Help! Old dog issues.

[onlyadream]

My Westie will be 15yo this May. She was always a feisty, brave dog. Now that she is deaf and has vision problems, she has become very nervous.

I work at home, so I never had to deal with separation problems. When the family would go on vacation my mom would watch her with no problem (we haven’t been on a vacation in about three years).

Now, I’m having to go away for a few days at a time. I leave my girl with my grown kids, who still live with me (they’re in college). They tell me that the dog pants and cries all day and all night. I took her to the vet, and he determined that she’s very healthy and prescribed Prozac (which could take 2 months to kick in).

Now I’m wondering if it would be better if I take the dog with me when I go on these trips, but she would have to endure a train and NYC subways. I’m worried that this may stress her out even more, although she’d be in a bag, near me the whole time. I feel so guilty, I just don’t know what to do.

[janterry]

1. what do your kids try?

Do they have her favorite treats? Do they stuff a toy so that she has something to stimulate her? Is she trained for a crate? (if she is, do they try that?)

What happens when you go shopping? Just to the store? What distracts her then?

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Did your vet do blood work? A dog that pants all the time

may have Cushings or if she is also drinking a lot, could be diabetes.

Sorry I was replying to OP.

[onlyadream]

10. Yes he did and all was good. Nt

[onlyadream]

14. They give treats and play with her (I saw the toys out so I knew they tried that).

She used to love her crate and then when her hearing started to go she started getting anxiety in it (panting and scratching to get out). I ended up packing it away.

Usually she sleeps all day so I run errands without her knowing, but I think she’s okay when she does notice. I believe it’s when she realizes I’m not there for a few hours.

[yankeepants]

2. Try trazadone

It is an anti anxiety med that works immediately. Totally takes the edge off without making them daft. Best of luck with your little one.

[onlyadream]

15. I'll definitely look into that, thanks!

[Phoenix61]

4. I wouldn't take her with you.

Don't know what you wear to sleep but whatever it is, leave it with her. What does she do when you go to the grocery store, etc?

[onlyadream]

13. She sleeps a lot

So I think I leave and come back without her knowing.

[randr]

5. I started my lab on Doggie CBD a while back

She is like a new dog.
Check it out: https://einsteinshemp.com/product/einsteins-hemp-doggie-shots/

[onlyadream]

12. I started the CBD on her a few weeks before Christmas

And haven’t noticed any difference. I hope at the very least that it helps her vision.

How much do you give and how often? And how long before you saw a change?

[randr]

17. About 30mm once a day on her dry food

I also have her brother, a large black lab, who is still a teenager. Very active. The same dose has mellowed him out.

[peacebuzzard]

21. I suggest this as well

I have used Canna Companion products by Dr Sarah Brandon. It is a life saving safe and natural med.

[shenmue]

7. A thunder shirt might help

It's like a thick jacket.

[sweetroxie]

8. It's probably dementia setting in

I recently lost my 16.5 year old dog and her last year and a half was like what you describe. She panted and seemed anxious (for no obvious reason). Started panting in the car. Started peeing in the house. Just wasn't herself anymore. It's hard

[onlyadream]

11. Ugh, that's horrible.

She sleeps on my bed, hubby doesn’t like it but tough on him..and lately she will suddenly sit up and tilt her head back, all while trembling. She does this several times a night every night. I try to comfort her but she kind of ignores me.

[roody]

9. Her home is the best place for her.

[marybourg]

16. I don't believe you're allowed to take non-service animals

on the NYC subway. At least that was the law when
I lived there.

[onlyadream]

18. As long as theyre being carried in some kind of bag it's okay.

If you google it, you’ll see some people being quite creative with large dogs.

https://people.com/pets/pet-dogs-must-be-in-a-carrier-to-ride-the-n-y-c-subway-so-big-dog-owners-are-getting-creative/

[iscooterliberally]

19. My Samson is about 14 we think.

He has another dog and a bunch of cats that he lives with. He sleeps most of the time like your dog does. His worst phobias are thunderstorms and fireworks. What I do is put his thunder-shirt on and give him a couple of Benadryl. The Benadryl takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in. It only lasts about 4 hours, but it calms him down and helps him get through. Samson is around 80 pounds and I give him two tablets when needed. We don't have to do this a lot as he is calm most of the time. I would check with your vet about Benadryl before trying it though. If you give your dog too much it can have the opposite effect. The other thing I would suggest is as much walking around the neighborhood as your dog can handle. For my Samson this sometimes means putting the leash on and going out the front door to stand in the driveway for 10 minutes. He doesn't want to go far anymore, but the time and attention help him stay calm. Nervousness or anxiety are excess energies that need to be spent. Although your dog probably can't do all the things that she used to do, any activity that keeps her engaged for a little while will help dissipate some of that excess energy. It's great that your children are helping out too. I would encourage that over taking your dog on the road with you. Good luck with your Westie!

[onlyadream]

20. Thanks!

I was thinking about something like Benadryl, but for sure I would run it by the vet first. At least to get her through the nights when I'm not home.
I agree about the energy, I do try, but I can do better.