Our first VB appointment

I was working with an excellent trainer (who is unfortunately no longer available) who first broached the idea with me. She'd seen George through puppy school, advanced puppy school and a couple of extra classes so she knew him well. She'd also spent time with us in the home, on walks and in the car to observe George's behaviour.

She talked about the stigma regarding mental health in humans and that we should try to avoid applying the same stigma in dogs.

I remember smiling and nodding. Thinking we're not at that stage. George's reactivity wasn't too severe at that stage but I'm thankful for the conversation. I think it helped set the groundwork for the days ahead.

She also recommended the veterinary behaviourist clinic I am currently working with.

I slowly realised that training and love alone were unlikely to resolve the situation.

I later read in the book from the Dog Training Advice and Support group that noise sensitivity will likely only get worse without medical (including pain relief) intervention.

George barked and paced for hours and hours on end at home. He clearly wasn't happy. He became extremely reactive when on walks or in the car and for a while, was scared to leave the house.

I realised we needed help. This article was incredibly helpful: https://www.drjensdogblog.com/behavior-medication-first-line-therapy-or-last-resort/

I thought about approaching my regular vet first but I had a feeling we would end up with a vet behaviourist anyway given George's escalating decline. I thought I would go straight to the specialist to save time. I am fortunate that there are vet behaviourists in my area.

We had already tried a natural calming remedy from the vet as well as the Adaptil plug in and collar to no effect.

George was assessed by a vet behaviourist (VB) and trainer and was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder manifesting as social anxiety, separation distress and noise anxiety.

Before the appointment I had to fill out a detailed questionnaire.

I was nervous before the appointment. Because it had taken me a while to get to that stage, I was worried they would say to try more training and/or that George's anxiety and fear weren't 'bad' enough. I was at my wits end at that point.

My friends told me to make sure I emphasise how difficult it is (I have a tendency to play things down).

I needn't have worried. Based on the questionnaire, our discussion, and observing George's body language and behaviour in the appointment, it didn't feel like I had to fight for a diagnosis.

The VB suggested Fluoxetine as a long-lasting med but as that could take 6-8 weeks to load, they also gave the option of a situational med as well. They also suggested a pain trial of Panadol as pain is often linked to reactivity, particularly with noise-sensitive dogs.

The situational med we first tried was Pregabalin. This was because it can also have pain-relieving properties.

I knew it would be a long haul but I left the appointment feeling hopeful for the first time in a while.