|
|
Post by natalieb on Oct 21, 2013 7:43:13 GMT -7
I need help from experienced pet owners. I have a wired haired male dachshund that will be 4 in November. He has been on strict crate rest for 4 weeks. He is showing signs of recovery, when I take him potty he moves his hips and thighs like he is walking though I am holding him so his back legs hover. Anyways in the past couple of days he has been getting aggressive in his crate. His crate is open on top, I will reach in to change is water or give him food and pet him. When I go to pet him, not every time, with no warning signs he will bite me and then bare his teeth and growl very viciously. But the bite itself is not hard, does not break skin or bruise. This is not the kind of behavior I want him to doing, but I have no idea how to make it stop or if he is trying to tell me not to touch him because he is in pain. In fact sometimes I will walk past him and his tail will go crazy, to me that’s a sign that he wants some attention so I will pet him and then he bites. He has done this when I am petting any area of his body, head to back.
Please note when I open the crate the take him potty he has no problem letting me pick him up and take him outside. I thought maybe he doesn’t like me reaching into his territory so I have tried opening the crate to give him some pets, but same result, no warning bit to the hand or arm.
I would really appreciate some advice on how to correct this behavior.
Thank you
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 8:05:04 GMT -7
Natalie, welcome to Dodgerslist. Can you tell us a bit more information.
-- Is he on any meds at this time? Exact name, dose in mg's and frequency you give them? Some meds can cause personality change.
-- Do you see any of these signs of pain: shivering, trembling, reluctant/slow to move body, tight hard tummy, not his usual perky self?
-- What is your doxie's name?
|
|
|
|
Post by natalieb on Oct 21, 2013 8:27:23 GMT -7
His name is Tazewell, Taz for short.
He is no longer on any meds and is not showing any signs you mentioned. He does seem to have his personality back, minus this new behavior. This past weekend I purchased the rescue remedy and have given that to him but on occasion only.
He could also be experiencing separation anxiety. My fiance, Jon, has been gone on business travel for 2 weeks now. Taz definitely is bonded more to Jon than me. But this behavior did not start right after Jon left. Maybe a week into his absence.
What I mean by bonded more is that Jon got Taz before we moved in together. Taz treats me like a step mom, only really likes me when Jon isn't around.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 11:05:01 GMT -7
If rescue remedy worked to take the edge off, then do continue with it. If you need other options during crate rest, our member found using 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 but they are a much better option if you can avoid heavy duty prescription sedatives. Of course always keep your vet in the loop on all things you give your dog. Farnum's Comfort Zone with D.A.P. www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html [pheromone diffuser] with one oral calmer from below: Oral calmers: 1) ANXITANE® S chewable tabs contain 50 mg L-Theanine, an amino acid that acts neurologically to help keep dogs calm, relaxed www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/anxitane-l-theanine-chewable-tablets/behavioral-health 2) Composure Soft Chews are colostrum based like calming mother's milk and contain 21 mg of L-Theanine. www.vetriscience.com/composure-soft-dogs-MD-LD.php 3) Rescue Remedy is a liquid herb combo to help with relaxation www.bachrescueremedypet.com Plain Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) with no additional medications added. Buy at your grocery store or pharmacy. Get the dosage from your vet. The wrong dose can have dangerous side effects, so your vet needs to prescribe the proper amount for your dog. Other brands of the above may be available in your area… just shop by the active ingredient(s) on the label. |
|
|
|
Post by natalieb on Oct 21, 2013 12:09:14 GMT -7
Thank you for the recommendations I will look into them. But I just want to make sure I understand as this is my first experience with IVDD, is it recommended to keep the dog sedated by means of calming aids the entire 8 weeks? And just overlook this aggressive behavior until the crate rest is complete?
I am just concerned that this aggressive behavior will continue after the crate rest unless I correct it now, nip it in the bud per-say.
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
|
Post by PaulaM on Oct 21, 2013 12:31:15 GMT -7
I don't know that now is the time to retrain for aggressive behavior. IF you do, it needs to entail little to no movement of the back. The most important focus is on protecting a healing disc from damaging the spinal cord. Hopefully you are not sedating, but just taking the edge off…calming.
|
|
|
|
Post by natalieb on Oct 21, 2013 13:29:32 GMT -7
I see.
Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.
|
|
