Definitely worth a try
First of all, having been a professional dog trainer for several decades, I know that each dog is an individual, and what works for one will not necessarily work for another (as is true for humans). I have a male Standard Poodle who is terrified of fireworks and thunder. Up until now, only tranquilizers prescribed by the vet have given him relief, though not 100%. Because I don't like to give him tranqs too often, I have tried melatonin (with some limited success), and a Thundershirt (0 effect). I decided to try these Hemp Calming chews, just to see if they would have any effect on his anxiety.
I must say that I see a noticeable difference in my dog when he is given two of these chews (he is 50-55 lbs.) about an hour before an anticipated trigger event. He still will react when he hears thunder or fireworks, but he will not get nearly as panicked, and he calms down much more quickly. After the threat is over, he will be relaxed, happy, playful and even "silly," as Poodles can be. So they do not drug him excessively.
Of course, for very prolonged periods of fireworks (like July 4th, New Year's Eve), or severe thunderstorms with very loud, frequent thunder, I still would give him the prescription tranquilizers. But for light to moderate triggers, these work very well. Best of all, he eats them right up, which is really saying something, because he is somewhat picky about treats, and can spot meds right away. So that is another plus in their favor.
As for diarrhea, I think sometimes calming/tranquilizing meds and supplements can possibly have this effect, but keep in mind the loose stools also can be stress-related and caused entirely or in part by the trigger event, not necessarily only the supplement.
I recommend them as worth a try, bearing in mind of course that every living creature is different, and it doesn't necessarily reflect on the product.
So-so
Bought this just before the 4th of July because my dog has panic attacks during thunderstorms & fireworks. The first night I gave her two, (85lbs) there were fireworks but they were some distance so not that loud. She was a lot calmer than normal but still a little anxious. The second night they were closer & she had a full blown attack. I thought it could be because I gave them to her to early & we’re wearing off because the fireworks were loudest about 3 hours after I gave them to her. So on the fourth I waited until dark & gave her 3 before the fireworks started, knowing that this night it would be the loudest & close. She became anxious at the first bursts & got progressively worse as the night went on, so I’d say that this product didn’t really help at all.
Use at your own risk...
I bought these to help calm my dogs down for fireworks/ firecracker season. It's a highly stressful time for my little wiener dogs. I followed the dosing instructions, and after having given these twice to my dogs (once on the 1st and again on the 2nd), they have not stopped having horrible diarrhea. It is now the 5th. To add further insult, these chews did nothing to ease their anxiety. I'm not sure what benefit magnesium citrate has in these treats, but in humans, it's used as a powerful laxative. I should have known better. I've had to do countless loads of laundry to try to keep up with their horrible poops. I will be returning these promptly.
Perfect
My dog Cody has struggled through thunderstorms and fireworks, and I’ve never found anything that could work like this did. After giving him a dose, I noticed, as a thunderstorm was happening, Cody was laying by my side with his feet up in the air, very relaxed, instead of hiding under the bed, as he always did before! I like how the treat is soft where I can crumble it up with a little peanut butter for him to enjoy. Well worth the money!!
Works well for my 75 Lb BFF Buster,
I give him 3 when thunderstorms stress him out. And during the several large fireworks shows put on every year less than a 1/2 mile from our house for 3 or 4 days every year before they start at 9:30pm. At least a 1/2 hour to allow him to mellow out. They work well for him. Not something I would give on a daily basis for a hyper dog unless your vet approves.
Seem to help
I bought these because my dog freaks out over loud noises. Thunder, fireworks, the doorbell. He barks, shakes, pants, drools, & tries to hide under something, anything. It's so heartbreaking. I don't want to keep him doped up so I tried these for 2 days well before July 4th got here & they seem to work. He gets tired/sleepy on his dose of 3/day (I give them all at once).
The only problem is the taste. He does not like them at all. Fortunately, they're soft chews, easily mashed & mixed with a tablespoon of his favorite wet dog food, he's none the wiser. ;-)
I recommend them.
Don’t work
Waste of money, the 1st day I used 2 for my 27lb. dog, I could tell they helped somewhat only. The next couple of days, they did no good. These were used for the July 4th fireworks which go on for days here. Then there is the thunderstorms. It is now 10 days later and she still don’t want to go out for the bedtime pee. I wasted my money. I need a sleeping pill for my dog, maybe that would work.
By mywalela on Jul 4, 2023
Didn’t Work
Unfortunately, I bought these for my dog, wanting something more natural, something that wouldn’t make him sick. Well this product didn’t work at all, and gave him stomach upset. I bought them for the 4th of July and thunderstorms. I even gave my dog three chews, thinking maybe two wasn’t enough. He not only was not calm, it seemed to make him slightly more anxious, and slightly sick to his stomach. I think I I will stick with no chews rather than these.
New Formula - Dogs HATE IT
I have been purchasing the hemp calming and the probiotics of this brand for at least 3 years. Recently, with the most recent label change, the recipe/formulation has obviously changed as well, my dogs refuse to eat them after years of taking them with no problem. They both literally spit them out. The treats themselves feel much different and are dryer in texture. Will no longer be purchasing.