Nutracalm

RE: Nutracalm

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 12:05:36 GMT

Don't have Nutracalm but we use quite a lot of Calmex for cats and dogs. I would say there is a 75% success rate, those that report it worked say the pet looked a bit 'stoned' - certainly my cat was! My rather limited experience of Sileo is that it didn't work probably because theoretically it has to be absorbed transmucosally and most people find putting anything in the dog's mouth a challenge let alone trying to get it in the cheek pouch so most end up swallowing it.

Of course I try to get them to follow a desensitisation programme with 'Sounds Scary' and Zylkene but probably have a 1% take-up and they reappear next year for a quick fix.

RE: Nutracalm

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 23:50:04 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"]I'm sure this is legal, but would any decent practice permit it?[/quote]

I'm quite happy our VN selling the Nutravet range of products. It's not uncommon for people to ask about them after the consultation or just call in on the off chance. Always with a caveat "try this and if it doesn't work you will need to come in and see the vet". She has more time to talk about the products than us, has had more CPD relating to them and people do seem to like the products.

Despite my skepticism.

[we had someone who had to take their dog off Nutracalm as it was sleeping all day and wouldn't go out for walks, resolved once stopped]

RE: Nutracalm

Robert FalconerTaylor — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 18:06:19 GMT

[quote user="Derek Lyon"]

What do members think about Nutracalm...

[/quote]

I wrote a 4-part series on fireworks, here's part 4 that covers this - a bit.

http://www.emotions-r-us.com/behaviour/pets-fear-and-fireworks-the-fallout-and-terrible-consequences-of-fear-and-anxiety-for-our-pets-part-4-using-alternative-non-prescription-therapies/

RE: Nutracalm

Niall Taylor — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 11:01:15 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]It either works (genuinely) or by placebo...[/quote]

There is a strong caregiver-placebo component with fear of fireworks:

https://www.omeopatia.org/upload/Image/my_operatori/dogs%20fireworks.pdf

And homeopaths will tell you this is proof homeopathy is effective in treating the condition

My feeling is that most nutriceuticals and herbals work via the caregiver-placebo effect. As you say, if people feel they work then possibly this is a legitimate use, but it still makes me uneasy, particularly with homeopathy. What comes next is always my concern.

Niall

RE: Nutracalm

Rob Loxley — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 19:41:14 GMT

[quote user="Derek Lyon"]What do members think about Nutracalm for dogs to alleviate stress during fireworks displays please?[/quote]

The only neutraceutical I've had much success with in such situations is Calmex; I find alprazolam generally helpful

RE: Nutracalm

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 18:16:57 GMT

[quote user="Thomas Johnson"]I also worry that they are sold over the counter in veterinary practices by well meaning members of staff when it would be better for the animal to see a vet [/quote]

I'm sure this is legal, but would any decent practice permit it?

RE: Nutracalm

Bob Russell — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 16:52:17 GMT

We sell loads of Nutracalm despite my cynical nature. It calms owners no end and that leads to a much calmer pet. They just need to be doing something for their pet.

I ordered it in because customers wanted it. I expected to sell a few then get little repeat business but that has not been the case.

It either works (genuinely) or by placebo but it does work as far as clients are concerned.

Seriously troubled pets get Sileo or a few are still on diazepam.

As I believe owners are the cause of more of the stress than fireworks etc, I consider Nutracalm to be part of my armoury!!

RE: Nutracalm

Thomas Johnson — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 16:12:45 GMT

[quote user="Derek Lyon"]What do members think about Nutracalm for dogs to alleviate stress during fireworks displays please?[/quote]

I'm not convinced any of the neutraceuticals sold to alleviate stress do very much. I also worry that they are sold over the counter in veterinary practices by well meaning members of staff when it would be better for the animal to see a vet and be prescribed something that will work like Sileo or diazepam.

RE: Nutracalm

spenturn — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 15:57:52 GMT

If a dog is fearful of noises, such that they completely panic during fireworks, then I don't believe Nutracalm does anything to help them.

These poor dogs need real medication - both Sileo and Pexion are licensed for noise fears.

Once the noise event is over, owners should be encouraged to work through a desensitisation and counterconditioning plan, such as the "Sounds Scary" programme available for free here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-behaviour-health/sound-therapy-for-pets