Today, my vet prescribed Xanax for my very anxious dog, because he keeps me awake all night whining and pacing. He slept soundly for about an hour, then woke up, threw up all over my carpet, and went right back to whining and pacing. FML
Grimmerie
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Hey everyone! Here's a bit more explanation.
Brodie, my little guy, is 13 years old. He's always been anxious but as he gets older it's gotten worse. His body is in great condition but his mind is definitely starting to go.
I take him out in the evenings for a long walk to let him get his exercise and also to let him check on his favourite spots in the neighbourhood. In addition to the xanax, he's on an anti-nauseant. I also restrict food about two hours before bedtime, and water half an hour before. He fixates on drinking and can make himself sick that way. Restricting prevents some issues.
He lives with my mom, and I usually dont live here, but I'm between apartments and taking care of Brodie while mom is in Australia. Her being away is definitely amping his anxiety.
My solution right now is to sleep in my bed until 6 am, when he gets anxious, and then we both go downstairs and I sleep another couple hours on the couch while he naps near the door. It's uncomfortable but that way he settles, and considering he's this old I don't mind indulging him.
I'm taking him back to the vet today to talk about more treatment options or adjusting his dose. Sorry for the novel, and thanks everyone for the suggestions!
I think my dog used to "feed" off of my anxiety because he became a nervous little guy too. I've started taking him for 2 daily walks, one 30 minute walk in the morning, and one 30 minute walk after dinner. I have noticed a huge improvement in his moods since I started that schedule, like your dog mine would whine and pace and constantly want to go outside and then come back inside. Sometimes he will whine and pace but nothing like he used to and he never bugs me to keep going out or coming inside.
Occasionally life happens (for example maybe I'm ill, or I have some school stuff [as a full time college student I constantly have school stuff] or studying, etc) so I have family take him. I've found that he really likes keeping to a schedule, even to where I can predict when he will eat or need to go potty. It's rare but if I can't get one of my brothers to take him I've even asked neighbors (one of which is studying to become a vet so she loves my little man!!)
My vet started him on an antidepressant temporarily and we took him off finally a few weeks ago (it caused him to gain about 8lbs in 16weeks) and so far I think he has been well adjusted and he was ready to come off.
Anyways good luck with your dog!! I hope you can find something to help him. Work closely with your vet, I'm sure there's a solution!!