Dog psychology: my parents dog is nurotic, nice but nurotic. Anyone hear about therapy for dogs that works?

Question

Like hypnosis or medication (like Prozac or Zoloft)
or behavior modification
the dog whisperer

I'm half having fun with this question (i don't really believe they have medication for dogs like for humans)

But the dog is nurotic and could use some boost in her self image.

She's so submissive the cat rules our house

Answer 1

It is the parents that most likly need the therapy. It is the owners that cause the pets to become neurotic.
They do, however, prescribe Prozac for pets. Mostly dogs, but we are using it in our cat shelter for spraying females. Not showing a lot of promise, but it is worth a try. It has worked better for dogs in certain situations.

Answer 2

My nine pound cat can make my 100 pound doberman back away from food by staring at him. So just becasue the dog is submissvet to the cat does not mean much. Cats are very formidable creatures and can inflict great damage on dogs.
Mine has bloodied a few dogs noses and faces.
Yes they do prescribe some human meds like Prozac for dogs.
Most vets consider it a last resort type thing and would try training first but on some dogs it works well and makes them much better.

Answer 3

Yes, actually, they DO give dogs Prozac - and many other medicines they give humans, from antibiotics to heart medications. We are ALL mammals, remember.

If you are seriously looking to help this neurotic dog, we need more info: breed or mix, age, is she spayed ?, etc.

Answer 4

Actually they do now have dogie downers very similar to Prozac. There are also veterinary sociologists that specialize in animal behavioral problems........bring your check book thought these treatments are expensive!
Good Luck

Answer 5

Yes, there is hypnosis for dogs, medication for dogs, massages for dogs...

If she's *just* submissive that's not a problem, but I would take her to a behavioralist as your description of her activities is not adequate to make any sort of diagnosis.

Answer 6

The dog whisperer is awesome. read his book ,it could really help.