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German Shepherd - constant anxiety (not separation)

Sent to Pet Experts June 19 06:50 PM

Are there any safe medications that can ease my German Shepherd's anxiety (not separation)? He is constantly whining, watching, "talking," and/or guarding family members from other animals. He never seems to be at ease.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 7; Male; Breed: Dog/German Shepherd

Already Tried:
Our vet had him some type of anti-anxiety drug that helpled a little, but he just seems so uneasy.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $4
Answer
June 19 6:54 PM (3 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
There are meds and possibly training programs to help reduce your dog's stress levels. If he thinks he is in charge and its all his responsibility he may find some stress relief if you take over the perceived pack leadership.
For meds that might help along with a training program I'd suggest asking your vet for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist for the best combination of solutions.
At home while you work on that you can see if trying the nothing in life is free program will reduce his stress by subtley increasing your leader status. You can read about that here
www.idahohumanesociety.com/caretrain/notfree.html
You might also find increasing his directed exercise so he is more tired, and reducing the protein in his diet will help him relax more. So if you are feeding a high protein food you could try reducing to a lower protein food.
Hope this helps you!

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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7085 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
Reply
June 19 7:58 PM (1 hour and 3 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: Thank you for your answer. I just have one thing to ask based answer...do you have any recommended low-protein foods and will these impact his health in any other ways (joints/muscles?)?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 19 11:15 PM (3 hours and 17 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
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NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 7085 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care
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