i need help big time?

Question

i have a cross wolfhound/collie shes 12 yrs old ,shes a nervous wreck,having been in a house fire 3 yrs ago ,shes very insular ,wont always go out ,cant get her to the vet ,cant get her in the car or if she does go in she soils it big time ,her claws are really long and needing seen to but she wont let me near them ,she would bite out of fear ,i cant even get a mussle on her shes a very lovable animal and just wants to be left alone ,and cuddled when she wants it etc i respect that ,so does our other dog has anyone any idea as to how i can cut those claws please they are hurting her

Answer 1

Give her Chamomile tea, to help her relax and calm down.
Chamomile tea works very well, and is safe for her. Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 teaspoon for small breed, up to 1 tablespoon for a large breed. Mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, and give about 30 minutes before she needs to relax. It will keep her happy, but reduce stress. It can be given as needed.

Give the chamomile one day, and see just how much she relaxes, and handle her feet for a few minutes to see if it has reduced stress enough..then you will know the following day how well it worked...so you can do her nails..or get her in the car.

If your grocer doesn't carry chamomlile, you can use 'Sleepytime Tea' as it is the same,but with added herbs. Plain chamomile tastes better to a dog.

Or, if you prefer, your vet will likely send you home a pill (acepromazine) togive her 30 minutes before bring her in..I know all of my vets have done that..It makes them kinda drunk, but calm enough to travel.

Answer 2

I agree that some form of sedation and a professional person is the best way to deal with the nail clipping problem.

As to all her other problems I would suggest your using the Bach flower essence combination called Rescue Remedy. People use the Bach essences to promote emotional balance in themselves. They are also very effective with animals. Try it for about ten days, shaking the bottle well and putting three to four drops on her fur. Since dogs are such great water drinkers put many drops in her water dish as well. It will have no effect on the other dogs and use the application on her fur so that you can be sure she is getting "treatment". Do the direct application three to four times a day for about a ten-day period. Be patient and diligent, it should help her make some changes.

After using that I would suggest you switch to the remedy Mimulus which is the fear remedy. Fear of known things. She has buried her trauma and fears regarding the house fire deep in her body. I'd be inclined to use a whole bottle of that for her as her fear is of a somewhat long standing.

You are talking about $18 here for the bottle of RR. Another bottle, the Mimulus, brings the total to $36. That's very inexpensive relative to vet visits or a long-term drug regimen. It is worth the investment in $$ and worth your time to treat your poor doggie.

Hope this is successful for you and that your dog can begin to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Do try it, you both deserve it.

Answer 3

This dogs life is a misery, and has been for 3 years. Her behaviour can no longer be blamed on the house fire, dogs memories last about 2 years; she has now learned to be this way.
This dog desperately needs help. Please see a behavioural trainer. Some specialise in working with nervous dogs.
There is a combination drug therapy you can use to treat her nerves. Two minute doses of different sedatives work to combat nerves but without having any sedative effect. She won't be dopey, just calmer.
Ask your vet if there is a behavioural trainer attatched to the practice. Most places work with one now.
As for her claws, the vet would just sedate her to cut them. If you had contacted the vet they would have explained that. How do you treat her for worms and fleas, and how do you have her vaccinated?

Here is the address for The Association of Pat Behaviour Counsellors. Please contact them to find your nearest trainer if your vets practice doesn't have onw. Don't leave it any longer.

Answer 4

Go to the vet and explain the problem. They will want to know her approximate weight, and they will be able to give you something to sedate the dog to enable you to bring her in.
You just tuck it into a piece of hotdog and she will take it without knowing it.

You will want to take the muzzle with you so that when the medication wears off, and you are taking her home, you will not endanger yourself. But you are right, the nails do have to be trimmed, they can cause all kinds of problems.

Perhaps after you get her back home and she discovers she is no worse for the wear, she will calm down a little more.

Answer 5

Ask your vet for the best advice. Maybe he or she can get you some mild sedatives to take home. And when you do get your dog to calm down, make sure you take her to the vet to give those nails a trim. It's a much more professional team to have around just in case something does go wrong.

Answer 6

Does the vet do house calls? He might be able to give her an injection to relax her enough to do the claws.

Answer 7

My advise is to get meds for her before going to the vet. I have to medicate my bichon before she is clipped. She is on a happy drunk the rest of the day, but the clipping does not bother her any longer. Wagging tail and wet kisses is her thing then.

Answer 8

You could give her anatural sedative and try when she's calm..Bach Bloesem is good. However..Its sold over here by the name of Rescue drops.Otherwise you need to go to a practioner ( who will assess the dog) and have specialist drops made. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

hate to say this but u'll probably need to call the vet at the house, get her to sleep with medication, cut her claws, do the vacines and all the needed stuff, 'cause it doesn't seem there's another way to help her.

Answer 10

I presume you have a regular vet, if not you need one. You could call him and ask for some tranquil pills. You could pick them up and hide them in her food. Also, we have a mobile vet service here and maybe if you check you have one there. Good luck.