Loba Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 Thank you all so much for your help and advice. Looks like we should try medication again )for maybe 6 months) and see if we can find one that helps. Sadly I too feel that re-homing is not really an option so heres hoping the medications work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Cases like these are a genuine mental health problem. Dogs get chemical imbalances and their brain chemistry can be problematic. Medications assist with this abnormality. BUT we are only seeing the symptoms. There are many causes which is why there are many medications. I tried one medication for one of my dogs- worked amazingly well. She is so happy within herself. No significant changes, other than her being able to acknowledge things she would have lunged at and decide that she could sit and look at me for direction instead. On the other hand a clients dog is now onto their third medication for their anxious dog. The first one made the dog flat and she lost her bounce, the second one didn't make any difference at all. We are now trying medication 3 while also doing behavioural modification. Young dogs need to be medicated sooner rather than later. Brains reflect what they have practiced- so every time your dog experiences fear it is re-enforcing that pathway in the brain. Early use of medication stops these pathways from forming and allows better pathways to be reinforced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 I would be trying the medication (don't assume that the dog will need to be on it for the rest of his life - it is likely, that with the right sort of very gentle and gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli, he will become confident enough to only need medication when a major change is anticipated). Also I would be working closely with a vet behaviourist. Dogs in panic mode are not going to respond to treats or reassurance, they need to be taken further away from what is causing the panic. The medication will suppress brain chemicals that result in anxiety which will give you a chance to demonstrate to him that the situation is not a problem after all. This can be a long slow process but is so worth it! This might mean that before he ever goes out in the car again uncrated you will have to sit with him in the doorway and watch the road. It will take a while, but once he is happy and confident in the doorway, then next time you can progress a few paces onto the front lawn. Once he is confident there, next step the driveway, then to sitting in the car etc. It might take doing each step a couple of times a day for a week or so before moving onto the next step. If he is anxious even at the first stage, the doorway, then work on duration. Start with 30 seconds in the doorway, ignoring any symptoms of anxiety and then reward him at the end of the 30 seconds. Repeat this a couple of times every day until he remains calm for the entire 30 seconds, then increase the duration to 45 seconds. You get the drift. If he is already quite okay to walk out of the house and into the car, you are ahead of the game and things are not as bad as you think! Good luck with your boy. It will take a lot of determination and study on your part before he ever becomes the dog who enjoys going out on a walk with you - he might always prefer to be the dog who stays home. But it is really important that you work on his anxiety re the car. For his own sake he needs to be worked with until he feels safe in the car, so that you can take him places when necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Ill keep it short. On my phone. I was hesitant to medicate Scottie (for anxiety) & its one of the best things we've done. His quality of life improved significantly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashsmum Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 We have had success with acupuncture with our anxious great dane Whitney. It has helped her to be a much happier girl. She is also on meds, but the acupuncture adds another level. We are lucky that at our vet surgery one of the vets studied it, passed, and now does consults. I really recommend looking into it, although, it's not guaranteed to work, certainly helped us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 If you want to tell us your general area, some people experienced here may be able to recommend a veterinary behaviourist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffles Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Ill keep it short. On my phone. I was hesitant to medicate Scottie (for anxiety) & its one of the best things we've done. His quality of life improved significantly. The same with my old dog, Loki. I only wish I had done it years, and years before. As Kirty said though, if he's happy at home, leave him at home! He doesn't need to be walked if it's not benefiting him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 My dog is on Prozac for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Canine Compulsive Disorder (aka OCD) and like others have said above it's the best thing I've ever done for him. At the right dose there are no apparent side effects. He's not sedated, a zombie, or a diminished version of his former self. It hasn't turned him into little more than a piece of furniture or do anything else you may be fearing. He is the best version of himself! I wish I had known that he needed to see a veterinary behaviourist before his anxiety rapidly spiraled. I spent seven years doing behaviour modification alone for individual triggers and I was successful with that, but it's only now with medication that he's globally making progress and at a much faster rate: anxiety inhibits learning. Mental illness often first presents itself at sexual maturity in both humans and dogs, and, as with humans, good early treatment produces the best outcomes. It is extraordinarily rare for untreated mental illness to go away by itself: it usually gets worse and damages the brain in the process. So please don't delay, and instead of just seeing your regular vet please book a consult with a veterinary behaviourist. They have the specialist knowledge to arrive at a proper diagnosis(es) and prescribe the best treatment for your dog, which will include a behaviour modification plan (training) and potentially medication or other treatments. If medication is prescribed be aware that you may need to trial different types or doses. For example too much Prozac makes my dog not himself whereas at the right dose he shines. Let's us know how it goes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 What a heart breaking situation you are in. You obviously love your dog very much. Others have said what I would have thought, but will agree and comment as the more people respond the more I hope you will feel you have support. :) If he is happy at home, leave him at home. :) Play games with him at home, teach him tricks, etc. But yes, I would try medication. Rehoming is not a solution - he will still be fearful, just in a different location. What breed is he? Agree with all Kirty says. Not all dogs whether large or small need to be taken for walks, particularly yours who is experiencing such terrible anxiety. And he is definitely not to be considered for rehoming. Although, having said that, I have to acknowledge that some dogs who are rehomed can become different dogs ..... but in this case, I don’t think that would be the outcome. Yes, you need to find a good veterinary behaviourist who can work with you to find the right medication/s to work for him. Medicating him if he needs it isn't cruel, regardless of age, like PK says if he needed medication for a different medical condition would you not give it to him? If you had a dog with a heart condition or other that needed life long medication, would you not give it? Anxieties are not all the result of “something happening”. They can also be caused by a chemical imbalance. If a little pill helps, give it. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 You are good owners in how well you know your dog & want to do the best for him. I second the posters who've said that a vet dog behaviourist is the way to go.... being able to combine well -selected medication with well -considered behavioural recommendations. He's still a young dog, as others have pointed out, with some plasticity in brain development. Lovely to hear that he's such a fine family pet. I agree with others who've suggested to let him go, as far as possible, with his 'talents'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 I am so glad you came looking for advice :) my thoughts are the same as many of the more experienced who have posted. keep your boy where he is less anxious and happy :) seek a specialist professional to help - same as you would if it was a human psychiatric problem :) Give medication a chance - anything which will lessen the anxiety will be such a relief ! IF all measures fail, and your health is also suffering , then giving your boy his 'wings' as you hold him safely is the only alternative ..and it's good that you have included that option. Rehoming a dog with mental health problems is fraught with danger. Thinking of you ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest crazydoglady99 Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 (edited) Took me a while to figure out where I recognized your name.. Holy s**t balls Loba!! You're having an awful time. Have you found a solution to your NZ trip ? An anxious dog is probably making it extremely difficult for you There's been some good suggestions thus far. Adaptil collars are helpful too. Good luck, I hope you can find some relief for your fur boy and for you. Please please know that this is not your fault, or your doing. And if life is unbearably difficult for you and him trying to manage/overcome this - then sending him across the rainbow bridge is the kindest gift you can give. Big hugs x Edit for the typos Edited August 3, 2016 by crazydoglady99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 I am so glad you came looking for advice :) my thoughts are the same as many of the more experienced who have posted. keep your boy where he is less anxious and happy :) seek a specialist professional to help - same as you would if it was a human psychiatric problem :) Give medication a chance - anything which will lessen the anxiety will be such a relief ! IF all measures fail, and your health is also suffering , then giving your boy his 'wings' as you hold him safely is the only alternative ..and it's good that you have included that option. Rehoming a dog with mental health problems is fraught with danger. Thinking of you ... This. Excellent post Perse. I too second Animalovers suggestion - I found the adaptil spray used on dog beds very effective - in my case more so than the collars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loba Posted August 3, 2016 Author Share Posted August 3, 2016 I have to say a huge thank you to all who have posted here - in the past this forum has been on occasion rather judgemental but you have all been wonderful! I have booked a consult with a vet behaviourist and have also begun looking into acupuncture. These are really excellent and pro-active suggestions which we are very glad to be able to act on. As I have said he is just an incredible dog at home - absolutely lovely and doesnt put a foot wrong (well apart from couch snuggling with the cats to their disgust!) so it is absolutely worth trying everything we can to help him enjoy the outside world as much as possible. Thank you and yes I will keep you all posted! PS Animallover99 - please PM me - where do I know you from??? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skip Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Great advice already. I have an anxious dog and somehow found a group on face book called Anxious Dogs of Australia Support Group. These guys might be of use to you. Knowledgeable about vet behaviourists and medication etc. Hope you feel more confident soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Great advice already. I have an anxious dog and somehow found a group on face book called Anxious Dogs of Australia Support Group. These guys might be of use to you. Knowledgeable about vet behaviourists and medication etc. Hope you feel more confident soon Best group on Facebook! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katdogs Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Great advice already. I have an anxious dog and somehow found a group on face book called Anxious Dogs of Australia Support Group. These guys might be of use to you. Knowledgeable about vet behaviourists and medication etc. Hope you feel more confident soon Best group on Facebook! I don't seem to find it when I search FB. Can you please link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papillon Kisses Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 I will PM you. It's a secret group (hidden from searches) so you need to be added by an existing member. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katdogs Posted August 4, 2016 Share Posted August 4, 2016 Thanks PK, pm sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 It's a secret group (hidden from searches) so you need to be added by an existing member. That's a good idea. Helps to keep a clear focus in the group's activities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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