Advice wanted please

[Holly Hocks]

Hi everyone.
Not been in AAD before,but just wondered if you experienced dog people could give me a few ideas.

I have a 10 year old collie x rescue dog. We got him at 5 months old. For the first year, he was a fantastic dog. He did obedience and was a dream to train and when he got to a year old we started agility. Again he was superb. Then for no apparent reason, he became noise phobic. I am aware that the silly season of fireworks is only a couple of months away and I have tried lots of things.
I have tried ignoring the noise and carrying on as normal. Didn't work as dog tried to destroy the house by clawing at the walls.
I built him a little safe house that he could go in - he didn't like it.
He has access to the understairs cupboard, but only goes in and then comes out again.
I have bought Scary Sounds CD. He knows the difference between the CD and those on the TV against the real ones.
I have tried Serene-um - didn't work
Rescue remedy - didn't rescue anything
Last year the vet told me to try Xanax - I didn't want to but I tried it - had no effect whatsoever. Vet has given me some diazepam, but I really, really don't want to use it.
I have also tried the noise/give reward scenario, but he won't even sniff food when he is frightened.
Any ideas anyone?
Many Thanks

 

[CorvusCorax]

Wow, that's a toughie, sounds like you have covered all the bases. I'm no help whatsoever because whatever I would have recommended, you have tried already.

What sort of time periods for each method have you been using, out of interest? (Not saying you're a quitter!!!!) does he immediately reject them, show no improvement over prolonged periods or does he improve temporarily and then 'learn' and get worse?

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

Personally, if your dog gets that distressed & you have done really well trying various desensitisation techniques btw, I would be going down the sedative route. I would speak to your vet regarding alternative sedatives or increased dosage, but in the interest of your dogs anxiety, please don't refuse the idea of using anti-anxiety/sedative medication. He won't require them long-term & as a dog in his older years, I would be more concerned about the effects his anxiety has on him physically than using a sedative short-term.

 

[Holly Hocks]

Wow, that's a toughie, sounds like you have covered all the bases. I'm no help whatsoever because whatever I would have recommended, you have tried already.

What sort of time periods for each method have you been using, out of interest? (Not saying you're a quitter!!!!) does he immediately reject them, show no improvement over prolonged periods or does he improve temporarily and then 'learn' and get worse?

Hi

Well for instance, when I bought the Scary Sounds CD, I played it at very low volume and he did react to it. So when the noises came on - so quiet that I'm sure only the dog could actually hear it, I gave him a piece of bacon, so tried to teach him that the noise meant that he would get a reward. As he improved, I increased the volume and he got better. I thought "brill" and now I could put the CD on a volume that would scare the neighbours and he wouldn't bat an eyelid. However when they start outside, he just gets completely terrified again. So I tried the CD for about 3 months before the fireworks started, twice a day but to no success!
I have still been giving him the Serene-um every year (I think I actually need some myself now), but it doesn't really help him at the time, but I think it helps him calm down slightly quicker afterwards. I don't mind the fireworks for a few days, I can cope, but because they go on for weeks at a time, it's nerve wracking!

 

[Holly Hocks]

Personally, if your dog gets that distressed & you have done really well trying various desensitisation techniques btw, I would be going down the sedative route. I would speak to your vet regarding alternative sedatives or increased dosage, but in the interest of your dogs anxiety, please don't refuse the idea of using anti-anxiety/sedative medication. He won't require them long-term & as a dog in his older years, I would be more concerned about the effects his anxiety has on him physically than using a sedative short-term.

Thanks, you've made me feel a bit better about it. I was thinking I was a hopeless Mum because I couldn't cure him. I will take your advice and go and see the vet to see what other sedatives are available. (And I'll get some for myself while I'm there!)

 

[CorvusCorax]

Did you ever try having the CD on all day, every day, in the background (if logistically possible) and turning it up gradually? Rather than at alloted times?
I agree maybe talking to the vet about sedation as BS says, he's of an age now where he will be hard to change IMO - but I'd love you to prove me wrong!

 

[MyBoyChe]

Have you tried cotton wool in his ears! Worked on my older spangle, she used to get really distressed but as long as I get the cotton wool in before the noise starts she was fine. She doesnt need it now cos at nearly 14 she is a little hard of hearing lol. Just one tip, dont forget to take it out before you go for walkies! I know it sounds a bit light hearted and your dog is obviously very badly affected, but honestly, Rosie used to get herself into a terrible state and it really did help her. I know the smell of fireworks used to upset her too so walkies had to be adjusted accordingly.

 

[Holly Hocks]

Did you ever try having the CD on all day, every day, in the background (if logistically possible) and turning it up gradually? Rather than at alloted times?
I agree maybe talking to the vet about sedation as BS says, he's of an age now where he will be hard to change IMO - but I'd love you to prove me wrong!

I'll have a go - when I can actually find the CD. It's been put away somewhere "safe" where I can't remember!

 

[Holly Hocks]

Have you tried cotton wool in his ears! Worked on my older spangle, she used to get really distressed but as long as I get the cotton wool in before the noise starts she was fine. She doesnt need it now cos at nearly 14 she is a little hard of hearing lol. Just one tip, dont forget to take it out before you go for walkies! I know it sounds a bit light hearted and your dog is obviously very badly affected, but honestly, Rosie used to get herself into a terrible state and it really did help her. I know the smell of fireworks used to upset her too so walkies had to be adjusted accordingly.

That sounds like a good idea too. Do I have to wet the cotton wool or just put it in as it is?

 

[MyBoyChe]

I just gently roll a piece of cotton wool till it forms a loose ball, then just push it in a tiny bit so that I can easily pull it back out. Hadnt actually thought about soaking it but I spose if your dog needs his ears cleaning, warm water might not hurt.