Originally Posted by Rettie V.Grama
I would never under any circumstances give my dog a Downer.
When PeeWee was afraid, I just cuddled her. She felt safe and I knew she knew I loved her.
Where is love in a downer?
I think theres a huge difference between a "Downer" and an anti-anxiety medication. Something that helps change a dogs physiological state from terror to being less afraid can help them learn how to deal with the stress caused by a storm. They are very safe, they don't cause addition in a dog and they make them feel a lot better.
Theres a LOT of love when you do something that helps your dog be less afraid. If cuddling works, thats all you need, and thats great for you, but many dogs need more than that. Anyone who has ever seen their dog truly afraid understands.
I think its kind of rude to suggest that someone who helps their dog by medicating it doesn't love their dog. Maybe thats not what you meant, but thats what it sounds like.