Product Review: Silver Lining Herbs

Valuable Resource...

Product Review:
Got an Anxious Pup? Silver Lining Herbs Can Help!

In my years of being a doggy parent, and especially throughout my work with rescue dogs, I have many times come across dogs with fear and anxiety issues...

• fear of thunderstorms,
• fear of loud noises,
• fear of the groomer,
• fear of the Vet,
• you name it!

As a mom to an excruciatingly thunderphobic rescued Rat Terrier, I have tried many over-the-counter calming aids and sprays with little results. Whereas I used to enjoy looking forward to the advent of Spring in the Midwest and the subsequent April showers, I usually watch the Weather Channel in dread. Just the scent of rain in the wind can now send my "Sam" into a panic.

(I've found him trembling in the dark corner of my kitchen closet pantry, behind the pop bottles... this after a long search. At least, this is better than behind the toilet.)

I'll have to admit that, when I decided to try "Keep Cool" by Silver Lining Herbs, I was a little skeptical. Sam had become more and more paranoid over the past couple of years, seeming to grow worse with every storm. His anxiety was increasing to include the sound of trucks, so his paranoia was becoming year 'round. He even began to bark and hide when large groups of people came to visit, like on family birthdays.

So, when I first gave Sam one of the little herbal capsules (in a small meatball), I wasn't expecting much... until I realized a couple hours later he was laying relaxed on the couch in the middle of company ... hmmmmmm ... that's odd ... coincidence?

Tried it again when the groomer came to groom my Groomer-hating Yorkie... gave it to Sam AND my Yorkie... peace again! Both dogs were calm and NORMAL, not sleepy or drugged, just relaxed and alert. I could actually cut my Yorkie's nails. Sam didn't bark like a fanatic.

The true test came in March when we had our first storm of the season. I gave Sam the Keep Cool herbs about an hour before I knew the storm was supposed to hit. By the time the thunder started, he was relaxed and prepared. He didn't even hide this time; he just laid on the kitchen rug next to me while I was on the computer, alert but calm.

Sam has since weathered (pun) several storms the past few weeks, handled them fine, even slept in his bed during the night when the storms came through during the wee morning hours. I am actually beginning to enjoy Spring again!

(Now, I need to make sure the grid is off the drain pipe in the back, and not plugged with leaves, so the rain water doesn't back up to the house and leak into my basement... but I don't think Silver Lining Herbs can help with THAT. At least, SAM is calm as he watches me run out in the rain to unplug the pipe... maybe I should take them!)

Keep Cool by Silver Lining Herbs really works! In my experience, it really does help my anxious or nervous dogs relax. I like the fact that my dogs remain calm and focused, not sleepy. The herbs are all natural, too, no extra unnecessary ingredients. Plus, and this is a BIG plus, the company is wonderful to work with... the service prompt and the personnel gracious. Easy to order, and their products are not expensive.

So, I thought I would just pass this info on to you, as a fellow dog owner who may be still dreading Spring and storm season, or struggling with anxious dogs in general – there is hope! Give Silver Lining Herbs "Keep Cool" a try (product #20)... your dog may rest easier, and you could save your sanity.

~~ Kim

PS - You may want to check out their other natural products for dogs, as well as for horses!

Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder?

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Easing Your Dog's Anxiety
by Horst Hoefinger

It's summer and thunderstorms are a common occurrence, some dogs aren't bothered and yet others are terrified. So, when I came across some tips to help ease a dog's anxiety, I thought it would make a great post.

Dog owners who spend many a stormy night struggling to get some sleep while a panting, drooling, trembling pet climbs around on top of them know that the fear of thunder can be a tricky problem to solve.

Dogs with the condition often look to their owners for comfort, yet are in such a state of panic, they are inconsolable. And it can be hard to know how to soothe an upset dog without unwittingly reinforcing its anxiety.

Potential remedies include medication, desensitizing the dog to thunder and training it to retreat to a safe place when a storm hits.

But there seems to be no single cause for the fear of thunder, and there also isn't any one guaranteed treatment, veterinarians who specialize in canine behavior say. Something that helps one dog might not help another; a method that works during one storm may not in another.

Dodman suggests finding a safe place for the dog and training it to go there during storms, "almost like a bunker in a nuclear war." It could be a spot in the basement with the curtains drawn and lights on to mask lightning, a kennel with an open door and a comfortable dog bed in it, or a makeshift den in a closet with no windows.The owner should initially stay with the dog and offer treats and training to reinforce the idea that it's a pleasant, safe place, Dodman said.

Swaddling a dog can also help, calming it like a baby wrapped in a blanket. It can be as simple as wrapping the dog in a light blanket or towel. For a snugger fit, an animal leotard called a sheep suit – typically used on show animals to keep the coat tidy before competition – is an inexpensive option. Some experts recommend an item that comes in standard and custom-made versions.

Other things to try include anti-anxiety formulas for anxious dogs. The natural herb Valerian can also be effective, Fox said. "The trouble is that it takes a good 20 minutes before it has effect, so you're going to be doping your animal before the big storm comes," Fox added.

Source: http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/08/13/is-your-dog-scared-of-thunder/
Copyright 2010 Dogster, Inc.

My Barking Dog is Driving Me Crazy!

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

9 Tips to Help Solve Your Problem

Dogs bark for a number of reasons. It can be out of excitement when playing or to warn that an intruder is on the premises. This barking is perfectly normal and we humans expect it.

But when your dog continually barks, this can cause problems not only for your own household, but often creates tension within your neighborhood. Some cities and towns have noise ordinances and an incessantly barking dog may bring the police or animal control to your door issuing a warning or possibly a ticket. What should you do?

First, isolate the cause of the excessive barking. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my dog lonely and frustrated, and seeking attention through their only voice – barking?
• Is my dog left alone for long periods of time without toys, chews or other ways to keep her occupied?
• Is my dog a puppy or adolescent (up to 3 years old) with no other way to expel excess energy?
• Is my dog a breed that needs a job to be happy (herding, hunting or sporting dog)?

If you think one of these is the cause of your dog's relentless barking, there are options to help deter this unwanted behavior.

Here are some suggestions for the lonely or bored dog:

1. Increase the amount and quality of time you spend with your dog by walking him every day for 20-30 minutes. Just a jaunt around the neighborhood often will help dispel some extra energy. It's also an excellent way to begin or end the human work day.
2. Train your dog to fetch a ball or FRISBEE and play with her for 10-15 minutes in the morning and in the evening. Get up a little earlier to help your dog behave better.
3. Get your dog some busy toys where you can hide treats or freeze peanut butter inside to give him something to do while you're away. Alternate the toys so your dog thinks he's getting something new each day.

4. Spend 5-15 minutes petting, brushing or scratching your dog. This is also a great way to discover potential problems like bumps, sores or hot spots.
5. If possible, take your dog to work with you for part of the day. Take toys, too.
6. Find a doggie day care and take her for the day. Often, one time per week will help with boredom or loneliness.
7. Ask a friend, neighbor or family member to come by and take your dog on a walk, play for 10-15 minutes or just love on him.
8. Hire someone to walk your dog daily or a couple times per day. Often, there's a teenager who would love to walk your dog.
9. For herding or sporting dogs, she needs a job or she becomes destructive and depressed. Get her a "Good Citizen" badge and go to hospices, hospitals or nursing homes. Watch your dog glow and grin while she's learning her job and when she's working.

Another reason your dog may be barking is to protect his territory. This is a basic instinct, but when it becomes too aggressive, re-conditioning is required to have a happy neighborhood. Please refrain from punishing your dog for barking. This will only make him fearful and won't solve the core issue. Train your dog to be "quiet" on command or bark a couple of times and then sit or lay down to quietly protect his territory.

To train your dog, begin by filling a coffee can with pennies or nuts and bolts about ¼ to ½ full. Put some cheese cubes, meat or some other special treat in your pocket. (Try to make the treat more interesting than the barking.) Go outside with your dog and watch her without letting her know you're watching.

When your dog barks at a passerby, allow 2 to 3 barks and then shake the can of nuts/bolts/pennies. This new noise serves as a distraction and he'll stop barking. As soon as he stops barking, say in a very happy voice "good quiet" and give him a treat. Stay outside for a while (some dogs are trained in only 3-4 can shaking/treat giving times and others it takes 20). Repeat this process with every passerby until your dog barks a couple of times and then stops on her own.

NOTE: If the can shaking scares your dog (they jump out of their skin), distract them by throwing a ball or other toy which will also stop the barking. Say "good quiet" and pop that treat into his mouth. Repeat for as long as it takes until he's the superstar of the neighborhood.

Another training process is to get your stash of special treats and can of pennies/nuts/bolts or a toy (don't let your dog see any of these) and go outside to where your dog typically stands when she's barking. Have a friend that your dog doesn't know walk by your yard starting at a position where your dog isn't barking yet. Have your friend walk normally closer and closer to your dog's territory.

Once your dog starts barking, shake the can/throw the toy/ball to distract her and the barking stops. Immediately say "good quiet" and pop that tasty treat into her mouth. Repeat this process until your dog makes the connection between being quiet when strangers come near her area and being rewarded. Distraction/re-focusing, praise and treats work wonders.

Be patient. Most importantly, be consistent. Use the same command and body language every time. Dogs read cues from their human and when it's the same, the training works faster and will last longer.

If your dog barks from inside the house when strangers come close, block his ability to see outside. When he does bark from inside, call him to you (distraction), say "good quiet" and give him a treat. Conditioning takes time so be patient.

NOTE: Don't encourage your dog to bark at things they see or hear. Also, don't deliberately tease your dog thereby conditioning her to bark. If your dog is barking at seemingly nothing, there may be other health related issues that need a Veterinarian's care.

Another reason your dog may be barking is out of fear. If her ears are laid back and her tail is held low, she's afraid of something. This could be a loud noise (thunder), construction equipment, people yelling/arguing, the vacuum or fireworks.

You can desensitize your dog to loud noises by purchasing a CD of thunderstorms and play it while doing regular household chores or sitting around reading. The sound combined with the human acting normally tells your dog that this loud, unfamiliar noise is not a threat. You can also block out your dog's line of sight which may or may not help depending on the sensitivity level of your unique dog.

Your dog may also bark due to separation anxiety, displayed most often by barking beginning shortly after you leave (10-45 minutes). Separation anxiety can be seen through behaviors such as anxious activity when you're preparing to leave, following you from room to room and frantic welcome home greetings.

Your dog may also be anxious due to a change in their normal routine such as a move, loss of a family member (human or canine), being left alone for longer than normal or after a stay at a kennel or animal shelter. Do not punish your dog for being anxious. This is a panic response and punishment will only worsen the problem.

Don't use bark collars, because essentially they are a punishment for your dog using their only voice – barking. Bark collars also don't often work. The citronella collars are triggered by barking but can also go off if in the proximity of other noises unnecessarily spraying your dog. Sound wave collars do not have a high success rate and shock collars are simply cruel.

Keep in mind your dog's barking is their way of communicating something is going on, "Please listen to me." Your job, as their human, is to teach him when it's appropriate to use his voice and when to be quiet. Never, ever punish your dog for barking. Simply re-condition him to speak only when absolutely necessary.

As always, consult with your Veterinarian or veterinary technician if you have questions or concerns.