If you read my Oh Ducky post, you know that Ducky went after Shadow for apparently no good reason about ten nights ago. If you haven’t read part one yet, you can find it here.
Well, the following Wednesday I brought Ducky to see the vet. We decided to do a complete blood work-up – a CBC, a chemistry panel, and a T4 thyroid test – and a urinalysis, just to be sure there was nothing medical causing Ducky’s behavior toward Shadow. I’m happy to say that all results came back “normal”, so we can rule that out.
The vet suggested trying an antidepressant called Trazodone, in addition to a reduced amount of the Prozac. He told me what to watch for, and to call him tomorrow with any questions. So, I went up to the vet’s office and picked up the prescription. When I got home, I gave Ducky her first dose.
While the Trazodone is getting into her system, the reduced dosage of fluoxetine (generic Prozac) seems to be leaving Ducky a bit hyper-sensitive to our moods.
Now, we have to find a way to help Ducky deal with her anxiety and the stressors here at home. Stressors like the hubby’s total lack of patience when he first gets up in the morning. And, admittedly, when she starts getting the least bit snarky with Shadow, my voice tone tends to get sharper than I intend. So, hubby needs to stretch the limits of his patience; and I need to soften the tone of my voice.
Meanwhile, I googled “Trazodone for dogs” and found a slew of links to read. I saved the page to my iPad bookmarks so I can start reading them as soon as possible. No, I don’t depend on Google for all my answers. It’s just a starting point.
The good thing is that Ducky is not snarky toward Shadow all the time, just when she’s feeling – oh, what’s the word? overwhelmed maybe? I guess – below par.
in my heart 4ever 
Happy to hear about those test results – Whew…..
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Thanks Cathy!!
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Aw sweet thing. Elsa lashes out on occasion toward Sam like that. There are no doubt tons of reasons for it but she’s learning the behavior is not welcome by Sam nor me. Good luck with the new med regime. We have our paws crossed. α¦
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I have come to a few conclusions:
1) Ducky is feeling very insecure and very confused by the stressors here at home which a certain human will not own up to and which I inadvertently and unintentionally caused by being harsh with her when she’s gone after Shadow, rather than simply firm.
2) The transition from one full-dose anxiety med to half-dose of one and not-yet-effective new med.
3) She’s acting the part of a spoiled brat, not wanting Shadow to get any affection from me (especially) or hubby. And she’s learning from us humans that it is totally unacceptable behavior. Poor Shadow is so sweet and mellow that she just takes it and relies on us to protect her.
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Like you I have an insecure one and a sweetheart of a passive dog. Always tough navigating those waters. Hopefully with the transition, things will become less tense and stressful for everyone. Hope springs eternal at any rate! α¦
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Phew! A relieve that the test went well.
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I’m so glad the bloodwork was boring and came back normal – I’m so sorry about the additional anxiety. It’s so hard when the behavior is unpredictable. I’ve been taking Bruisy (the old guy that gets snarky) out on separate adventures and doing more nosework classes with Sherm AND more pack walks with them both to see if these activities help. It takes a village with multiple dog packs I know that!!! Keep us posted.
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Thanks Christy!
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Glad all the tests came back okay…and good luck with the new meds!
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Thanks Donna!
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Luke and Ducky sound so alike in many ways. He gets snarky with his sisters when he’s stressed about the UPS guy, or whatever. He also gets that way when he’s jealous and wants all the attention. But I think he might be a bit easier to talk down than it sounds like Ducky is.
I’m interested in what you learn about this new drug. My friend has her dog on Prozac now but she doesn’t seem overly impressed with the results (her dog goes after and bit her sister though, who lives with them!).
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Ducky’s a stubborn little brat at times.
Your friend’s dog – how long has the dog been on Prozac? It takes about 3-4 weeks to see any effect. Same with the Trazodone.
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Good luck, I haven’t heard of that medication unless that is the generic name that I don’t know. I hope it helps.
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I think it is a generic name, but I forget what the brand name is. Thank you for the support! I may have to do all the work myself, but I have to help Ducky somehow.
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I hope the meds can help Ducky to forget the anxiety and to learn that she has nothing to fear in her home… our paws are crossed and we send lots of POTP…
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