Is there something that can help dogs that seem anxious or nervous?

Question

My mother-in-law's dog is over 16 years old(a pekingnese) and lately she has had multiple problems such as seeming nervous and/or anxious and not being able to relax. She has had skin problems her whole life and has received certain medication on and off for that plus cortizone shots.
I love dogs but not especially this one. I can't help but feel sorry for the dog because she seems to be suffering from this apparent anxiety/nervousness that she never had before. Isn't there anything that can be done? I am not crazy about suggestions such as drugging her up with more medication. Any ideas? And only answers from people who care about dogs, not from moronic people.

we do believe she has some hearing and vision problems... what is a work-up?

Answer 1

She is an older dog and the truth is, when dogs get old they get uncomfortable. There's stiffness and joint trouble, muscle loss and muscle aches. They just don't feel as great as they did when they were younger.

My old boy doesn't nap as long as he used to. He'll just get up all of a sudden. It's odd but I've seen it before with another senior dog I used to know. They start to get boney with age, which means less padding when they lay down, which means trouble getting relaxed and cozy.

And yes, there more than likely is hearing and vision loss. That would make anyone (man or beast !) anxious, don't you agree? :-)

The effects of getting older are probably a little disturbing to her. It's important that she gets a full senior dog check up 2x a year with a complete blood work up.

Bless your heart for your concern for the little old gal!

**full blood panel/test. They need to check levels and all that sort of fun stuff. Very important when a dog ages.

Answer 2

Changes in a dog's behavior are usually a signal to go to the vet. Changing a dog's diet can help with skin issues. Long term use of cortizone can have affects on a dog's behavior as well.

You could try some over the counter types of products like Rescue Remedy to help the dog out. It's not a cure but might provide some relief. No one that cares about their dog 'wants' to put them on drugs, but if the dog is suffering and medications can provide it some relief, I think it's worth at least talking to a vet about.

www.fearfuldogs.com

Answer 3

its possible she is having vision or hearing loss, which can make any dog nervous or uncertain. have those tested.
it could also be an illness such as a thyroid condition, that is making her behavior change.

she needs to have a COMPLETE work-up by a vet. most likely, there will be something to attribute it to. if not, and shes really just becoming anxious, i'd recommend a DAP diffuser (no, its not drugs), but it releases please dog pheremones to help settle them down.

Answer 4

May be side effects from the meds it already takes or used to take.