We went to Dr Lore Haug with our little guy, Nash, for years to try to get him more comfortable with his anxiety. There are very few board certified Veterinary Behaviorists around; only 5 in Texas, and 1 in the Houston area. She tried Nash on several different drugs, different drug combinations and different strengths of drugs. She always instructed us to use the medications in conjunction with the PACE protocol, obedience training and a 95% Rule. The 95% rule is to never ask your dog to do something or put your dog in a situation unless you are at least 95% sure he will react in a desirable manner! She never used Xanax. The combination of drugs that worked best for Nash were Fluoxetine & Trazodone. Nash continues to have issues with storms and loud noises and Dr Haug believes these will never resolve. They may lessen as he ages and his hearing gets worse. His separation anxiety has gotten better, but I believe that has been a trust issue. He knows that I will come back and he is comfortable at home with my 2 other pups. He still has body handling issues, but even these are better. I believe if I worked with him more consistently, this may also get better. We don't know what happened to Nash - whether it was abuse, neglect or he had just gotten lost and hurt' no one is sure. He came to us with his front leg so mangled it had to be amputated. The first few months with me, he was timid and shy. As he became more comfortable, he began to "guard" and had the most severe separation anxiety I've ever encountered. Nash is better today, but will never be "well". Nash has been with me now for 5 1/2 years and is no longer on any medications. We have learned to look for his "cues" when something makes him uncomfortable or scared, and we all have a healthy respect for this and give him his space. I've learned that I can't fix Nash - only make him more comfortable when possible, and accept and love him - good & bad! |