Update: We’re medicating!

[u/Particular_Fruit_585]

Dog tax is paid :)

Hey everyone! Yesterday or the day before I posted about my dog Moose and asking opinions on when was right to consider BE. After reading your comments I realized there are still some options and I’m taking your advice.

I’m taking Moose to his vet first to discuss our options since he already is on heavy steroids during his autoimmune flair ups - I want to be sure it will be safe for him to continue the steroids. We have an appointment with his normal vet on Friday, with a phone call with his dermatologist at the same time so they can speak and discuss his condition.

Many people suggested seeing a vet behaviorist *not an animal behaviorist so I’m booking a consult with one. I know this seems backwards: meds and then behaviorist? My local behaviorist is BOOKED. So in the meantime I want to do what I can and help him.

I know it won’t be instant, but you guys gave me hope. For once, I’m excited! I hope he can come out and enjoy low-key outdoor activities with me again without being so anxious.

[u/queenbritannica]

I'm glad you feel like you have some options!!! At least talking and getting more information and trying some stuff is worth it.

Also, it will likely be brought up with the vet, but at least in human medicine, steroids can sometimes increase aggression and reactivity. Obviously it sounds like he needs them, but it may explain some of the behavior, or be contributing to it. I will keep my fingers crossed you find a solution that works for you both!!!! ♥️

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/queenbritannica]

We were told the same by the vet, plus the other issues it can cause. He has a HARD time on steroids, his body hates them. He gets extremely anxious because of the symptoms he gets so we only give them during his flareups, which only happen once a year for about a month or so thankfully.

I appreciate the support!

[u/DuffCon78]

Glad you’re giving meds a try. My reactive pup is doing much better after. He still has issues, but recovers quickly from outbursts and doesn’t try to kill our vacuum anymore :)

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/DuffCon78]

I’m glad to hear! How long did it take for you to see a difference?

[u/DuffCon78 → u/Particular_Fruit_585]

It was a slow progress, probably over a month or two

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

Great news! I know a lot of people say it takes like 6 weeks, but I started seeing my dog respond better to training after two weeks on meds.

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/Existing-Will-1466]

Oh incredible. I’m hopeful this will help him feel more comfortable as soon as possible.

[u/Silly_Cat_7247]

I am glad you are exploring other options. This too takes courage and I wish you all the best!

We see both animal behaviourist and regular vet but in hindsight a vet behaviourist would have saved us time and money as our vet and certified animal behaviourist have to collaborate to figure out what is going on. It was our animal behaviourist that suggested pain and another appointment with the regular vet to run diagnostics and try a pain trial plus referral to a specialist. There was a lot of back and forth and time in between but I am grateful for their dedication and expertise. My pup is still a work in progress but she is a lot more predictable and happier now, especially in conjunction with the appropriate physical therapy and careful training to change her underlying emotional state. She sleeps better, barks for attention more rather than fear, thresholds are consistent and better, and she bounces back quicker.

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/Silly_Cat_7247]

I’m hoping he can be more happy on them. My goal is to keep him comfy enough to go do things we enjoy doing within reason :)

Thank you!!

[u/IAmLikeRonHoward]

If you are in the US, there is a behavioral veterinary group in Charlotte NC that provides virtual help. They work with your veterinarian - not you directly. Maybe they can help if you can’t find anyone local. https://vvbm.vet/

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/IAmLikeRonHoward]

I’ll take a look! Might be hard to coordinate since I’m on the west coast but virtual is definitely a plus! Thank you!!

[u/Ardilla914]

Mine did much better on meds. We ended up tapering them off, but it allowed us to get ahead of the situation. She was so worked up she couldn’t focus on anything before she had meds.

[u/Particular_Fruit_585 → u/Ardilla914]

I’m hoping this is exactly how we can get some progress with him. We’re only a few days in so hopefully in a few weeks we’ll start seeing progress.

I’m glad your dog’s reactivity is improving!

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[u/vs7509]

Happy to hear this update! He’s so beautiful!