Category: Dogs

2
05/28/2025
ecallenDogs

Calmer Canine® Device: The Science-Backed, Non-Drug Treatment for Dog Anxiety 

Quick Summary: The Calmer Canine device uses targeted pulsed electromagnetic field technology (tPEMF™ technology) to reduce brain inflammation that causes anxiety in dogs. With just two 15-minute treatments daily over 4-6 weeks, many dogs show significant improvement without medication, side effects, or sedation. This innovative device targets the root cause of anxiety rather than just masking symptoms.

More than 40% of dogs are affected by anxiety, including nearly 14 million U.S. dogs suffering from separation anxiety. While traditional treatments often rely on medication, the Calmer Canine anxiety treatment system offers a revolutionary drug-free approach that targets the root cause: brain inflammation. This non-invasive technology is changing how veterinarians and pet parents address canine separation anxiety disorders at their source. 

Understanding Canine Anxiety

Canine anxiety affects millions of dogs worldwide and manifests in various forms, including: 

  • Separation anxiety
  • Noise phobias
  • General anxiety 
  • Situational anxiety (vet visits, car rides, etc.) 

Signs of anxiety in dogs can range from subtle behaviors like excessive licking and panting to more obvious manifestations such as destructive behavior, inappropriate elimination, and excessive vocalization. These symptoms not only affect the dog’s quality of life but also impact the entire household. 

The Inflammation-Anxiety Connection

Recent scientific research has revealed a crucial connection between brain inflammation and anxiety disorders. This connection exists in both humans and dogs, suggesting that treating the underlying inflammation could be key to addressing anxiety symptoms. 

When a dog experiences anxiety, certain areas of the brain become inflamed, particularly the amygdala—the brain’s emotional processing center. This neuroinflammation creates a cycle where inflammation causes anxiety symptoms, which in turn cause more inflammation. 

How the Calmer Canine Device Works

The Calmer Canine device utilizes tPEMF™technology to address this neuroinflammation directly. The device delivers gentle electromagnetic signals to the anxiety center of the dog’s brain, specifically targeting the amygdala. 

The science behind Calmer Canine® builds on decades of research showing that specific electromagnetic signals can reduce inflammation and promote healing throughout the body. When applied to the brain, these signals: 

  1. Reduce neuroinflammation in the amygdala 
  2. Help restore normal brain function 
  3. Break the cycle of anxiety 
  4. Promote lasting relief, not just symptom masking 

Unlike medications that may simply mask symptoms, the Calmer Canine device addresses the underlying cause of anxiety, potentially offering more sustainable results. This revolutionary device proved its transformative potential in pilot study, and in a 2021 double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study. After just four weeks of treatments with the Calmer Canine device, almost two thirds of participating dogs had a 100% or greater improvement in anxiety symptoms when left home alone. 

When a dog experiences anxiety, certain areas of the brain become inflamed, particularly the amygdala—the brain’s emotional processing center. This neuroinflammation creates a cycle where inflammation causes anxiety symptoms, which in turn cause more inflammation. 

Treatment Protocol and Expectations

The standard treatment protocol for the Calmer Canine device involves: 

  • Two 15-minute sessions per day 
  • Sessions spaced 8-12 hours apart 
  • A 4-6 week initial treatment period 
  • Maintenance treatments as needed afterward 

Many dog owners report seeing improvements within 1-2 weeks, with significant changes typically observed by the end of the 4-6 week treatment period. What makes the Calmer Canine device particularly remarkable is that many dogs maintain these improvements even after the treatment period ends, suggesting that the therapy may actually help reset the brain’s anxiety response. 

Comparing Anxiety Treatment Options

Benefits of the Calmer Canine Device

Calmer Canine® offers several advantages over traditional anxiety treatments: 

  • Non-invasive: No drugs entering the body 
  • No known side effects: Unlike many anxiety medications 
  • No sedation: Dogs remain alert and themselves during treatment 
  • Easy to administer: Simple at-home treatment 
  • Compatible with other therapies: Can be used alongside behavior modification, supplements, or medications 
  • Cost-effective: One-time purchase versus ongoing medication costs 

Other Non-Pharmaceutical Options for Dog Anxiety

While the Calmer Canine device represents an innovative approach to anxiety treatment, it’s part of a broader spectrum of non-drug options: 

  • Behavior modification: Working with trainers to desensitize dogs to anxiety triggers 
  • Pressure wraps: Products like the ThunderShirt® wrap that provide gentle, constant pressure 
  • Natural supplements: Options like L-theanine, CBD oil, and specific probiotics 
  • Environmental management: Creating safe spaces and reducing exposure to anxiety triggers 
  • Pheromone products: Diffusers and sprays that mimic calming dog pheromones 

Is a Calmer Canine Device Right for Your Dog?

Calmer Canine® may be particularly beneficial for: 

  • Dogs who haven’t responded well to other treatments 
  • Pets who can’t tolerate medications due to side effects or health issues 
  • Dogs with chronic anxiety issues 
  • Cases where owners prefer a drug-free approach 

However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for anxiety. They can help determine if the Calmer Canine device is appropriate for your dog’s specific situation and may recommend combining it with other approaches for maximum benefit. 

Customer Success Stories

“We have tried CBD, hardcore meds, and even the ‘standard’ Benadryl dose and nothing even scratched the surface for Frijole’s anxiety – if anything, we felt like it was more traumatic because he didn’t feel well AND he was scared… Within three weeks [of starting Calmer Canine treatments] I noticed a huge shift in Frijole’s anxiety. Not only did he stop having major panic attacks when I would leave the house, he was actually willing to hang out with Andrew (the spare human) without shaking.” –Nina O., Seattle 

“Rufus can be a bit of an anxious guy and life in general is sometimes scary. Last year he went through an initial round of treatments using the Calmer Canine [device] – they helped significantly. When his mom started seeing some of his fearful behavior start up again, they started back on Calmer Canine treatments!” – The Integrative Veterinary Center, Richmond VA

“My dog Javi suffered from noise phobia. After two weeks of using Calmer Canine [device], I was able to walk to the park without worrying about sounds!” – Tessa A. 

“In 2020, Biggie was at the Humane Society dealing with a lot of anxiety. He was closed off when approached, would not allow anyone to touch him, and had no interaction or eye contact. After using [the] Calmer Canine [device], he slowly let go of this anxiety and was able to be placed in foster care. Now, Biggie has been adopted and is able to live his best, anxiety-free life!” – Humane Society, Savannah GA 
 
“I have used CBD products but they did nothing for Dodger. He started improving instantly when we began Calmer Canine treatments. Now, he’s a completely different dog. I have recommended the product to several friends and they also have received excellent results!” – Dodger’s Mom 

Want to see these positive transformations with your own eyes? Check out this Before and After footage. 

The Future of Anxiety Treatment

As our understanding of the neurological basis of anxiety continues to evolve, treatments like the Calmer Canine device represent an exciting frontier in veterinary medicine. By addressing the underlying inflammation associated with anxiety rather than just masking symptoms, these approaches may offer more comprehensive and lasting solutions for our anxious canine companions. 

For dog owners tired of seeing their beloved pets suffer from anxiety, the Calmer Canine device provides a scientifically-backed, non-invasive option worth considering. Combined with appropriate behavior modification techniques and veterinary guidance, it may help your dog find the calm and comfort they deserve. 

Think your dog could benefit from a Calmer Canine device? Shop the Assisi store now! 

Still have questions? Reach out here.

Want to see success stories from pet owners? Make sure to follow us on social media.  

LEARN MORE
great dane in car
09/02/2024
ecallenDogs

Protecting Your Gentle Giant: Understanding Wobbler Syndrome in Large Dogs

As a loving owner of a large dog, you’d do anything to keep your gentle giant healthy and happy. But what if an invisible condition was lurking, capable of robbing your furry friend of their mobility? Enter Wobbler Syndrome, a complex condition that primarily affects large and giant breed dogs. Let’s dive into what you need to know to protect your four-legged family member.

Key Takeaways:

    • Wobbler Syndrome primarily affects large and giant breed dogs
    • Early detection is crucial for better outcomes
    • Symptoms progress from mild clumsiness to severe mobility issues
    • Various treatment options are available, including surgery and non-invasive therapies

What is Wobbler Syndrome?

Wobbler Syndrome, scientifically known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a progressive disease involving compression of the vertebral column, resulting in spinal cord trauma. This serious condition often goes undetected in its early stages, as the first symptoms can easily be mistaken for arthritis. 

“Early recognition of even subtle gait changes, clumsiness, and a lower carriage of the head should alert the owner [of Wobbler Syndrome, leading the way to] an earlier diagnosis, which allows the specialist to design a plan and, I believe, improves the long-term prognosis.”

Dr. Andy Shores DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM, Neurology and Clinical Professor and Service Chief, Neurosurgery/Neurology at the Mississippi State University of Veterinary Medicine

Is Your Gentle Giant at Risk?

While any dog can develop Wobbler Syndrome, your large or giant breed pup is at significantly greater first. In fact, in a recent study, only five of the participating 105 dogs were small breeds.

Breeds Most Likely to Develop Wobbler Syndrome

Is your furry friend one of these breeds? They may be more susceptible:

  • Great Danes
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Mastiffs
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Dalmatians

Did you know? If your dog is male, he’s twice as likely to develop Wobbler Syndrome compared to female

Age Matters

Download the infographic: “Wobbler Syndrome Risk Factors”

Decoding the Warning Signs

Keep a close eye on your pup! These progressive symptoms of Wobbler Syndrome might first appear to simply be quirky or clumsy behaviors.

Early Warning Signs

  • Is your dog clumsy with their back legs?
  • Have you noticed an abnormal or widened gait in their back legs?

As the Condition Progresses

  • Are your dog’s back toenails more worn down than usual?
  • Has your usually friendly pup become more anti-social?

Advanced Symptoms

  • Has the stiffness spread to your dog’s front legs and neck?
  • Is your furry friend having trouble getting up or seeming extremely tired?
  • In severe cases (about 5% of cases), your dog may experience paralysis

Hope on the Horizon: Treatment Options for Your Dog

While Wobbler Syndrome is a serious disease that requires immediate attention, there’s good news. Many creative options can help slow down the progression of symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Surgical Solutions

Surgery is common for dogs with Wobbler Syndrome and typically involves the removal of a portion of the spine to reduce compression. In a 2008 study, 81% of dogs that underwent surgical treatment for Wobbler Syndrome had an improvement post-procedure.

Non-Invasive Treatments

  • Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF™) therapy:
    Assisi Loop® therapy,a drug-free tPEMF devices, provide significant relief for pets suffering from inflammatory conditions like Wobbler Syndrome. Assisi Loop therapy is a clinically proven alternative for dogs that aren’t viable candidates for surgery and can be easily used alongside other treatments.
  • Alternative Therapies:
    Acupuncture and chiropractic therapy have grown in popularity. Treatments like gold bead acupuncture have shown benefits for dogs with Wobbler Syndrome.

Living with Wobbler Syndrome: A Success Story

When 15-month-old Great Dane Ranie started staggering around and walking with extreme difficulty, her owner brought her in for a consultation with veterinarian Dr. Tim Crowe DVM, DACVS, DACVECC.

Dr. Crowe applied the Assisi Loop to Ranie’s neck, and after just 10 minutes, he began to see a difference. After 20 minutes, he noticed improved coordination. “She was able to rise on her own and her gait improved. Right there, within 10-20 minutes, you see her gait change,” Dr. Crowe recalls.

Dr. Crowe sent the Assisi Loop home with Ranie’s owner, instructing them to use it three to four times a day. After two weeks of regular treatments, Ranie’s gait showed significant improvement. “Four months after the initial application you can’t tell her from her other Great Dane playmate!” Dr. Crowe exclaimed.

Quick Tips: What You Can Do Now

  • Switch from a neck collar to a harness
  • Provide non-slip surfaces for easier walking
  • Monitor your dog’s gait and energy levels
  • Consult your vet if you notice any symptoms

Take Action Today!

Don’t wait for advanced symptoms to appear in your furry friend. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in managing Wobbler Syndrome. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, book a check-up with your vet as soon as possible.

Remember, your gentle giant relies on you to be their health advocate. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure many more years of tail-wagging happiness together!

LEARN MORE
assisi-blog1
11/20/2023
manikantaDogsPatient Spotlight

How Does Assisi Loop Therapy Benefit Senior Dogs? An Interview with Dog Owners

From daily nature walks to trips to the park, we treasure the routines we’ve created with our dogs. Routines provide great bonding opportunities and ensure our pups get the exercise and mental stimulation they need. However, as our dogs age, adjustments are often necessary to accommodate their changing physical abilities. As pet owners, we are in the best position to notice signs of aging and create a care plan that helps our senior dogs age comfortably. In this article, we’ll share stories of senior dogs like Pickles, Maggie, and Pebbles and how Assisi Loop Therapy has played a key role in managing pain and improving their quality of life.

Miss Pickles’ Journey with Assisi Loop Therapy

For some dogs, the effects of aging are accelerated by lifestyle factors. This was the case for Miss Pickles, a 10 ½-year-old pug who developed early-onset arthritis. Her owner, Margaret, noticed signs of arthritis when Miss Pickles became stiff at night—one of the common signs of discomfort in senior dogs. When looking for ways to ease her pain, Miss Pickles’ veterinarian recommended the Assisi Loop®, a targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF™) therapy device that helps reduce pain and inflammation without drugs.

“It was so easy to use,” Margaret happily reports. “After four months of Assisi Loop Therapy, Miss Pickles is less stiff!” Not only is the Assisi Loop drug-free, but it’s also non-invasive and side-effect free, making it the perfect intervention for senior pets. It’s also portable, allowing senior pets to reduce pain and inflammation from the comfort of home. Margaret adds, “It makes me feel so much better. We’re being proactive with her comfort without the use of any pharmaceutical medications.”

How Assisi Loop Therapy Improved Maggie’s Quality of Life

Maggie, a 14-year-old Bichon Poodle mix, was an active dog, regularly hiking with her owner, Nicole. However, Nicole, a Fear Free certified dog trainer, began noticing signs of aging in Maggie—longer recovery times, stiffness after walks, and increased sleep. As a senior dog with joint inflammation, Maggie’s body was slower to heal. Nicole turned to Assisi Loop Therapy for senior dog joint pain and saw immediate benefits.

“Getting her used to the Assisi Loop Lounge pad was easy,” Nicole recalls. “My dogs love their Assisi Loop Lounge, and Maggie climbed right on. She didn’t even know anything was different.” After six months of use, Nicole noticed faster recovery times after busy days and relief when Maggie felt sore or off. “A quick session with Assisi Loop Therapy greatly helps,” she explains. Nicole loves the Loop’s portability and versatility. “Sometimes I put the pad on her dog bed or on the bed with me and cover it with her favorite blanket. She can relax and recover at the same time. A pet that is pain-free and happy is my goal, and I’m so happy Assisi helps us reach that.”

Pebbles’ Journey with Senior Dog Dementia and Pain Management

Pebbles, a 15½-year-old Maltese, remained active and playful well into her senior years. However, her owner Brandi noticed subtle signs of aging, including stiffness and symptoms of Canine Cognitive Disorder (CCD), also known as dog dementia. Along with these mental challenges, Pebbles also dealt with separation anxiety and physical discomfort.

“A couple of years ago, we were introduced to Calmer Canine to help with some of Pebbles’ separation anxiety issues,” Brandi recalls. “At the time, it was exactly what we needed, and it not only helped Pebbles but Bruiser & Jax, as well.” The Calmer Canine Anxiety Treatment System™, which utilizes similar tPEMF technology as the Assisi Loop, helps canine anxiety by reducing inflammation in the emotional center of the brain.

With her anxiety under control, Brandi turned to the Assisi Loop for senior dog inflammation to address Pebbles’ stiffness and pain. “It was super easy to just lay the Loop on top of her while she rested at my feet,” Brandi says. “Pebbles is less stiff and more active, ready for the next adventure! I would most definitely recommend the Assisi Loop as a treatment for inflammation and discomfort in senior pets. We never leave home without it!”

Why Assisi Loop Therapy is Ideal for Senior Dog Care

As dogs age, they face various physical and cognitive challenges, including arthritis, joint pain, and dementia. Assisi Loop Therapy is an effective, drug-free solution to manage these conditions, offering the following benefits:

  • Reduces pain and inflammation associated with aging, arthritis, and joint issues.
  • Non-invasive and side-effect free, making it a safe option for senior dogs.
  • Portable and easy to use at home, reducing the stress of frequent vet visits.

With proven success in improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing recovery times, the Assisi Loop is a must-have for owners of senior pets looking to improve their dogs’ quality of life.

LEARN MORE

    Get the Assisi Clinical Use Guide
    This guide is available exclusively to veterinary professionals.
    Enter *N/A* if not Credentialed

    Have you worked with and Assisi Sales Rep?

    License agreement

    I understand that by cheking this box I am affirming under penality of perjury, that I am a veterinary professional licensed to practice in my state or a licensed professional from the categories above (i.e animal chiropractor, rehabber, etc.).