Anxiety treatment/remedies for older dogs

[TricAP]

Looking for advice, both what worked for you and what didn't. Not specifically for a mastiff but since many of us have other dog breeds as well though I'd tap into this groups vast amount of knowledge.

Our boxer girl Bella, 8 1/2 yrs old has been showing severe anxiety and sundowners (increased agitation in the evening) for several months. Vet keeps pushing for MRI even though blood work shows none of the markers for cancer. We've declined based on her age, risks for short muzzled dogs and personal preference not to have her put under anesthetic for it the procedure due previous complications with anesthesia. Vet then recommended tranquilizers which in the past turned her into a complete zombie. And IMO no way to go through last stages of her life.

Thunder shirts and compression wraps have only made her anxiety worse when we tried those. As does the presence of our other dogs. Luckily so far she doesn't snap or snarl at them but does start panting more in a much more agitated way and then pacing especially, if Angus comes too close, at times to the point of vomiting. She's never done well in crates, even the mesh ones escalate the anxiety and she compulsively licks her paws the entire time she is contained.

So what you any of you tried? Melatonin? L-Tryptophan? Herbals such as chamomile or passion flower? I've put dried lavender in her bed for the past 3 or 4 months but no noticeable impact.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have.

 

[Boxergirl]

I have used Melatonin, L-Theanine, Lactium (Women's Stress Formula on Amazon), and Composure Pro. Also take a look at Valerian. What about a comfort zone diffuser?

 

[Boxergirl]

I forgot. Milk Peptides. My vet had me try Zylkene for Al, which is derived from a milk protein, casein. It was very expensive and I didn't notice that it was worth the cost. I prefer the Lactium and Amazon has bioactive milk peptides that seem to be the same thing as the Zylkene.

 

[TricAP]

I have used Melatonin, L-Theanine, Lactium (Women's Stress Formula on Amazon), and Composure Pro. Also take a look at Valerian. What about a comfort zone diffuser?

Thanks Boxergirl - I was hoping you'd have some suggestions. Forgot to mention we tried the comfort zone diffuser a few months ago and a certain male EM decided to pee on it. So that one's out unless I want another issue altogether.

Milk peptides are an interesting option I hadn't thought of. How was the boxer fart blast factor with that? Any true dairy causes Bella to clear the house. I did pick up NatureVet Melatonin with chamomile and passion flower today to see if that would help. Gave it to her about an hour ago and so far no pacing which normally by now almost dark she would be wearing a path in the carpet. I'll check out the options you mentioned. Thanks!

 

[Boxergirl]

I don't notice his gas is any worse than the usual awfulness. He's a typical boxer in that department. I can't vouch for the milk peptides, but I do use the Women's Stress Formula and it seems to help. I really, really like the Composure Pro. They have regular Composure on Amazon, but it's not as cost effective as Pro from the vet. It's something that you can give just when you need it, or every day.

Pssssstttt. I'd really like to see a picture of Bella. I've a soft spot for the older guys and gals.

 

[angelbears]

I'm sorry I'm of no help. I just want to lend my moral support and wish Bella well.

 

[7121548]

Composure made no noticeable difference here. The active ingredients are thiamine, colostrum, and l-theanine. Maybe the Composure Pro is better? I also tried that NatureVet stuff with melatonin and it didn't seem to help either. I hope you have better luck with it!

 

[Oscar'sMom]

I have no advice but just to say I'm sorry poor Bella is having troubles. Prayers from Oscar and I!

 

[TricAP]

I don't notice his gas is any worse than the usual awfulness. He's a typical boxer in that department. I can't vouch for the milk peptides, but I do use the Women's Stress Formula and it seems to help. I really, really like the Composure Pro. They have regular Composure on Amazon, but it's not as cost effective as Pro from the vet. It's something that you can give just when you need it, or every day.

Pssssstttt. I'd really like to see a picture of Bella. I've a soft spot for the older guys and gals.

[/IMG]

Hopefully this works. Not her most flattering photo. She's my mini boxer, barely 45 lbs.

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[TricAP]

I'm sorry I'm of no help. I just want to lend my moral support and wish Bella well.

Thanks Robin. She's in no noticeable pain and still is cognitively fine unless suddenly woken up...but then I'm not pleasant when I first wake up either. Sweet girl that hurts me to see so stressed.

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[TricAP]

Composure made no noticeable difference here. The active ingredients are thiamine, colostrum, and l-theanine. Maybe the Composure Pro is better? I also tried that NatureVet stuff with melatonin and it didn't seem to help either. I hope you have better luck with it!

Thanks Trisha. Shortly after I posted that she did a few paces but did lay down on comnand. Keeping our fingers crossed we find something that helps.

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[TricAP]

I have no advice but just to say I'm sorry poor Bella is having troubles. Prayers from Oscar and I!

Thanks Maggie and Oscar!

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[Boxergirl]

She's gorgeous and I love her!!! Such a sweet silver face she has. My girl, Greta, was only 45 lbs too.

7121548 - what exactly were you hoping to get from the composure? Does your guy have anxiety? I don't use Composure Pro alone. I use it in combination with other things.

 

[7121548]

She's gorgeous and I love her!!! Such a sweet silver face she has. My girl, Greta, was only 45 lbs too. 7121548 - what exactly were you hoping to get from the composure? Does your guy have anxiety? I don't use Composure Pro alone. I use it in combination with other things.

He was having some pretty bad separation anxiety over the holidays while we were staying at my parents' house for a week. He'd cry and bark every time I left the room and he couldn't see me. He was also biting his nails because he was so stressed out. I was giving him 4 at a time (the package says 3 for dogs over 100 lbs) so perhaps it just wasn't enough to do anything.

 

[TricAP]

She's gorgeous and I love her!!! Such a sweet silver face she has. My girl, Greta, was only 45 lbs too. Thanks - I'm a little biased but she is gorgeous in all her aging glory. She is a lovey old girl that is still so full of energy, just wants to be left alone to do her own thing and not pestered by her 160+lb mastiff brother...who always has to "nose" what she is doing. We had hoped they'd play together but from day one she has been less than enthused by his presence. Never hostile just tolerant - more of a girls rule and boys drool philosophy. .

 

[scorning]

Have you tried acupuncture? My previous Dane with Wobblers and my current Doberman with arthritis both had acupuncture, and while it helped with pain management and inflammation, I also noticed that they were much calmer and less reactive after acupuncture.

 

[Boxergirl]

Have you tried acupuncture? My previous Dane with Wobblers and my current Doberman with arthritis both had acupuncture, and while it helped with pain management and inflammation, I also noticed that they were much calmer and less reactive after acupuncture.

This is a really good idea. I hadn't thought of acupuncture. That makes me thing that TTouch might help. I may have a TTouch book for ipad or kindle. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Boxergirl]

He was having some pretty bad separation anxiety over the holidays while we were staying at my parents' house for a week. He'd cry and bark every time I left the room and he couldn't see me. He was also biting his nails because he was so stressed out. I was giving him 4 at a time (the package says 3 for dogs over 100 lbs) so perhaps it just wasn't enough to do anything.

I know you can triple the dose for high stress times. If he doesn't have SA normally, then maybe try a few combo things the next time you go. Al gets a cocktail depending on the situation and what kind of day he's having.

 

[TricAP]

Have you tried acupuncture? My previous Dane with Wobblers and my current Doberman with arthritis both had acupuncture, and while it helped with pain management and inflammation, I also noticed that they were much calmer and less reactive after acupuncture.

That's a great idea! I'll do some research and see what options we have. Thank you!

The Melatonin Plus I gave her yesterday seemed to take the edge off for about 10 hours (12 hour time release dose). It wore off about 1 AM and we had a very anxious girl pacing and panting most of the night. So going to have to work on the timing of the dosage for sure to see if we can get it right.

I haven't been able to find if melatonin is fat or water soluble - meaning will it accumulate in her body or does it just pass through? Anyone know?

 

[Boxergirl]

This is what I find from WebMd

"Melatonin in pill form does not function like your body’s naturally produced melatonin: it affects the brain in bursts and rapidly leaves the system, instead of the slow build up and slow wash-out that your body’s naturally produced melatonin experiences."

Webmd Answers -- Error 500