diffusers for calming dogs

[MissMillie]

Have any of you tried these products?

We have one dog (Peanut) that is overly anxious over everything and very jumpy. Sometimes when he reacts to the other male dog (Billy), he ends up getting into a physical altercation, and Peanut gets injured. Yesterday we had to take him to the vet because he got bitten over the weekend and it got infected.

I can't help but think that Peanut doesn't like feeling like this, but we don't want to keep him medicated.

I've even looked into essential oils, like lavender. Apparently if you get the right product it can be applied to the skin, but it also can be diffused in a lightbulb ring.

I want to help the poor guy. He's almost 10 years old, and I'd like what years he has left (could be 4 to 6) to be more pleasant for him.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

1. Essential oils don"t work. They smell nice, but that's it.

I would talk to your vet about proper treatment, they are kind of the experts.

[samnsara]

2. i tried that plug in calming product...and it really didnt work...

...however a friend used some lavender scented calming spray and she noticed a difference.


I have a dog like yours. He was my mothers little dog and she recently passed so he came to live with me. He is a fear biter and the only people he wont bite is my mom, dad and me. Hes drawn blood from my husband! We have to get a handle on it so he can get shots. Im going to have to muzzle the poor little guy, haul him to the vet where hopefully they will give him a nap time shot so they can clip his nails, check a wart, give him all his shots and evaluate him for oral meds to calm his fears down. You may need that as well.

[cpamomfromtexas]

3. My dog was bit by poisonous snake and then went to bed. Essential oils calmed him.

We didn't know he was bitten until next morning when his head and neck was swollen. I looked up oils that were safe for dogs. Within 60 seconds he calmed down dramatically and we found fang marks. He wouldn’t let us even touch him before. I rubbed them on his skin. Several help for pain. Four hours later after napping he was running around like normal and 24 hours later all swelling was gone.

I had to see it to believe it but when its a snake bite found late, what did we have to lose?

[in2herbs]

4. Try Rescue Remedy. It's a Bach flower remedy and can be obtained in spray or drop administration.

For an animal I would use the spray because of its easier administration into the side of the mouth. They make RR for animals that doesn't use alcohol as a carrier, but I've always used the people RR on my animals. You can't overdose. Keep the dog away from food and water for about 30 minutes after spraying and make sure the mouth is clear of food before administration.

For those who don't know, RR acts to separate physical trauma from the emotional trauma. The drug companies have been working on a drug that does the same thing and preliminary tests show its effective on victims of rape and other violent crimes.

Use as directed for 6 weeks and you'll see permanent improvement, although at the beginning I recommend a loading dose -- double the recommended sprays.

The dog trainer Cesar uses lavender in his training of dogs to calm them. Put some lavender EO on the palm of your hands and then rub your hands around the dog's muzzle. Repeat as often as necessary. You can use EO and RR if you want. Or, you can search around for the drug if you don't believe in the efficacy of alternative treatments.

[MuseRider]

5. I have a horse who has

a few illnesses that cause her to need to be kept in a stall from time to time. She has torn down all my stalls at one point or another trying to get out. It is horrible how she gets, the poor thing. A friend sold me some essential oils that she used for one of her horses and it actually worked. I am not a disbeliever in them but I was really leery about this situation. I was amazed. I was actually able to keep her inside for a month until she really healed up and she at least does not try to climb the walls anymore if I need her to be in for a while. Give it a try. I think every animal reacts differently so I hope it works for your dog.

[Bayard]

6. I spent a bunch of money on the Feliway products for cats

Didn't do anything. I have used Rescue Remedy that has been a bit more effective.

It sounds like Billy is the dog that needs a chill pill. I would give them both Rescue Remedy. How long have these two been together?

[MissMillie]

7. Peanut is Billy's dad

so all of Billy's life (about 4.5 years)

I guess they're both a little jumpy, but Peanut jumps at EVERYTHING, and Billy only jumps when Peanut gets jumpy.

[Bayard]

8. I think I would also investigate their diet....

What kind of dogs?

[MissMillie]

9. American Rat Terriers

pure bred

[Bayard]

10. Little guys then

I don't know much about the breed, but maybe try more exercise? It may calm the nerves, and make Billy less aggressive.