The sound of a doorbell is enough to send some family dogs into a tizzy.
A West Dundee businesswoman has developed an aromatherapeutic blend she says is designed just for canine calming.
“The symptoms of stress that dogs tend to show are things like scratching, drooling, chewing, and panting,” said Vickie Rae Thorne, who’s been working with aromatherapy for almost 20 years. “The way canine calm works is it can take the edge off.”
It was a car accident that first led Thorne to seek pain relief. She found aromatherapy beneficial. Then, 12 years ago, when a dog kennel owner approached her about ideas to help calm the canines, Thorne considered ideas. She also founded Earth Heart, Inc., which sells aromatherapeutic products.
“Since dogs are scent oriented, I thought it would work,” said Thorne. “With aromatherapy, there is a physiological effect, if it is placed on the skin, or inhaled.”
Thorne researched the stress, separation anxiety, and related behaviors of dogs, but emphasizes she does not consider herself an expert in canine behavior. She’s more interested in offering her experience and knowledge with aromatherapy and its application as a suitable method of soothing dogs.
“I think working with positive rewards and things that are gentle are effective,” she said. “I came up with a blend that would help dogs calm down but not go to sleep.”
In addition to the calming effects of her formula, its pleasant scent also masks animal odors at places like the kennel, she explained. Applications are best applied for the first time during a non-stressful period, Thorne recommends. That way, the animal won’t associate the scent with a negative experience.
But it’s not the end-all to other methods of making a difference for dogs under stress, she added.
Consideration of dogs’ instincts also can elp owners determine their own actions.
“People need to remember that dogs work,” Thorne said. “They have jobs. When they bark at the door, they are letting you know that something is out there and they want to let you know they are protecting you.”
source:Chicago Sun Times
No comments:
Post a Comment