Papillon Kisses

In our thoughts

You could always ask for a referral to an internal medicine specialist, if there is one within travel distance. Alternatively your vet could call one for advice (a vet-to-vet consult). A few things could be going besides Cushings. For example Addison’s Disease, which is basically the reverse. It’s more difficult to spot, to the degree that it has earned the nickname “The Great Pretender”. Your dog would need to be off steroids for a period to have accurate results on an ACTH test. My dog lucked out when diagnosed - the only external symptom he had was polyuria/polydipsia. For most dogs it’s a story of odd waxing and waning symptoms that could be any number of things, some temporary improvement with a course of steroids if given, but no diagnosis until they have a life-threatening crisis.

It occurs to me that this emoji is the wrong way around. Picture all of us hugging you.

@Adrienne you might like to look into RightPaw.

Welcome, Jacci Sorry this is long!! I had a chihuahua terrier mix with generalised anxiety disorder, noise sensitivity and canine compulsive disorder (dog equivalent of OCD). When I first got him he was scared of men like your little one… lots of rushing and barking then hiding behind people or under furniture. With force free training, and anxiety treatment from a Behaviour Vet, he made huge progress and came to love my husband in particular. The instructions included having all men ignore him initially - no talking to, looking at or touching him. From what you’ve said it sounds like you are probably in good hands with your dog trainer and vet, though as Amazetl said seeing a Behaviour Vet can be a good idea if you want a second opinion. They’re like seeing a psychiatrist rather than a general practitioner. Do keep in contact with your prescribing vet too so they can monitor his response to medications and modify them if need be - sometimes different doses, combinations or medications are needed. Depending on the medications/s prescribed don’t expect a quick response either; some take up to 6-8 weeks to fully kick in. But if you and he are really struggling there are short-acting meds that can be prescribed alongside those ones to get the panic level down quicker. Regarding medicating young dogs and pups. Early intervention gets the best response vs waiting until later. It was explained to me that a lot of synaptic pruning goes on when they’re young and they can nudge it in the right direction with medication. And being on meds for life is totally fine, but when you get in early you also have a greater chance of being able to reduce or stop them as they get older. I recommend keeping a short diary to track how things are going. For two reasons. When you’re living this day in day out it can be difficult to notice improvement until you zoom out and realise how far you’ve come, so it can help boost morale on those harder days to see it. And it can help guide your vet as to whether the medication is helping as it should. Please don’t give your dog any anxiety supplements without running them by your prescribing vet. Adaptil is fine since it’s just a scent, but combining e.g. tryptophan treats with anxiety medication can lead to serotonin syndrome. I wouldn’t get a second dog especially with a puppy. Spend your time and money helping your little guy feel better. A second dog can make the first more anxious, or result in two dogs with behavioural issues which is much more work. That you can reinforce anxiety by comforting your dog is another one of those dog behaviour myths. Emotions drive behaviour, and we cannot reinforce anxiety by comforting a dog. On the contrary, ignoring a dog who is seeking comfort can make them feel more anxious, and when we help them feel better their behaviour can change in turn! So please comfort your little one if they seek it. Be their secure base. I highly recommend K9 Nose Work for confidence building. It was amazing for our Chihuahua, particularly with his OCD and neophobia. You do need the right instructor and class as when anxiety is involved not all can be suitable. I’ve been to classes all over Sydney and greater Sydney if you’d like a recommendation. I would never recommend taking an anxious dog away from their safe person and flooding it with triggers. Here’s a video re calming fearful dogs and how it’s not reinforcing anxiety.

Because dog training is an unregulated industry where any non-vet can call themselves a ‘dog behaviour specialist’ or any other title regardless of whether they have any education or qualifications at all, or if their knowledge base even belongs in this century. So desperate people get preyed on because they don’t know where to go for help when their dogs have behavioural issues (aggression is mentioned in the article). And maybe they ask on social media or dog forums but often the same abusers get trotted out each time, and if you say anything because your dog or friends or clients dogs have been damaged by said trainers or the methods they use, you get attacked. Meanwhile on our television screens the outdated rubbish is further promoted, whether by self-proclaimed ‘dog psychologists’ and ‘behaviourists’ Cesar Milan and Graeme Hall, or celebrity vets like Dr Harry and Dr Chris Brown. If it’s on National Geographic or out of the mouths of everyone’s favourite TV vets it’s gotta be sound advice, right? If they’re quoted in newspapers they must be experts, right? Journalistic standards and all that? Dog owners are victims too in my mind. People doing the best with what they know at the time, then beating themselves to shreds long after their best friend has died. The pain is even greater if they were too damaged by the time they saw a veterinary behaviourist, and had to be euthanised to relieve their mental torment and for safety reasons. PS. I hadn’t heard of that particular company, but at the risk of driving traffic to it his website is WILD. Like CM, he’s got the secret sauce passed down by god.

Hi there! Sorry to hear about your frightened dog and heating woes. I had a noise sensitive dog with generalised anxiety disorder and OCD so I know how tough it can be. I’d recommend seeking help from a force free trainer (Pet Professional Guild Australia is a good directory to check in VIC) who can show you how to desensitise and counter condition properly and refer you on if needed. Let me know if you’d like help finding suitable people. I see a lot of people accidentally sensitise rather than desensitise their dogs, and I don’t mean by using food or comforting the dog as is mentioned in that reddit thread. You cannot, I repeat CANNOT, reinforce anxiety. Please comfort your dog if she seeks it. An example of how things can go wrong is directly in the reddit thread where the commenter states that you should have the dog close to the trigger. They need to be far enough away that they are aware but not frightened. Too close and you’re flooding the poor thing, like if an arachnophobe was forced to have a tarantula facial. Another way things can go wrong is timing problems where the treat comes to predict the scary thing happening rather than the other way around. A vet check is always worthwhile. Dogs with noise sensitivities and indeed behaviour problems in general (other types of anxiety, aggression, hyperarousal issues) often have underlying pain of some description, and there are other medical problems that can contribute to fear/anxiety/stress too. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/2/318 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00017/full Some dogs benefit from evidence-based supplements or medication for their anxiety if they’re too frightened for training by itself to be successful. When considering that it’s best to speak to a vet with a special interest and/or further qualifications in behaviour. A lot of products on the market have zero evidence behind them along with quality control issues, and aren’t necessarily safe for all dogs especially if you haven’t had that vet check to confirm that your dog is otherwise healthy. If you could find some alternate heating in the meantime that would be ideal but I know that may be a lot to ask. Continued negative exposures are likely to worsen the fear, and generalisation may occur where she starts becoming fearful of other random noises too (vet behaviourists see that a lot in dogs with untreated/under-treated storm phobia for example). Hope this helps!

I’m sorry about your friend. I’ve been in a similar position. Just noting that Bunches finds eyecare stressful. If I recall correctly, prosthetic eyes require more aftercare. I personally would give that considerable weight when making a decision.

Malcolm and I really liked Dr Kelly Caruso at Eye Clinic for Animals. I think like rotten teeth the pain of diseased eyes can be well hidden by dogs, but they feel so much brighter after and sometimes you only realise it in hindsight. I imagine the ophthalmologist walked you through all the pros and cons of prosthetists? I would definitively proceed with a veterinary ophthalmologist and anaesthetist, vs regular vet and no specialist anaesthetist.

I know it’s an annoying thing to say, but I think they should discuss it with their vet and get a recommendation from them, given the severity of the reaction and the dog’s existing skin issues. If they suspect a contact allergy to an ingredient in Aloveen, your son will want to know what the allergen might be to avoid that in other products. Our vet sells Blackmores Paw Sensitive Skin products, but that doesn’t mean that they would be suitable depending on what’s going on with his skin.

By scammers that are pretending to sell the puppies.

I haven’t had a pet needing cancer treatment, but the figure your vet provided tracks with things I’ve read online. I’m relieved to hear you have pet insurance. This is one reason why I tell people that setting aside a few thousand in a savings account is no substitute for insurance. Do you think you could cover the in-between period with a personal loan?

That is scary, isn’t it. You could contact a companion animal lawyer to see what your rights are? Thinking of you and your girl.

SAHARA is another. Fined $6500 for animal cruelty and neglect, after negotiating more than 30 charges down to 6, and were immediately back on social media asking for donations to the rescue.

You are very welcome. I think my main points are not to think that natural automatically means safe, appropriate or effective; or to fear or delay medication if it’s needed. When anxiety disorders go untreated or under-treated a lot of really bad stuff can happen that I wouldn’t want for you and Molly. Let us know how you get on at the vet. When you look at your video check for the more quiet or subtle signs of stress too. I hadn’t realised for example that Malcolm wasn’t sleeping nearly enough until our behaviour vet pointed it out. He was hyper vigilant even at rest.

That caregivers cause separation anxiety by loving on the dog too much (and it’s counterpart that you need to break the bond to treat it), is one of the biggest most horrible myths about the condition. Learning history and environment can play a part in whether it’s triggered, but separation anxiety specialists place the greatest weight on genetics - a genetic marker has even been found. Triggers could be things like a traumatic kennel stay, the house being burgled or a bad storm occurring while home alone, a loved one (human or fellow pet) dying, or a change of schedule or living arrangements. Dogs should be gradually taught to be home alone, too. If they have never had any time by themselves and then their humans are suddenly gone for hours on end, that can trigger it in the susceptible. However, breeders and caregivers can do all the right things, the dog may have had no traumatic experiences, and they still develop separation anxiety. And some dogs have had every single thing set against them in life and yet are the picture of behavioural health! I think many forget too that there are millions of ‘velcro’ dogs that don’t have separation distress, and that dogs who are very independent when their person is around can still have separation distress. “Discipline” is often a euphemism for the use of +punishment. The use of aversive training methods impairs learning and risks the development of anxiety and aggression, particularly aggression towards the handler. It also dramatically increases the likelihood of being surrendered and of behavioural euthanasia. I think these ideas are often rooted in misogyny and ableism, but that’s another discussion and I’m not accusing you of either of those things. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the website below. It has easily digestible science reporting and then you can then click through to see the studies being discussed. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/home.html?m=1

I also worry about DV with these sorts of stories.

I’m sorry to hear about Molly’s separation distress. I hear you with not wanting her to be drowsy etc. The good thing about modern anxiety medications is that you’re less likely to see that, or if you do it is usually a temporary side effect while their body adjusts. The aim is rarely to sedate; we want dogs to be aware, so they can learn that absences aren’t terrifying. Therefore if they’re zonked, or their personality changes for the worse, it’s a sign that it is the wrong medication or dose for the individual. I say change for the worse, as we’re not our true ourselves when riddled with anxiety. From everything I’ve seen not just with Malcolm but also hundreds of dogs in support groups I’ve been part of, treating anxiety enables our dogs personalities to shine. Most people wish they had taken the leap sooner. There are some supplements that have an evidence-base, like Zylkene for example or pheromone therapy with Adaptil. However, be aware that supplements aren’t regulated, so quality control can be an issue and many claim to do things they do not. Some cause side effects, and are contraindicated for dogs with certain conditions or taking certain medications. And when they do help it’s typically for mild to moderate stress, whereas separation anxiety is considered a panic disorder. Your best bet is to see a Behaviour Vet or a GP vet with a special interest in behaviour. They can give her a checkup (being in any sort of pain for example can contribute to the problem), consider her medical history and needs, and together you can decide on the path forward, whether that is a prescription medication/s and/or a specific supplement recommended for her. Alongside this you’re going to want to look at: - Management, ideally suspending all absences while you work on the problem. This can require some creativity but it is important. - A behaviour modification (training) plan to systematically desensitise to absences. - It doesn’t sound like you are but just in case you hear it, there’s no need to withdraw affection or ignore her, including when coming or going, or banishing her from the lounge or bed if you snuggle together etc. That’s outdated advice and can increase anxiety. Just be calm and soothing. I’m going to shower you in links now so I hope that’s ok. If you’re lucky there might be a slot in the All Pets Education & Training Separation Struggles course that starts tomorrow night. https://www.allpetseducationandtraining.com.au/separation-struggles---12-week-virtual-course.html https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02N5uuYT1ie8UgaVPLp1tJUUYcMM6vDGbNC8iMY7S4H9jNvyahHyeEn8JtYbJmESvUl&id=100063582608856&mibextid=qC1gEa Malena DeMartini’s content https://malenademartini.com/separation-anxiety-top-10-list/ https://www.facebook.com/SeparationAnxietyDogs?mibextid=LQQJ4d There are some CSATs in Australia, Jenny Harlow and Dog Charming being two of them. https://www.dogcharming.com.au https://jhdogtraining.com.au/separation-anxiety/ https://www.puppyleaks.com/second-dog-separation-anxiety/ Episode 4 of this podcast, which has things you can do right now while home with Molly. https://www.creativeanimalsolutions.com/abd-podcast.html https://www.anzcvs.org.au/chapters/veterinary+behaviour+chapter https://www.drjensdogblog.com/behavior-medication-first-line-therapy-or-last-resort/ I hope this helps. You’re welcome to message me if you’d like help re choosing a behaviour vet if you go down that path… there is one in Queensland who I would avoid.

Non paywall version https://citynews.com.au/2023/unregistered-vet-raided-in-hall/

You can change it within the upload settings, or at least I can. Click where it says show selected and the size, and it will give you size options.

We’ll be thinking of you both.

The English Bulldog is an interesting side by side with those two individuals. The body of the first looks splayed out like a spider which I associate more with those horrifically bred American ”exotic bullies”.

Try adding vinegar to the slot where one would put fabric softener. Vinegar deodorises.

Irresponsible, indiscriminate breeding during the pandemic by people wanting to make a quick buck and fill an unprecedented demand is absolutely part of the problem. Behaviour has a genetic component. It’s not all in how you raise them. And if you don’t think covid contributed to the problem you are misguided. Dogs did not get the positive exposures to life that they would ordinarily get during their critical socialisation period. There were ways to mitigate this but it‘s beyond general dog owner knowledge let alone someone getting a dog for the first time. Yes there is a dog owner factor. The trainers I know put a hell of a lot of a work into shifting to online consults and courses during lockdown, groups like Pet Professional Guild Australia got press coverage about how important it was, but these weren’t universally taken up by dog owners. People either thought puppy classes weren’t on or that online was pointless (it’s not and can actually be better depending on instructor and course content). Regarding the two professionals quoted. Eve McKenzie is a highly experienced, qualified dog trainer. List of her qualifications here: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Sys/PublicProfile/28134445 Yes the dog training industry is unregulated and there are a lot of so-called ‘trainers’ and ‘behaviourists’ harming dogs. But Eve isn’t one of those and I wouldn’t fail to recommend her to people in Newcastle area. Dr Kersti Seksel is a veterinary behaviour specialist at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service. That requires a standard veterinary degree then a tonne of further study and examinations in veterinary behaviour medicine. While there are other Behaviour Vets (aka Veterinary behaviourists) I’d refer to first, she absolutely knows her stuff when it comes to diagnosing and treating anxiety and other behavioural illnesses in dogs. She’s highly regarded in the vet industry. Honestly it’s a relief to see quotes from qualified professionals who know what they’re on about instead of the usual idiots who use harmful methods based on long debunked myths.