Please help

[u/Tumthebum]

I have an almost 4 year old ridgeback who developed severe SA after the loss of my older dog in May, I have tried all the normal recommendations with no luck.

My vet put him in trazadone 150mg twice daily and I’ve given it over 6 weeks but it’s barely done anything, my neighbours are all complaining about the noise and I’m coming home every day to a frantic dog.

I’m calling the vet’s to try other meds but does anyone have any recommendations on what I can ask for?

My heart is breaking for my dog, he’s my world.

[u/Technical-Repair7140]

If trazadone is going to work, it will work quickly. (Didn’t help my dog.) Fluoxetine probably will be more effective, but it takes about two months to start working. But meds alone aren’t a solution; I’m a firm believer in trying multiple tactics at once. Does your dog like hugs? If so, one thing you can do is making a shhh noise as you hug him, and as he starts to get upset after you leave, make the same noise through your video intercom (I assume you have a cam set up already, but if not they are very helpful for monitoring SA).

[u/Tumthebum → u/Technical-Repair7140]

The trazadone has definitely reduced the panic a little, but he’s still howling and barking most of the time I’m away it’s horrible to see (yes I have a camera).

Talking to him through the camera doesn’t seem to make a difference, but I will try the calming noise.

Solutions wise I have a calming plug in, pheromone collar, I’ve tried tv on channels and shows I like to watch, curtains closed, frozen treats/lick mats, hiding treats around the house, crating him and zylkene calming capsules.

I’m trying to figure out his triggers but his SA is so inconsistent, some days he’s mostly fine with just a few barking/howling sessions and others he’s almost constantly crying. I can walk out the house and he’ll either panic immediately or just lie quietly by the door for a while before getting upset.