HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019
Today is January 1, 2019. All day I’ve been contacted on every one of my available contact methods, regarding last nights holiday celebration, and its coinciding fireworks. While I delight in my fellow humans enjoying the celebration, many a pet had a fear-filled night.
So, after texting, emailing, and returning calls, I recognize the need to get this article written and posted, before our next fireworks event! Here in Florida, EVERY holiday seems to call for fireworks. I’ve got some easy and safe methods, of helping pets through these scary events.
Though I’ve never used this myself, I know many people who utilize Thunder Shirts for dogs, and even a gal that uses one on her cat. I’ve only heard from (2) people, out of likely more than (20), that said the shirt didn’t help their pet. The rest swear by them. I offer an additional tip, for Thunder Shirt-wearers : Apply a light dabbing of lavender oil, both to the inside of the shirt, and outside the shirt, by the neck fitting. Lavender oil has a calming affect.
This next suggestion, I have used, on many animals (& many species) that have poor coping skills, in some stressful situations. These situations range from fireworks and storms, to traveling in cars or airplanes.
I use VELARIAN ROOT either in an herbal capsule for small animals, or make a concentrated tea for large animals (like #1200 horses) that can be soaked up by food. This is a bitter tasting herb. Goats seem to love it, as do some cows and horses. Its not favorably tasting to all, so add honey or maple syrup for grazers. For meat eaters, hiding capsules in meatballs seems to do the trick.
Velarian Root is non-chemical, non-sedative, non mind-altering and all natural plant. It does not make your pet drowsy or “out-of-it.” There is no need to detox after its use. Velarian Root made its “claim-to-fame” In appeasing seizures, in both humans and animals. But, it’s extraordinary, when used for appeasing anxiety.
Some pets need a little “more” to find relief from anxiety in stressful situations. For these pets, I include Melatonin. Melatonin is what our bodies release, to allow us to sleep. So, it’s naturally occurring, and produced by our endocrine system. That being said, know your pet may fall asleep, while on Melatonin. This can be just what some pets need to do.
Sold in stores that sell herbal remedies, you’ll find combination Velarian Root, Melatonin & Tryptophan. Tryptophan is the enzyme we consume when eating our Thanksgiving Turkey. It’s what makes us tired, after eating that meal. Tryptophan can make your pet sleepy. It’s also naturally occurring. All three in combination, are very impactful at reducing anxiety, wether sleep is, or isn’t achieved.
For animals in my care, let’s say for a night of fireworks, the protocol I like to follow is this;
NIGHT BEFORE: Velarian Root
MORNING OF: Velarian Root
AFTERNOON OF: Velarian Root
2-3 HOURS PRIOR TO EVENT: Melatonin, Velarian Root, and perhaps Tryptophan
My protocol, as you see, does NOT include Melatonin or Tryptophan, until just prior to the event. I don’t want the animal to nap away the day, and possibly be wide awake for fireworks. Realize too, that when fireworks occur, your pet’s adrenaline may rouse him/her from sleep. DON’T PANIC, if you were hoping your pet would blissfully sleep through the frightening event, but instead awakens. You’re pet may just sail through the event awake, and untattered.
Also, don’t make a big fuss over the “fear-factor.” In fact, play-it-down. Adding your emotions of stress, further layers your pets stress. “This is not a big deal” is the best attitude to have. If yoirr pet needs more soothing, play the radio or TV. If those aren’t available, SING! (Careful of your song selection! It’s not the best time for Metallica… perhaps you can create a soothing playlist! Lol)
i write this article, particularly in response to the number of dogs, that received Benadryl, in their owners hopes of knocking their pet out. I DO NOT approve of this method. First of all, a dogs liver doesn’t rid Benadryl as quickly as ours. They suffer more of the toxic side effects then. And, Benadryl is an antihistamine. Your now giving drugs that are completely unnecessary. If you’ve used Benadryl to calm your pet, see my article on detoxing, and use the recipe as soon as possible.
i hope this is helpful to you and your pet. I know you want to get back to enjoying the festivities, knowing your pet doesn’t suffer through these events.
Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this year be full of greatness for you and your pets.
- ❌⭕️, JILL
