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Certain essential oils have calming properties and their aroma molecules appear to reduce agitation and anxiety when inhaled.
In addition to the aromatherapy effects, the aroma molecules may also be absorbed into the blood stream and have a calming effect on the brain.
Aroma molecules in the Pet Remedy formula are important and potent organic plant chemicals.
Why does Pet Remedy work so effectively
through the sense of smell?
A Human’s perception of the world is primarily by sight. But dogs and many other animals see the world through smell. A dog will in the first instance see something, but then identify the sight by smell.
Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses. The part of a dog's brain that is devoted to analysing smells is 40 times greater than ours. There are up to 200 million olfactory receptors in cats and up to 100 million in rabbits compared to about six million in humans.
Dogs and other mammals with only a few exceptions, such as humans, have an extra organ to help capture smell and deliver information to the brain, called the Jacobson’s organ (also known as the Vomeronasal organ)
So to come back to aromatherapy, we have already explained how aromas elicit an immediate response in the brain. An aroma
is captured by the olfactory receptors which then convert the aroma into electrical impulses which are sent directly to the brain and in particular the limbic part of the brain, which is responsible for behaviour, emotions, and memory. So you can imagine that animals, with their significantly expanded olfactory senses will respond even more strongly to aromatherapy than humans.
While it is not yet fully known which molecules in Pet Remedy’s formula are the most effective, the numerous trials of the product have shown that it does work to help calm anxious animals.
How Pet Remedy helps
Biochemicals found in the formula include:
• Alkaloids (actinidine, chatinine, shyanthine, valerianine,
valerine)
• Flavanones (hesperidin, 6-methylapigenin, linarin)
• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
• Iridoids (isovaltrate and valtrate)
• Isovaleramide
• Isovaleric acid
• Sesquiterpenes (valerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid,
acetoxyvalerenic acid)
Interestingly, the body reacts to these constituents in several ways.
It appears that stressed pets have a positive emotional response to the smell of Pet Remedy, which increases its rapid calming effect.
There is also the physiological reaction whereby its chemical calming properties blend work with the pet’s own natural calming mechanisms.
Based on available scientific literature, we postulate the aroma molecules in the blend may work on the brain’s natural ‘calming message’ system, GABA.
What to expect from Pet Remedy
You will often see a change in demeanour of a stressed pet within a few minutes as the de-stress & calming properties take effect. Remember, Pet Remedy is only a support mechanism that helps to calm excited nerves. This still leaves the matter of learnt and reactive behaviour to deal with.
Often they will still react or behave in the same way as when stressed or anxious even if their nerve cells are calmed. For instance if the doorbell goes, a dog may still react by barking.
An advantage with trainable animals such as dogs and horses, is that in helping calm, Pet Remedy helps them become more aware of surroundings and more receptive and attentive to you. This in turn means you can work on developing confidence and behaviour modification.
Pet Remedy studies
Pet remedy has been the subject of a number of independent clinical studies. Four of these studies are now complete and the results are consistent with the product being an effective natural aid to help calm stressed pets.
A further five studies are currently under way to test efficacy in a number of different species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and pigs.
In 2016 an observational study was completed. This involved 70 groomers working with 242 dogs with behavioural issues. The outcome was positive, with over 96% of participant groomers reporting calmer dogs.
A versatile range of products
Available as a plug diffuser, calming spray, calming wipe, and battery atomiser. These products are all available from your wholesaler and are also offered in professional size packs for use in clinics and surgeries. Telephone +44(0)1803612772 – www.petremedy.co.uk
Last year Pet Remedy launched a 3 step de-stress and grooming range, comprising calming pre-wash, shampoo, and leave-in conditioner and coat shine. These unique and gentle formulations include de-tangle and other cleansing properties, as well as the Pet Remedy calming agent.
A 30 minutes CPD training video is now available.
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