Does your dog struggle with anxiety? You’re not alone.
A study by the University of Helsinki in Finland found that over 70% of dogs experience anxiety, including issues like noise sensitivity, fear of other dogs or strangers, and separation anxiety.
Paw-Freakin’-Tastic Dog Treats, created by local resident and dog owner Sharon Adye-White, offer a healthy, vegan, anti-anxiety solution. Available in four flavours—two specifically for anxiety relief—these non-toxic treats typically take effect within 20 minutes of consumption.
The desire to make these dog treats started with Sharon’s pups at the time, Roxy and Teddy.
Roxy had developed a raw sore on her nose, the cause unknown. Originally believing that Roxy was suffering from allergies, Sharon decided to play around with the food she was feeding her pup in the hopes of helping.
But, after getting the test results from the vet, she discovered that Roxy had an aggressive form of cancer, and was given two weeks to live. More determined than ever, Sharon began to research and create homemade meals and treats for her two pups.
“I also, with that cancer journey, discovered all about Chaga.”
Chaga is a mushroom that grows on birch trees and is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help with inflammation, the immune system, and digestion, as well as rebuilding the receptors in the body to fight against allergies and cancer.
Once Sharon learned about the possibilities of Chaga, she started giving Chaga to her dogs daily and was blown away by the results. Roxy’s nose began to grow back and her two-week diagnosis was no more. Roxy would go on to live for another two years.
Teddy’s need for specialty treats came from a different origin, anxiety. As a rescue dog, Teddy was overflowing with anxiety and was completely shut down. “You would look at him, and he would just shake and pee. It took two years to even take him out for a walk,” Sharon recalls.
Sharon tried everything to help with Teddy’s anxiety, from Thunder Shirts to setting up a room for him, but nothing worked. As she was already making her dog’s food, she decided she could make something that would also help with a dog’s anxiety.
After a lot of research and trial and error, she discovered a recipe that would help Teddy’s anxiety. “It actually worked, and now Teddy’s confident,” Sharon smiles as she remembers. “He likes to meet people, and he loves going out to the park and to walk, and [he’s] just a completely different dog.”
Sharon realized that she had something special. She started trying out her recipes with other dogs, and the response was very positive. In the spring of 2023, she launched the Chillax and No Worries anti-anxiety treats.
To get the word out about her Paw-Freakin’-Tastic treats, Sharon brings them to local events, such as farmer’s markets and dog events.
Sharon’s a big fan of dog events because she can educate dog owners and often helps anxious dogs right at the event. She’ll offer them a treat, and when the dog is brave enough to take it, the owners always return 20 minutes later excited to show how effective the treat was for their dog.
The number of treats a dog may have is based on their weight. But as each dog is different, it’s about finding the balance for your dog that day. Some days, they may have higher anxiety, so if it doesn’t work right away, wait 20 minutes and then offer the dog some more.
An anti-anxiety treat lasts for approximately 4-5 hours, so typically, they can have it three times a day, if needed. Treats may need a little coercing for dogs not used to a different taste.
Sharon suggests breaking the cookie in half, giving it with their favourite food, such as peanut butter or cheese, or even crumbling it in their meal or a broth to help them get accustomed to the new taste. Sharon finds that after they’ve had that first taste, they’re hooked.
One particular fussy pup resisted taking the treats for a month, but once she did, the owner gushed to Sharon with the news, “My dog is addicted to these treats. She will not take anything else.”
Future goals for Sharon and her Paw-Fricken-Tastic Dog Treats are to expand them into more stores, along with the potential for a meat-flavoured treat, and to help more dogs with anxiety.
“There are so many dogs out there; at least half of the dogs in this world have anxiety, and this is a natural solution. And it works. So, I just want to be able to offer it to everybody.”
If you’ve missed Sharon at the Milton Farmer’s Market, or can’t make it to one of her events, you can visit her website, follow her on Facebook or Instagram, or find them at Bauhound Haus at 276 Main Street.
All Paw-Freakin’-Tastic treats are made in Sharon’s Milton-Health Department-approved commercial kitchen.
Anti-Anxiety Dog Treats:
Chillax – Great for soothing dogs with separation anxiety or high-strung dogs. The chamomile and lemon balm are calming, but not in a sleepy way, so when the world seems on fire, they don’t mind.
No Worries – Perfect for dogs with situational anxiety from thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, and more. The Chaga works to calm the dogs and makes them sleepy.
Everyday Dog Treats:
Chaga – High-antioxidant mushroom treats that help lower inflammation, aid in better digestion, and have been shown to fight allergies and cancer.
Plain Dog Treats – A nutritious everyday dog treat that doesn’t bother sensitive pup tummies.
Milton is a dog-loving community, and we couldn’t be happier to shine the spotlight on this wonderful local business. From amazing results of dogs not trying the treats to owners telling Sharon, “This is the only treat my dog will eat now,” Paw-Freakin’-Tastic treats are making a big impact in the Milton dog world.
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