Hi guys

My niece has just come in from work experience in a grooming departments in a local vets and stated they use a product called valarium on nearvous/naughty dogs? Has anyone heard of this and what's your thoughts on it.

I have used Skullcap and Valarian around firework night and found it very effective in helping to calm them.

Valerian has been used for years to aid sleep.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_%28herb%29
But I certainly wouldn't expect groomers to use it on other peoples' dogs without a Vet prescribing it and the owner's agreement.

Ivd been trying to google it. I haven't found anywhere specifically talking about using it on dogs and hoe much to give and time scales for it to work I'm quite interested in finding out more

I would have alook at dorwest herbs Thompson1 they may do it

Dorwest do - and have a very good dosage protocol for fireworks which uses Skullcap & Valerian tabs then using valerian tincture as a top up if needed. It wast he only thing that worked for my mum's late dog, in over 12 years.

Thought they would thank you msT

You're welcome FF - and the Skullcap & valerian can be used on dogs at other times as a calmative, it does help.

Just looked at their site it looks like a tiny dossage u need. Could u risk overdosing on this if a unsuspecting person used this?

> Could u risk overdosing on this if a unsuspecting person used this?

I would address this to Dorwest themselves for a definitive answer but I suspect not, it would just make the dog sleepy.

Brill thanks for the advice x

Thompson - would you be insured if you gave medication to another person's dog and it had a bad reaction?

Would you publicise the fact that you gave it?   I, for one, would not use a groomer that would medicate my dogs without prior consent!

I agree would be furious with anyone who medicated my dogs complimentary or conventional medication without my full knowledge and permission. Not sure how they would stand legally if owner did not know. Do many dogs need sedation to go to the groomer I would also question what I was doing continuing to put a dog through an experience that requires sedation vet treatment aside

I never sedated a dog in 20 years, even those who had previously been sedated at the Vets to have their nails cut.

But there was a groomer local to me who clients said their dogs would sleep deeply for the rest of the day when they'd been.  They suspected that their dogs had been sedated and didn't go back when it happened for a second time.  :( 

And a Vet told me that there was another groomer who used to use a metal head brace that bolted to each side of the skull to keep the dogs still while they worked!

That's why it's so important to find a well trained and experienced groomer before you leave your dog!  I never allowed owners to stay with their own dog because the dogs misbehave, but I'd always suggest that owners of new dogs came to watch me working on another dog to see how I work. :)

>> Could u risk overdosing on this if a unsuspecting person used this?
> I would address this to Dorwest themselves for a definitive answer but I suspect not, it would just make the dog sleepy.

You most certainly can overdose.  Even "natural" remedies can have serious side effects exceeding the recommended doseage.  Valerian acts much in the same way as catnip dose to cats, it gives a sense of euphoria.  However overdosing leads to intestinal problems.  And it should never be given to a pregnant bitch, or even one about to be bred.

I personally would never give this to somebody else's dog, especially not a grooming client. You could do far more harm than good. I was always taught you should NEVER administer any kind of medication to a clients dog. I suppose you could recommend it to people to administer in their own homes but make sure they consult their own vet first as it may affect any pre existing medications/health issues, but even then like all sedatives, if the dog has a bad reaction to it in your care you will more than likely be held responsible.