Nige Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 (edited) Hi guys We have a 5 yr Female (spayed) Rhodesian Ridgeback. She has had 2 major surgeries on her knees in the last 4 years and after each operation she spent 10-14 weeks in a cage so she could heal. After each healing time, we noticed a difference in her behaviour, she is aggressive towards other dogs, the postman and after being bitten by a horse fly earlier in the summer, she has now developed a big anxiety towards flies. She won't even sit down let alone relax when out side now, paces between our front and back doors with her tail between her legs and is basically a mess, yesterday I saw her run at our 6ft gate and try knock it open! Just to try and get away. These are normal house flies, not big dirty blowies or horse flies. We are trying some natural oil fly repellant mixture, and will put fly traps and an auto spray outside our alfresco area to try help the problem. We are prepared to try some sort of prosaic, but are not really keen to use it as a long term cure, mainly as it's not curing the problem, more masking it. Any help or ideas would be appreciated. Edited February 13, 2014 by Nige Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Could there be a neurological issue maybe? Or could she be in pain? Have you had the vet or a behaviourist check her out? How stressful for you all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 How awful I would definitely get her checked by a veterinary behaviourist . Also , find a good insect repellant suitable for DOGS - and use it regularly. remove any food stains/food bowls/bones etc do a regular poo patrol ..and maybe squirt some vinegar/water onto toilet spots ? I spray all window frames/outdoor light fittings with a surface spray..so any flies which land there are dead... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nige Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 I'll look into a more suitable fly repellant for her, we are abit wary about possible skin disorders or poisoning from them if used for along time.......which would probably be our luck! And give the auto sprayer and traps a try to see if it keeps them down. We always do keep the poo under control, especially now we make the extra effort. If we don't get an improvement, we will have to get a behaviouralist in. We have a 1 year old and Nalah is never aggressive towards her, pretty much the complete opposite. We've seen her watching and following her crawling around outside, keeping an eye on her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 My GSD has sensitive skin and also has an aversion/anxiety to flies so I sympathise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosetta Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 A thorough vet check first and then a discussion about anti-anxiety medication for her. As well as measures to minimise her exposure to flies. Poor girl is suffering - don't worry about drugs "masking" the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airedaler Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I had a similar issue although not as bad. Had tried a multitude of repellents without success and mentioned the problem to my vet. his answer was to use Advantix. I am loathe to use this sort of preparation however, given all else had failed I tried it and have had no further problems. I only use it for a couple of months in the summer. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 yes- the problem here is the sound/sight of the flies .... using advantix won't stop them flying/buzzing close by ........................ it is a tricky one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 RepelX for horses works a treat, spray that on the dog a couple of times a day. If the dog sleeps somewhere in particular give that area a mist too. I've also found the eucalyptus oil mixed with water and sprayed around the kennel walls, external house walls works well in conjunction with the fly traps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airedaler Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 yes- the problem here is the sound/sight of the flies .... using advantix won't stop them flying/buzzing close by ........................ it is a tricky one In theory you are correct Persephone, however, although my major issue was the flies biting, my girl still was still freaked out by them being around and it did seem to lessen their presence around her when there were still plenty of flies around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) I would wonder if there is residual pain from her surgeries that has caused her behaviour change. I would have an ortho specialist give her the once-over and even consider x-rays to see if there's any arthritic change. Then I would consider a qualified canine physio to assess her movement and flexibility. Then I would go to vet behaviourist, just because it would be awful to put her on prozac for anxiety if the actual problem is pain. :) ETA: I would also look at her bedding both inside and outside the house. Add a covered crate with supportive bedding outside, sheltered from the elements and by your back door. Dogs will often display pacing behaviours when they have no where comfortable to rest, and her needs may have changed. Edited February 14, 2014 by Staff'n'Toller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Hi Nige, not sure where in WA you are but there is a good trainer south of Perth who owns an anxious ridgeback herself, she might have some suggestions for you if the vet check comes back clear - http://www.dogcharming.com.au Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karly101 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 A ADAPTIL collar may also be worthwhile, my dog has a phobia of slippery floors and whilst the collar didn't take it away completely it helped reduce the anxiety level and recovery time afterwards if he did slip. I used them for awhile and it made him more accepting to training on the floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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