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With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, my focus turns to preparing my dogs for the day. Although fireworks are illegal in my city, we're still inundated with the noise, but less than others around the country. While dog treats may not provide the calming our dogs need, I feel it can't hurt. This calming dog treat recipe inspired by CocoTherapy may add more support to get us through the day. Plus, the dog will love them.
Calming Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup melted organic coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 TBPS unsweetened applesauce
- 2 ripe bananas – mashed
- 2/3 cup freeze-dried cranberries
- 1 cup organic coconut flour (sifted)
- 1/4 cup of chamomile or lavender flowers
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 C)
- Mix eggs, vanilla, applesauce, and melted oil.
- Add coconut flour. Mix well.
- Add the mashed bananas and freeze-dried cranberries.
- Roll dough to ¼” thickness. Cut with a cookie cutter.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bank for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For firmer treats, turn off the oven and leave the biscuits in for an additional 30 minutes.
Calming Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming and relaxation-inducing properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and grooming products. The calming benefits of lavender can be attributed to its unique chemical composition and its interactions with the body's physiological and psychological systems. Here are some key reasons why lavender is calming:
Linalool and Linalyl Acetate: Lavender essential oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which have calming effects on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Aromatherapy: Inhaling lavender essential oil activates the olfactory receptors in the nose. These receptors send signals to the brain's limbic system, which regulates emotions, mood, and memory, helping to calm the mind and promote well-being.
Anti-Anxiety Effects: Studies have suggested that lavender may have anti-anxiety effects by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Stress Reduction: The pleasant aroma of lavender has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, alleviating stress and tension and promoting a sense of calmness.
Sleep Promotion: The calming properties of lavender can help improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia, and enhance relaxation before bedtime.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation has been linked to stress and anxiety, and lavender's anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to its overall calming and soothing effects on the body and mind.
I primarily diffuse lavender essential oil in each room of the house. I also use New Mobility, an essential oil blend by AnimalEO that contains lavender, to help with inflammation.
Calming Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile is popular for its calming properties, used in teas, supplements, and skincare products to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Its unique chemical composition and interactions with the body contribute to its calming benefits. Here are some key reasons chamomile is a calming herb:
Apigenin: Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid compound believed to be responsible for many of its calming effects. Apigenin binds to specific receptors in the brain, particularly GABA receptors, which are involved in regulating anxiety and stress. By modulating these receptors, apigenin can exert anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative effects, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of stress.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to compounds like chamazulene and flavonoids. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with anxiety and mood disorders, and by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, chamomile can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calmness.
Digestive Calming: Chamomile is well-known for its digestive benefits, including soothing an upset stomach, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort, and relieving symptoms of indigestion. The connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, suggests that a healthy gut can positively influence mental well-being. Chamomile may indirectly contribute to reduced stress and anxiety by calming digestive issues.
Antispasmodic Properties: Chamomile has antispasmodic effects, which can help relax smooth muscles in the body. This can be beneficial for reducing muscle tension, menstrual cramps, and overall physical tension associated with stress.
Aromatherapy Effects: Besides its oral consumption, chamomile can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Inhaling chamomile essential oil's gentle, floral scent can calm the mind and body, helping alleviate anxiety and promote well-being.
Sleep Promotion: Chamomile is often used as a natural sleep aid due to its calming properties. By helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, chamomile can support better sleep quality and help individuals fall asleep more easily.
Will these Calming Dog Treats Work?
Calming dog treats will not help relax a highly anxious dog during fireworks or storms. I give them to my dogs to offer some additional support. When making dog treats, I like to get some function from them besides a snack for my dogs. It's a lot cheaper to make calming treats at home; however, if I find a treat that works consistently for my dogs, I'll buy a case.
