My dog is suddenly having panic attacks, multiple times a day. Panting, shaking, pacing, etc.

[pnwmom]

I think it might be separation anxiety. I'm still here, but my husband is recovering from surgery, and is sleeping and napping in a room without the dogs. (He's not supposed to lift anything over 10 pounds, or bend or twist his back.) The anxious dog is calmer when my husband's present. They are both accustomed to long daily bike rides with him. I managed to hurt my knee a few weeks before my husband's hospitalization, so I'm not a decent substitute.

The anxious dog is 6 and a half, and just had a check up a month ago -- so I don't think it's something physical but can't be sure.

Our adult sons have been hiking with them on the weekend, and the dogs also had a good walk on Wednesday with one of our sons. I'm making arrangements for dog walking on other days of the week, that I hope will help calm the anxious one.

Has anyone else had a dog freak out when a dog-parent was hospitalized and is convalescing? I've tried doggie melatonin and doggie hemp and they don't seem to do much.

[CountAllVotes]

1. Rescue Remedy for pets

Maybe this is worth a try?

I know I used it around here with my cats at one point in time. The reason turned out to be a medical one, not an anxiety issue however.

I wish you the best and hope that your husband recovers soon!

Take care!!

[pnwmom]

2. Thank you! I'll check it out. nt

[SheltieLover]

3. Rescue Remedy is great stuff!

[SheltieLover]

4. If Rescue Remedy doesn't work, try a Thunder Shirt

Works much like a cattle press to calm the autonomic nervois system of autistic person who is agitated.

You can achieve the same effect by hugging dog to you & gently, but firmly pressing on dog's sides. It works to calm them.

But be careful because if the dog is in pain, this could case her or him to snap with pressure applied.

Benadryl can also be used to calm anxious dogs. Not sure of dosage though.

I sure hope your knee & hubby's surgical recovery is quick.

Has the dog demonstrated lack of appetite or other symptoms while out on walks.

[pnwmom]

5. Yeah, he's wearing a Thundershirt. I keep putting it on him but it doesn't seem to do much.

With a storm, I can anticipate the event and get it on him before he freaks out. And he calms down when the storm is over. This is less predictable.

His appetite isn't great. If he's stressing out he's not interested in treats, which is not like him. But he seems to enjoy walks as much as ever.

[SheltieLover]

6. Can you get dog to the vet?

I know you'd said dog had xheck up a month ago, but I don't think this is normal.

Vet rxd transdermal antidepressant for my cat a couple of years ago. I just to rub on ear, alternating sides daily.

Maybe something is hurting?

[pnwmom]

7. One problem is that just being at the vet makes him very anxious, like most dogs, probably.

I have felt around on his abdomen and nothing seems to be bothering him. His ears look okay.

But I'll get him to a vet if he doesn't get over this soon.

[SheltieLover]

13. Could you take dog into hubby's room on a leash

So dog can see that his other pack member is ok?

Or put a baby gate up in doorway so dog can see him & talk to him?

If so, maybe try this when dog is anxious & see if that calms the dog?

But Rescue Remedy really is great stuff. It works on an emotional level.

All rescue organizations that I know of use it & holistic vets & health food stores (as well as online stores) sell it.

Not sure where you are located, but here is the find a holistic vet for the UDA link:

https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/

Just in case you have problems finding the Rescue Remedy. Both Whole Foods & Sprouts (holistic grocery) sell it.

Please let us know how pupper is doing? Poor thing.

[pnwmom]

17. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, our doggie does get to spend time with my husband.

He just can't understand why at certain times the doors are shut and he's not allowed to be near him.

I will try that Rescue Remedy. Thanks for the rec!

[MFM008]

8. i feel the same way as your dog....

[cate94]

9. Take the dog back to the vet

At the recent vet visit did this dog have any vaccinations? If so, check the color of your dogs gums. If the gums are very pale, it may be a medical emergency. There is a very serious condition that can be triggered by vaccinations. Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. My dog had this and, thankfully, is in remission. I hope your dog is just anxious.

[SheltieLover]

14. Sounds like bloodwork might be a good idea.

How did they treat this condition?

So glad your beloved companion is ok!

[pnwmom]

20. Yes, he did have shots. I will definitely check his gums Thanks! nt

[OneBro]

10. Try lining their bed with his unwashed shirt.

Get a couple of hubby’s unwashed shirts and put them on the dog’s bed. Having his scent nearby may calm them.

[Dr. Shepper]

11. I know the wait times are long these days

But perhaps make an appointment with your veterinarian? First need to rule out medical.

I’ve had an anxious dog before. We tried lots of exercise and many behavioral modifications per a certified animal behaviorist before we finally put her on Prozac. It took the edge off. She was never fully a normal dog (she was a border collie taken from her mother too early and had other behavioral issues) but it did help a little with the anxiety.

Disclosure - I’m a veterinarian, though not a clinical one.

[Irish_Dem]

12. My dog had some of these symptoms and turned out to have a severe thyroid problem.

She is now on medication and is fine.

I recommend that your dog see the vet, there are other medical problems that can cause these symptoms.

[Ziggysmom]

15. Had a cat with hyperthyroidism act the same way. Is common as they get older. Glad your

pupper is ok now.

[pnwmom]

18. Okay, thanks for the tip. That does sound important to check out! n/t

[Irish_Dem]

21. She went right back to normal with meds.

Every now and then she still spins in a circle and paces, but she is fine.

[Karadeniz]

16. Can you get someone to exercise doggy...ride the bike instead of hubby?

[pnwmom]

19. Yes, I've found a couple volunteers, I think. We'll see how it goes!

[japple]

22. Can you get your vet to prescribe Gabapentin? It will really calm him down, but won't

knock him out or make him dopey. It will make his trip to the vet much easier. I have to do that with one of my cats who can be quite fractious, esp. with strangers. It has made getting her crated and into the vet much less of an ordeal for both of us, and the vet, vet staff really appreciate having a more manageable cat.

[pnwmom]

23. I will find out. Thanks. n/t