Businesswoman develops aromatherapy for dogs

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A West Dundee businesswoman has developed Canine Calm, an aromatherapeutic blend designed just for calming dogs.| submitted photo

Updated: November 27, 2011 12:38PM

Halloween brings more to neighborhoods than costumed ghouls and goblins. With the constant ding-dong of the doorbell, family dogs often respond with agitation, stress or anxiety. A West Dundee businesswoman has developed an aromatherapeutic blend that 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 has 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. But she offers her knowledge of 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.”

Applications are best done 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 ways to make a difference for dogs under stress, she added. Added benefits can come from preparing dogs for increased doorbell activity by getting them used to it before Halloween, she said. Consideration of dogs’ instincts can also help owners determine their own actions.

“People need to remember that dogs work,” Thorne said. “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.”

More information is available at earthheartinc.com.