| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 7:40:30 AM | Hello out there in POF : )
I got so much help about another animal related issue I figured I'd throw this one out there. One of my little dogs (Gabbi, a three and a half year old Maltese) is so high strung, hyperactive, almost manic. I sometimes call her "dog on crack."
She barks at anything and everything: every car that goes by, wind, rain, shadows, thunder...you name it. She does know commands. Sit, down, stay, even quiet, but she gets so nervous about things. When she's so hyped up she can't seem to follow the commands. I've realized I avoid inviting people over to my home because of some of her behavior. She also jumps on people alot. She is a Happy/excited when it comes to people, though. She is very friendly. I do exercise my dogs daily with walking or fetching...so it's not that. The other dog is half her age and calm.
I have done some reading about people putting their dogs on drugs like prozac,and am taking her to the vet for a visit for this. I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with dogs taking medications for anxiety/excitement.
Thanks :)
Coco
(Gabbi and Zoie, too) | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 9:27:41 AM | Funny, I am not one for taking pills myself, but my (very old) dog is now on two different daily meds.
One is an anti-inflammatory, seems to help with her stiff hips
One is an anti-depressant, seems to keep her calm, and settles the endless evening pacing.
I resisted medicating her for a very long time, but she is already past her life expectancy, and if popping a couple of pills will make her more comfortable, I"m all for it! | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 3:28:45 PM | | Vets do proscribe a prozac-like drug for highly anxious dogs. Sometimes a pet who is rescued will show such separation anxiety when sent to a new home that it will be prescribed for a time to help out. I rescued a dog who was on it for a time. Just discuss it with your vet. It is likely it would help your dog. | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 6:56:21 PM | I think drugs should be a last resort for an animal. I suggest you try to get in touch with a dog behaviourist and/or look it up on line and/or visit your local library and search for books on the subject.
Actaully I did a search for you....here is the link. It seems to have some good information.
http://www.barkingdogs.net/yourowndog.shtml
I would try this first if I had a dog. | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 7:33:02 PM | thanks so much for the replies all :)
nordic...i read some of the info and will read more. i have done some training with my dog and she is much better about not barking at herons, egrets, etc behind my house and when other dogs are barking outside. i have read/thought about the electronic collar training in the past, but would never do it without a trainer/ behaviorist showing me how to do it properly.
am gonna try the meds/but am most likely going to have a consult with a veterinarian/behavioral specialist....aka a psychiatrist for my doggie, too.
coco | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 8:06:45 PM | lol.. suddenly im wondering if giving the pooch a joint would work...  | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/5/2008 10:06:45 PM | Sounds to me like your Maltese is just, um, being a Maltese.
I'll reserve my editorial comments, but will ask about her diet.
If it has a high sugar/starch component, you might want to try something with more protein.
I know of two Maltese whose owner swears calmed down slightly when she fed them a higher protein kibble on the advice of her vet.
But again, everything you describe sounds like normal Maltese behavior. | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/6/2008 9:54:17 AM | loved the "joint" comment...tee hee..."we" including the dogs don't do anything illegal in our household as i work for a law enforcement agency:)
artful...good point!(thanks for reserving the "editorial" comments...i think)
i actually switched "little ms. hyper" back to a puppy food for the higher protein content, and keep protein percent in mind for treats/biscuits. and, also have to be careful because my other dog has a sensitive stomach.
sometimes i wonder if i'm being as careful with MY DIET(i know the answer...savethe editorial comments here please)
actually, the vet said my dog is more "hyperactive" than anxious...so the meds may,or may not work...
coco | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/6/2008 11:19:09 AM |
sometimes i wonder if i'm being as careful with MY DIET Ha - that makes two of us.
The comments reserved were primarily opinion, and probably not very contributive. I really only meant to pass the protein anecdote along.
Good luck...and give the little devil a scritch from the Great White North. | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/6/2008 11:23:42 AM | | its odd behavior for maltese to be so high strung, i raised 2 male and female from sep families, and all 30 pups that they bred together have been calm natured and very loving is their specialty, so i think a dog shrink would be helpful before pup prozac. | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/6/2008 8:13:04 PM | OP- Has your dog been fixed? I know for one of my males, the change in him was drastic after he got neutered. He was so hyper that sometimes he drove me crazy. Once he had his boys removed he was the calmest dog I've ever seen.
And about whitetigeress' comment on giving the pooch a joint....hmmmm....actually, it does work. If used in moderation.
~Welder's GIrl~ | |
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| Puppies on Prozac
Posted: 7/7/2008 8:13:05 AM | My 4 year old Lab is terrified of storms. We give her an herbal suppliment designed for dogs which helps with her anxiety. The brand is called "Homeopet" and you can get it at a pet store.
Good luck! | |
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