I am happy to report that the Xanex for Zuzu's storm phobia really works--and I only give her a half dose. The real proof was last night. DH and I were out and we got caught in a horrific thunder and lightening rainstorm. We got SOAKED.
When we got home, Zuzu was anxious and jumpin' around. We gave her the half dose. We then sat in the living room watching the storm. We did not try to soothe her with petting and cuddles. Her anxiety dropped and the only time she whimpered was when the fire department sirens went off. (A zillion volts of lightening and you cry at the sirens? :dontknow:) In about an hour, the worst had passed and it was time for crate time. (No way anybuddy was goin' out to pee in the rain.) In the crates they go and no more cryin.
Also, I have not found any evidence of accidents, but we have been vigilant with closing off the spare rooms doors and getting them out to pee--even if HRH does not want to go. One of these days, a neighbor will pop over when I am outside wearing my jammies and my waterproof clogs/boots singing (to the tune of "Singin' in the Rain"): "Gotta pee, gotta pee" and they'll throw a net over me.
On other news, Loki has not had any more all night freak outs, but she is definitely quieter and slower--especially in the morning. Sometimes I ask her: "Do ya know me girl?" and she smiles back, but I am not really sure. The mouse killing instinct is still working REALLY well, though. :grin: What with the apples, cicadas, moles and wild strawberries in the yard I am not sure why I even buy dog food.
I'm so glad the meds are working!!! Poor Loki, I'm happy to hear she isn't freaking out at night anymore!!! That would be just awful to have to watch her go though. :comfort: Don't worry about the neighbors thinking you're crazy....we look pretty frightening outside at 4:30 every morning too!!! Especially when Porky loves to pace back and forth over the same spot (all while in the squatting position) till he finds the exact spot, of the perfect spot, he is willing to leave his deposit. :2funny: Meanwhile, i'm standing there in my pjs and crocs, shivering and instructing him to "HURRY!"
good to hear the Xanex is working so well. A friend at work has a dog afraid of storms. I will tell her about Xanex. Good for Zuzu!!!!!!
How old is Loki? Poor baby. Too bad she can't tell you what she's thinking. It's hard seeing them get up in age.
Quote from: Delia and girls on August 19, 2009, 10:28:44 AM
good to hear the Xanex is working so well. A friend at work has a dog afraid of storms. I will tell her about Xanex. Good for Zuzu!!!!!!
How old is Loki? Poor baby. Too bad she can't tell you what she's thinking. It's hard seeing them get up in age.
We reckon she's about 10--but it ain't the years, baby, it's the MILAGE. :grin:
LOL on the mileage, Leslie! 10 ... getting into the double digits. Where does the time go, eh? Gretchen's 10 also. But she's a doxie so she still has a lot of years to go. As Amorette said, at least the freak out episodes aren't happening anymore.
As for neighbors laughing at us ... when DD, Hallie, Ilsa and I went to visit Dee and Dave, we had a hard time getting the right expression on Sarge and Dugie's faces for their portrait. Dee tried different kinds of treats but it was sprinkling and neither one of them wanted to be out there. So, there we were, DD in place with her camera and Dee chasing the boys back out of the house. When they would stay in place, they had a 'woe is me' expression on their face. So, I went to get Ilsa out of DD's van. I ran back and forth, behind DD, with Ilsa in my arms, telling the boys to look what I had. I didn't think about it at the time, but I have a few times since, I hope Dee and Dave's neighbors didn't see all that!
i just say "Go pee pee... goooo pee pee!" About.. i dont know.. 5oo times? And its cold i accompany it with a little jig.
That's great it's working for her! Great for her AND you! Sounds like things are UP on all fronts for the girls! Yeay! LOL the vision of you doing a potty song and dance for them is great mental entertainment! :angel4:
Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on August 20, 2009, 10:49:21 PM
That's great it's working for her! Great for her AND you! Sounds like things are UP on all fronts for the girls! Yeay! LOL the vision of you doing a potty song and dance for them is great mental entertainment! :angel4:
Yeah, sometimes I think they are so AWED by my preformance they forget what they are out there for.
As far as working with the mental state of mind, I have concluded it's best (for now) to treat Loki as if she were a puppy: more training, more trips outside, more re-direction, generally just anticipating her needs more. I figure this will train the both of us and make any transistion into severe cognitive failure a (little) easier.
Last night she barked to be let inside and then 15 minutes later barked to be let outside again. When I opened the door to let her out again, I asked her: "Did you forget to poop? Get out there and stay focused ya nut job." And there's my neighbor, gettin' her newspaper. :doah:
LOL LOL Les...I'd love to have you as my neighbor. Free entertainment! :angel4:
Great news on all counts !!!