| Author: Jeff K. |
A few weeks ago we introduced you to Wrigley “Rigs”, a rescued Springer Spaniel with a frustrating oral habit.
Welcome back. In the previous post I shared the results of tracking Wrigley’s behavior over a five-day period. It painted a very clear picture of the driven, compulsive, behavior that has been challenging me as an owner and no doubt troubling Rigs as well.
After sharing the results with our internal veterinarian staff and discussing the steps I’ve taken at home to help Rigs curb these behaviors, it was suggested that I try an anti-anxiety medication such as Fluoxetine.
I generally don’t turn to medications when it comes to my own personal health if there are other changes that can be made to correct a problem or ailment and I treat my pets’ health the same way. In the case of behavioral issues, although I question the use of medications, I do recognize that there are positive results when medications are used in appropriate, planned, and monitored applications. So the decision was made to start Rigs on a daily dose of Fluoxetine.
BEFORE beginning, I made a visit to my local vet for some standard blood work. For one reason, to eliminate the potential of Rigs’ drive for ingesting rocks and dirt being caused by iron-deficiency anemia. Also, it is recommended that a baseline be established before starting any pet on medications to monitor side effects that may negatively affect certain organ functions. In the case of Rigs, his blood work came back normal.
Rigs is now entering his third week on the medication. I have continued to keep him on the same consistent, daily, routines that I outlined in the last post. The “occurrences” that were measured in times per day have now been reduced to how many days between occurrences! The most positive change (particularly for his health) has been in the amount of ingested foreign materials. Prior to the medication, he had ingested 12 objects over a five-day period. Over the past ten days, he has only ingested three; none of which has been rocks. He has also completely stopped digging for and ingesting feces containing previously ingested foreign material.
His activity level has stayed the same. He is still as willing and eager to play interactively as well as on his own. He has stopped charging his food bowl when meals are given and eats leisurely (a reduced appetite can be a side-effect) but has not lost any weight. He does still motion to go outside frequently, but is content to sit and watch the activity in the woods around him and vocally communicate with other dogs off in the distance. His nail biting has not completely stopped but he tends to lick his feet (not with the same frequency) now instead of biting his nails.
My goal is to keep Rigs on the medication while still utilizing consistent training AND discipline, with the hopes of weaning him off the medication as he begins to settle into his less stressful home environment. Previous experience with rescued animals is preparing me for a 2-3 year “correction” period.
Related Posts:
- Pharmacy Spotlight on Reconcile™ (Fluoxetine): A Success story of one dog used the medication successfully.
- Dog Separation Anxiety Conquered!
- Dog Behavior Problems
- Got a Stressed Dog? Try These Tips!
About the author: Jeff K. is the Video Studio Director for Drs. Foster and Smith.
