I have one older husky who used to be very anxious but he is now older and calmer. My new foster, on the other hand, reminds me of Ilya when he was anxious. What seems to trigger it seems to be separation and over excitement, which leads me to believe he has a low threshold. He had very poor social skills with my pack but he is a fast learner and has graduated to being peacefull with them and is slowly learning how to play.

When I say anxiety... I mean he looses it, he is in his flight or fight mode and may take about 15-20 minutes to calm down or it can cycle itself over again (like realizing I'm not there) The vet has prescribed Amitriptyline, but I'm not sold on the sedating effect it has. Rescue remedy seems to take some of the edge off. A nutritionist told me to try valerian root (can be bought in natural food store) and it has a relaxing effect, though some dogs may act like cat on catnip.

Right now, I'm working on his separation/crate anxiety by desensitizing him and breaking patterns. His threshold is so low, I'm hoping something like valerian root could raise it a bit.

Have you ever tried rescue remedy? It will work quickly but full effect occurs in a few.weeks and os safe and holistic

Our doggie daycare recommended it, has used it many times on their own dogs and I've seen good reviews. We bought it but haven't used it yet.

Thanks Mheath, I don't think I gave Rescue Remedy a long enough try....3 days. Another friend of mine uses it and I've seen it calm her husky in a few minutes during a thunderstorm.

Hollywood huskies, I'm glad it's not completely unheard of. I've tried it myself this week and it has improved my sleep. I know we're different than huskies but at least I know if it doesn't work, I can still use it.

Flower essences take longer BUT they are a very effevtive. If the dogs are going to be going through something stressful, I put it in their water for about a week. It helps a lot.