need pet advice, quick

[left is right]

I have a standard size dachshund with reoccurring back/hip problems. Tonight he is in real pain. I have already given him an aspirin. That usually helps, but not tonight. He is restless and panting hard, with a rapid heart beat, slightly feverish. These are all common symptoms for him when the pain level is high. I'm convinced that if I could just get him to sleep for awhile, we can make it through the night and I'll take him to the vets tomorrow. Can anyone think of something I might have in the house that will help him sleep for awhile or at the very least calm the heavy panting? And no I don't have a beer or any liquor in the house.

[In_The_Wind]

1. Do you have any Chamomile Tea without caffeine.

Make a very strong 1/2 cup, sweeten it with honey and offer some to him - for a calming effect ...

[left is right]

3. got green tea and "sleepytime"

[In_The_Wind]

5. try the sleepytime ...

again very strong - you want the calming effect without filling the bladder ...

Do you have anything with the fragrance of lavender - smelling that will also act to sooth and sedate him .

[SOteric]

2. How about a heating pad?

[left is right]

4. he will cry, I have tried that before and he hated it.

[AirmensMom]

6. Call the emergency vet.

They'll talk to you without having you bring him in, unless they think it's a real emergency. We had an emergency with our cat once and they were wonderful -- never did have to take him in, but they talked me through it and told me what to do.

[flvegan]

9. Ditto. This is your answer.

As it could also be something else altogether...

[AirmensMom]

10. She seems to have left.

I hope she's talking to the emergency vet.

[China_cat]

7. A half aspirin given to my mini

when she was in pain from her back, triggered a stroke that killed her. Please find an emergency vet.

[philosophie_en_rose]

8. Give him something soft to sleep on.

A big pillow or a big fluffy comforter. We bought a "sample-size" mattress from an outlet for our older dog. It helps a lot.

Speak softly and calmly. Don't do anything to excite him or to make him feel like he needs to help you. Pet him calmly and stay near him, so that he doesn't panic or feel alone.

Turn up the heat in the house, but don't smother him with anything. If he's uncomfortable, he might try to move and that might hurt more.

Most of all, call an emergency vet. If he's just feeling old, it's one thing. However, the vet might be able to tell you what else can be done for him.

I hope your puppy is okay. Dachshunds have a tendency for back/hip problems and also for gaining weight. Anything that relieves tension on his back and legs will help him.

[rustydog]

11. Our dachshund had similar symptoms last month

add vomiting to the mix and you have our dog. He constantly shifted position, whining and panting heavily.
We took him to a pet ER and they kept him over night. He was seriously dehydrated (has ready supply of water) and could not keep food down. after he was rehydrated, he bounced back within 24 hours.

I would call the vet.

[bluedawg12]

12. I hope your vet calls back, please let us know.

http://www.noahswish.org/

[KitchenWitch]

13. If your kids have asthma, you may have some liquid prednisone

That will help with the inflammation.

[left is right]

14. Thank you all

We did take him to the emergency clinic. He got a shot and some pills and he is resting quietly. We got the standard lecture about not letting him jump down from furniture or climb stairs. The pain episodes come on 3 or 4 times a year. We always take him to his vet, but I have never seen an episode come on so quickly or so severe in scope. I usually see the symptoms early enough that we can make plans to take him to the vets before it gets bad.

As an aside, I am always amazed at the care and concern that you lovely people extend to everyone on these boards. You express joy over births and new jobs; and empathy for those who are confronted by sorrows. Freepers have no clue about this kind of humanity

[AirmensMom]

15. I'm really glad you took him to emergency and they helped him.

:hug:

[Patiod]

16. Hope he's okay

That's the downside of loving those crazy little weiner dogs - the propensity for back problems.

"Don't let them jump" - yeah, that's easier said then done!

[xchrom]

17. excellent news.