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Question

Maltese needs emotional and psych help after attack


Sent to Pet Experts June 23, 2006 6:12 p.m.

My 8 year old male maltese was viciously attacked by my neighbor's two year old german shepard. Physically, he will recover, but emotionally he is a mess. He is afraid to go outside, is very sad all the time and cries whenever he hears their dog bark. Up until the attack, he was a happy, outgoing loveable little squirt. Now he is just so sad and it is breaking my heart. If he were a human child, I would take him to a therapist. Is their an equivalant in the animal world, and where would I find such a person?

Optional Information:
Age: 8; Male; Breed: Maltese

Already Tried:
a lot of attention, love, understanding, called the vet
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
June 23, 2006 6:46 p.m. (34 minutes and 14 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

There are veterinary behaviorists who might be able to help you. He might do better in his recovery with some anti anxiety meds to help him past the trauma and get back into a new routine at home and in the neighborhood.
Positive type training may help him once the anxiety is dropped.
Your vet may be able to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist. Or see if one listed here is near you
http://www.dacvb.org/about_us/services/
A really good positive trainer working with you and your vet helping with an anti anxiety med may also help.
The med is just to help her calm enough to learn she is OK going out with you etc.
You might also want to drive her in your car to a park away from home to go for a walk to see if that helps her.
Hope this helps you!

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PictureNancyH  -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

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