Hi everyone,
Here's the answers from Dr. Dodman to questions that we didn't have time to get to during the webcast.
Could you please recommend some other herbal supplements or Nutraceuticals?
Valerian treats insomnia, anxiety, and nervous restlessness
St John's Wort - may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Kava Kava – for anxiety and stress
Huperzine-A – treats cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimers) and seizures
Camomile – calming and good for gastrointestinal (GI) irritability
Ginger – settles GI tract
There are many others but there is a selection of commonly used ones that I have some faith in (and sometimes evidence about)
Our foster, a pharoah hound mix rescued from an animal hoarding situation, has been with us for nine weeks but still cannot be touched. He wants to be around us all the time but jumps & takes off when he is touched. We give him a melatonin tryptophan supplement, fluoxetine & CBD oil every day. That has stopped him from attacking our dogs, but there is no improvement for human interaction. Are there other things we can try? I would try buspirone (ask your vet to prescribe it – twice daily dosing)
Was there any parameters for dogs that were considered for the study based on level of fear and anxiety exhibited. Were they all relatively similiar? Good question. I think we just asked whether the dog had an anxiety condition and to check a box with a list of possible anxious issues. It could be that had we asked about severity, we may have found that mild cases were to ones that responded best.
It's sad that perhaps some animals and their people miss opportunities for comprehensive care - which if started earlier - could result in better outcomes and welfare. This is where good collaborations between qualified professionals should be encouraged. (not a question, but a good comment!) I agree. That's what we are trying to do – encourage people to see their vet and a trainer or behaviorist early on, before things get out of hand.
Does the evidence point to a need for more standardization and professionalism in the training field? (As we may know anecdotally) Yes, I think accreditation is important and course work should be standardized as far as possible. Sadly, qualifications of any type (standardized or not) are currently not required in the United States for dog trainers, electricians, plumbers, etc. It used to be the Wild West even in veterinary medicine until many years ago when the Veterinary Practice Act was introduced to make it illegal to practice veterinary medicine without a license. What is taught in accredited vet schools is standardized and regularly evaluated/re-accrediated by the AVMA
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Sheila Segurson, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Director of Outreach and Research
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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