Hi Angie,
Sorry to read about Howard's recent issues.
I hear what you're saying about him not relaxing and nothing seeming to work, my doxie Mila was the same when she was crated with IVDD, personally I found music worked best for her, took a while after trying different ideas though.
Here are some of those ideas you could try in addition to the trazadone - hopefully you will something that works.
Calming in the crateCalmers:
Normally these calmers are not a problem to help your dog relax in the recovery suite, but always let your vet know of everything your pet is taking.
A dog that is rambunctious in the crate defeats the purpose of crating. It is better to have the edge taken off than facing paralyzed legs with too much movement.
Calmers
Is your dog rambunctious?
Ask your vet about Rescue Remedy Pet, Plain Benadryl or some other calming aid. It is imperative that during the healing period the dog rests.
Being inside the crate jumping against the crate is not resting. The dog must be calm. Make sure you are not inadvertently training the dog for unwanted behavior. Rewards are food, eye contact, speaking, approaching the crate.
Music: Hours of Relaxation Music for Dogs Great for people too
DAP DiffuserUsing any oral calmer in combination with a Pheromone diffuser seems to work best. It takes several days for these to start working - it isn't immediate.
Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog.
Other product brands may be available in your area or on-line… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label and the quantity for best price.
Place a DAP pheromone diffuser at floor level where the recovery suite is.
--Dogs: Adaptil (DAP) wall plug in diffuser 48ml
www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-Home-Diffuser with dog pheromones
Use a DAP diffuser with one oral calmer from below:
1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine
2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine.
Try putting a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate.If a dog is jumping up at the sides of the crate, you can lower the ceiling of the crate. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of the top of the crate, punch holes in the corners and tie the cardboard down into the crate to the level of the top of the dog's head when standing. Or cover the top of the crate with a blanket or towel, bringing the blanket/towel down to the level of the dog's eyes so when he/she jumps up, he won't be able to see anything. That may discourage him/her from jumping up.
www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies.htmHope this improves soon for both of you
kind regards
Mary