatonin on any pregnant dogs or very young puppies. The best advice I can give you is to check with your veterinarian prior to using melatonin to make sure there will be no problems with pre-existing health problems or medications that your dog currently has (or is on) and also for the recommended dosage for your own pet. By: Debbie Ray Need German Shepherd or Purebred dog information (http://www.pedigreedpups.com) ? Check us out if you have other dog related questions! |
http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/xnews.php?newsid=160 |
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