I saw these at the store the other day and I figured, "Why not? It can't hurt! "
http://furlongspetsupply.com/sniffers_101_...s_for_dogs.aspx

So I followed the instructions and gave Ivy as many as she needed per her weight about 30 minutes before class. I don't know what it was that day, but she was definitely "clicking" with me more. My trainer was astounded by Ivy's newfound level of focus. We were trying all types of speed runs that would promote crazy zoomies, but Ivy stuck with me the whole time. I don't know if it was a fluke or not, so I'm trying it again tomorrow.

Has anybody tried this? Supposedly, they have lemon, chamomile, and lavender in them to promote calmness. It can't hurt! As well, I'm pretty sure dogs don't suffer from the placebo effect, so tomorrow will really tell if it really does work

I bought them once but when I noticed how many you would have to feed for the desired effect almost the entire pkg I opted not to buy them again. All the herbs noted do have a calming effect but I was just reading that internal use of lavendar should be avoided due to the potential for toxicity on the liver and kidneys. You can apply it in small amounts externally to the skin as an essential oil mixed equally with olive oil. Chamomile comes in capsules that can be taken according to mfg's direction or you could make a cup of chamomile and lemon balm tea by steeping 1 tsp of each in a cup of hot water for 10 min and add that to her food. This would give you the same desired effect without possible damage to liver or kidneys and also alot less costly.

I just use them as training treats

I break them into four pieces and feed as a reward. I like them though!

I'll be really interested to see how Ivy does with them tonight! That would be great to help Peanut with his anxiety.

4my2greys, that sounds really interesting! Where did you read about the toxicity of lavender? Thanks for the tips on alternative ways to use the herbs, too. I actually used to have a giant book of herbs that explained how to make salves, tinctures, etc., but I don't know where it is. It's also written solely for humans, so I don't know if any of those herbs are appropriate for dogs.

In regards to how much you have to feed, yes, it's pretty bad for a larger dog. You have to give 4 pieces per 10 pounds of body weight, and the pieces aren't small. I gave Ivy 16 last time and about 18 this time. She's about 45 lbs.

The verdict? It was iffy...I'm going to give the treats another try before I start making generalizations. Ivy did zoomie once, but I really can't tell if that was my handling error or what. I already know that she has frustration issues and we did keep repeating a mistake, which prompted the zoomies. It wasn't a great day, but it was decent. So, the treats get another try for now..

The information about lavendar's toxicity when taken internally came from the book The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats by Shawn Messonnier D.V.M.. It also lists both chamomile and lemon balm as herbs that are suitable for giving to pets. The information about the preparations came from the book The Herbal Drugstore. On the chamomile/lemonbalm tea I would use 1/2 tsp of each to make a cup of tea. The previous preparation I gave was based on using them prepared as individual teas. Judy

Don't be so sure that "it can't hurt."

My vet suggested an herb to calm George--Valerian Root extract. A couple of weeks later we did a blood draw (second or third one) and his liver enzymes were triple what they had been. The only change in anything was the Valerian Root. Took him off it, retested in a few weeks--they were almost back to normal. Some further research found that Valerian Root was mentioned on NUMEROUS human web sites as something to avoid if you have liver issues.

My vet was horrified that she had recommended something that had never actually been studied on dogs before (she suggested it because a friend of hers, also a vet, used it himself to help sleep)--and although obviously this is anecdotal, I won't ever give him herbs again unless I know FOR SURE that someone has tested them to make sure they "can't hurt."

Just a cautionary tale for you to do with what you wish!

I would be awfully surprised if a company put herbs in a formula specifically for dogs that were dangerous. It really isn't good for business when you cause harm to your customers.
Just my

I wouldn't be so quick to discount what Susan posted. Even though I am all for using herbs as opposed to man-made drugs, she does bring up a valid point. Animals can and do have adverse reactions to them even those generally considered safe for their use. They can also interfere with drugs your dog may be on. In fact the book I have warns against using any herbs if the dog or cat has a known liver disease. Its always best to consult a holistic veterinarian or at the very least do a little research to check for possible adverse reactions before giving them.

Interesting; Valerian Root was one of the main ingredients in a tonic that a holistic vet prescribed for my friend's corgi.

There could be confounding variables. I also wonder how much of what and in what concentration will a substance harm the dog. You know there was that big huff about aspartame, but a human would have to consume an exorbitant (i.e. unrealistic) amount to reach the toxic level. I will use the treats with caution, but I still have a full bag to go. We'll see!