My greyhound Maggie, has severe separation anxiety, and is also terrified of thunderstorms, fireworks, etc. After a year of major behavioral issues, when I was absolutely at my wits' end, someone at my car mechanic's shop suggested dog pheromones. (To be honest, I thought she was insane.) However, I had nothing to lose, as I had already exhausted my options and tried all of the suggestions that my vet made and that the adoption agency had. I went to PetSmart and bought a Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease dog pheromone diffuser (it plugs into the wall like an air freshener, but you smell nothing). From what I understand, it contains a pheromone that the mother dog emits in the first weeks of a puppy's life that is soothing and calming.
Much to my amazement, it worked immediately. It has now been several months and she hasn't had a SINGLE accident, compared to daily accidents and destructive behavior beforehand. It's not a cure for every dog...from the online reviews it seems to either work very well or have no effect whatsoever. (It covers about 400sf.) But for Maggie and I it has been a lifesaver. Now I don't even have to crate her while I am at work.
Here are some helpful links:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-06-10-thunder-dogs_N.htm
http://www.k9centre.co.uk/dap.php
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1502
http://www.dognthecity.com/articles/greyhound%20adoptio...hound_adoption_4.htm
http://www.azgreyhoundrescue.org/html/separation.htm
Monday Farm Photos: Happy Monday.
7 years ago
Posts
