Showing agression

[Gew]

We adopted our dog in December. He is 12 years old and his most recent owner died leaving him alone with him until found several days later. The man had had him a year. Then one week after we got him he needed emergency bladder surgery which he came through beautifully. So, he has had a hard time.

He has separation anxiety as you would guess. He also has general anxiety. He has calmed down quite a bit,but will startle and he lunges out at us or one of the other Yorkies. We got him "chill pills" for times we need to leave him, or when any situation arises that we feel might upset him. They do take his edge off. The vet says to use them up to twice a day, if needed.

He nipped me two weeks ago and I was hospitalized for five days. Today he lunged but didn't break skin. Not sure what to do. He hasn't hurt the other dogs but he has definitely has snarled and lunged. He is six pounds, the other two are seven and eight. Iit happens if he gets startled or one of the other dogs bump him, or if he feels threatened. He nipped me because I had a brush in my hand, while sitting on the floor, brushing another of the dogs. Not sure what he was thinking. He is somewhat unpredictable. Maybe he should have pills every day or different pills.

On the other hand, he is very obedient. He comes when called, He sits, downs, stays, stops barking, and is perfectly house-broken. He is very cuddly and loveable most of the time.

Any ideas? I am at a loss.

Gew

[Lovetodream88]

Has he had a health check? Could he have trouble seeing or hearing because that can cause those issues. I would think something taken daily for anxiety might help. Sometimes a behavioralist coming in and seeing it happen can help in finding out the problem and fixing it.

[chattiesmom]

It is so sad that this little one had such a hard time. Thank you for caring enough to give him a home and a chance to be happy in his senior years.

At 12 he is a senior. He could be dealing with any number of health issues, generalized pain, hearing loss, weakened eyesight, etc. If he was an only dog for a long period of time, that along with being a "grumpy old man" he may just need some time and space to adapt. You mentioned about the gallbladder surgery, which was an emergency. If he hasn't had a complete "well dog" checkup it would be a good starting place so that you know exactly where this senior is health wise.

[Gew]

Those are great thoughts. He definitely hears because he comes as soon as he is called. He plays a fetch game that would indicate he can see. Three objects are scattered in the family room: purple circle, blue fish, and pink lady. When told to "Bring blue fish,". He gets the right toy immediately every time.

The vet told us when we said he was so anxious gave us his chill pill for times he needed it. It is trazadone. He explained it was the mildest of three meds and had the least side effects. It has helped, but not wanting to overmedicate him we only give it two hours before events we believe will be stressful. The problems have all been unexpected.

Honestly, he is not mean and ugly. On the other hand, he cannot injure us or the other dogs. This happens only very occasionally, but it is serious when it does.

Guess it is back to the vets again.

Thanks,
Gew

[Gew]

He had a well puppy check up that when our vet saw the blood results ordered an ultrasound. That was followed by a radiograph that showed a "string of pearls" with small ones entering the urethra. He was seen a few weeks after the surgery and then again in March at which time the trasadone was prescribed.

His repeat bloodwork and exam at that time showed him to be good.

He is a grumpy old man, I guess, which is fine if he doesn't bite.

He has been through so much. However, we probably need to give the meds regularly if our vet agrees. It can't be comfortable being so anxious. I want to use as little meds as possible to preserve his good health. Other than using a special food for discouraging bladder stones, he is very robust.

Thanks.

Gew

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by Gew

Those are great thoughts. He definitely hears because he comes as soon as he is called. He plays a fetch game that would indicate he can see. Three objects are scattered in the family room: purple circle, blue fish, and pink lady. When told to "Bring blue fish,". He gets the right toy immediately every time.

The vet told us when we said he was so anxious gave us his chill pill for times he needed it. It is trazadone. He explained it was the mildest of three meds and had the least side effects. It has helped, but not wanting to overmedicate him we only give it two hours before events we believe will be stressful. The problems have all been unexpected.

Honestly, he is not mean and ugly. On the other hand, he cannot injure us or the other dogs. This happens only very occasionally, but it is serious when it does.

Guess it is back to the vets again.

Thanks,
Gew

This little guy is so lucky to have some as conscientious as you in his life. Sounds like you have a good handle on the problems and have his health care professionals involved. Wishing you the best of luck!

[yorkiemini]

It would seem thatnsith the degree of anxiety he has, for whatever reasons, he needs to be more consistently medicated. Trazodone works well for some pups, but he may need it more often, and there are also other safe meds as well.

Don't want you spending any more days in the hospital for a "nip" And could,help,huis life be more peaceful too.

Keep,us posted on how he is doing.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Gew

Those are great thoughts. He definitely hears because he comes as soon as he is called. He plays a fetch game that would indicate he can see. Three objects are scattered in the family room: purple circle, blue fish, and pink lady. When told to "Bring blue fish,". He gets the right toy immediately every time.

The vet told us when we said he was so anxious gave us his chill pill for times he needed it. It is trazadone. He explained it was the mildest of three meds and had the least side effects. It has helped, but not wanting to overmedicate him we only give it two hours before events we believe will be stressful. The problems have all been unexpected.

Honestly, he is not mean and ugly. On the other hand, he cannot injure us or the other dogs. This happens only very occasionally, but it is serious when it does.

Guess it is back to the vets again.

Thanks,
Gew

Originally Posted by Gew

He had a well puppy check up that when our vet saw the blood results ordered an ultrasound. That was followed by a radiograph that showed a "string of pearls" with small ones entering the urethra. He was seen a few weeks after the surgery and then again in March at which time the trasadone was prescribed.

His repeat bloodwork and exam at that time showed him to be good.

He is a grumpy old man, I guess, which is fine if he doesn't bite.

He has been through so much. However, we probably need to give the meds regularly if our vet agrees. It can't be comfortable being so anxious. I want to use as little meds as possible to preserve his good health. Other than using a special food for discouraging bladder stones, he is very robust.

Thanks.

Gew

It sounds like you are taking really great care of him. Callie was having anxiety for some reason at night a few years ago and it was really bad. Our vet put her on Prozac for about three months and when things seemed to be a lot better we weened her off of them.

[Gew]

Thanks. The vet said that Trasadone is the mildest, so we have been using it. How did your girl act on Prosac? We may have to go on to the next level of meds.
Thanks.
Gew

[Wylie's Mom]

To me, something doesn't sound right here.

I can't help but wonder if either he is in pain or if his hearing is going (making him startle and be scared) or he is experiencing some dementia.

I would have a full range of motion etc physical exam to check for any pain. Have an ear exam. And I would put him on Anipryl for possible dementia.

[Gew]

I will make another appointment for Spenser. I know he hears well. he can fear and differentiate between our car and another coming into the cul-de-sac from the family room at the back of our home. He comes instantly from anywhere in the house when called. However, there has to be an explanation. I appreciate all the things I should consider.

If anyone has had to medicate for extreme anxiety, could you please share the name/s of those that have proven to be safe in use for your dog. I , of course, will go to the vet, but I would really like real-life experience. Trasadone does help, but we would have to give it every day, and the vet said it should Be used for stressful situations. For my poor Spenser, life is stressful.

Any input is appreciated.

Gew

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Gew

Thanks. The vet said that Trasadone is the mildest, so we have been using it. How did your girl act on Prosac? We may have to go on to the next level of meds.
Thanks.
Gew

She did very well on it and it helped. I gave it at night to make sure it didn’t tire her out during the day.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Gew

I will make another appointment for Spenser. I know he hears well. he can fear and differentiate between our car and another coming into the cul-de-sac from the family room at the back of our home. He comes instantly from anywhere in the house when called. However, there has to be an explanation. I appreciate all the things I should consider.

If anyone has had to medicate for extreme anxiety, could you please share the name/s of those that have proven to be safe in use for your dog. I , of course, will go to the vet, but I would really like real-life experience. Trasadone does help, but we would have to give it every day, and the vet said it should Be used for stressful situations. For my poor Spenser, life is stressful.

Any input is appreciated.

Gew

Could still be early dementia though vs. anxiety - and for that Anipryl would be more appropriate than an antixiolytic.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

To me, something doesn't sound right here.

I can't help but wonder if either he is in pain or if his hearing is going (making him startle and be scared) or he is experiencing some dementia.

I would have a full range of motion etc physical exam to check for any pain. Have an ear exam. And I would put him on Anipryl for possible dementia.

I agree 100%. Pain and/or hearing problems. I know you said he is responsive to verbal communication, but he may be getting clues about your spoken words via your body language.

[Atlas Kronos]

My moms pappillon/mini pinscher mix had agressive tendencies, the vet put her on a daily dose of puppy prozac and she is so much better. Maybe a daily would be better than treating the behavior afterwards.