We have a German Shepherd who goes nuts when it storms. She hypervenolates, whines, and just cannot calm down. I heard some guys on the radio this weekend talking about some meds they got for their dogs from the vet for just such a thing. I always thought this would be an expensive option, but they made it sound pretty cheap. Has anyone used anthing liek this for your dog, and do you know the anem of the medication?
Thanks!
Yes, I used the Doggie Prozac on a dog I rescued. It really helped with his anxiety. It was several years ago when I used it, so I don't remember the price, but it wasn't too high (I remember the pricey ones!). Once you get a presciption, you can always try something like 1800-PetMeds to try to get a good price on it. You should definitely talk to your vet about it.
A story about Prozac for dogs (the dog formula is called Reconcile) was on NBC news recently. They say it really helps for separation anxiety, thunderstorm anxiety, and loud noise anxiety for dogs (meant to be used along with a positive behavior modification plan). Reconcile comes in beef-flavored chewables, but they said dogs can take the generic human form as well (which is much cheaper).
Good luck!
I actually bought some pills from our vet last week. The cost was $7.00 I was excited to find that out.
The vet said to give our dog (pit bull) 2 pills and I only gave her one. It worked! She layed on her bed and acted drunk/sleepy during the storm. I am so thankful I have the meds now. Its basically a tranquilizer. It doesn't hurt them at all.
Deanna
Our shepard growing up hated thunderstorms and fire works. She'd go crazy every time and my father would have to give her a human tranquilizer (miltown if I remember) that he kept on hand for such things.
From what I understand now, it's a genetic thing and, if bad enough, needs occaisional meds. We'd only give her the stuff when there was a storm so it's not like Prozac where you have to take it every day. Ask your vet to recommend something. Chances are, it will be pretty cheap when you consider you'd only use it a few times a year.
We have used a med for our dog on Halloween each year because the noise bothers her. But try Benadryl, it makes them sleepy. It's cheaper and if it doesn't work then you can move up to the other meds. I can't recall the name, but it really isn't that expensive.
You'll have to ask your vet how many Benadryl you can give your dog at one time, but we give our 85 pound dog, 2 tablets in a peanut butter sandwhich (one half).
OMG!! My Jack Russell Terrier is totally neurotic when it comes to Thunderstorms!!! It was just terrible dealing with him.
We use ACE TABS, but since you are dealing with a German Shepherd, it might be more expenise than giving meds to a 18 pound dog. It has worked out for us tremendously!! However, you do need to give the meds one hour before a storm. Once he is overly anxious the meds will not work.
Good Luck!
