Herbal anxiety relief remedies

[bransel]

Hello folks,

I've seen a few posting regarding natural remedies for anxiety such as Anxiety Relief by Veterinarian's Best and Rescue Remedy. Has anyone had success with anything like this? My boxer 2 yr old rescue still has a bit of separation anxiety after 4 months. I am working with a behavioralist and have her in training and it is helping. I'm just curious if these things could help calm her down when I'm away or if they are just a waste of money. Also, I will not put her on Clomicalm, etc. Thanks for any insight!

 

[JulieM]

I've seen great results with Rescue Remedy, but not for separation anxiety. RR is more for acute anxiety or shock, not long-term things like SA. Some things to try would be Agrimony, Mimulus, or Heather - it depends on the individual and the source of (and manifestation of) the anxiety.

There are several threads on SA in the forums, I'm sure you can get some good information from them.

I am not a fan of Clomicalm but I know someone here has used it with good results, and there is a discussion of that in the archives. She used it properly, though - after she had tried other ways of dealing with the problem, in conjunction with behavioral modification, and with the intention of taking the dog off of the drug in time. IMO there is too great of a potential for Clomicalm to be seen as a "quick fix" - much like the prong collar and head halter have become for dogs that pull on lead - and people will use the tool (drug) without ever pursuing the training/behavior aspect of it.