Last week her anxiety was tested on both Wednesday and Thursday when autumn storms rolled through our neck of the woods. They were accompanied by lots and lots of rain. Our yard had huge puddles on it. It was also accompanied by lots of wind. Wind is a bigger anxiety provoker than rain.
Wednesday I worked from home and Hailey paced a lot and had trouble settling, but no other anxious responses. Even though it was very stormy overnight, she slept well. Thursday, I had to leave the house late morning. When it was time to go, the wind was very strong. Before I left a branch had come down in the front.
I was very nervous leaving her, so I put her in her "hug" (aka Thunder Shirt) and hoped she would be fine for a few hours until the Man was home.
A top of a tree came down while she was alone and there was no destruction. We were thrilled. I guess the meds are helping.
I had spoken to the vet and he said she needs to stay on her meds for at least 4-6 months and then we can look at reducing the dose. We will think carefully about this because while I don't love her being medicated, I do love the idea that she can cope with extreme fears better. And she is still Hailey. Except for coping with storms better, there is no difference in her behaviour. She is still her crazy, loveable self!
Yay, well done Hailey so glad the scary wind doesn't frighten you as much!
ReplyDeleteDd you hear your Mom called your crazy, hehe, that's pawsome news, especially wiv a bit of the loveables thrown in, I finks yous just pawfect Hailey!!!!
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
Lee that was fabulous... you are such a brave girl! I'm sometimes very nervous when we have storms... the weird thing is that I want to go out then. And as soon as my staff gives in and they open the back door, I sit in the door and watch the wind and the storm-bended trees. I can do that for hours or till the staff turns blue like smurfes with cold :o)
ReplyDeletethat is a great improvement and yes over time as she learns for herself to cope better with stress you should be able to lessen her medication - that is what happened with Denny - it took about 8 months and we tapered it down - now he doesn't even need chill pills :)
ReplyDeleteHailey darlin' that was a huge limb and you were a brave girl to watch over the house. thank goodness the hug shirt and meds are working.....nothing is worse than stress. It sounds like the meds improve your comfort level too
ReplyDeleteHugs madi your bfff
We are so glad that the medicine is helping her. Sometimes mom thinks Maggie needs something to settle her down, cos everytime mom and dad get up out of their chairs Maggie carries on like we are being invaded by monsters............she is just always on edge. Then gussie and I bark also. Hailey is very brave not to be scared through those storms.
ReplyDeletestella rose
I'm so glad the medication is helping her!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the medication is helping her!
ReplyDeleteGlad the meds are helping.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds to the pawsitive, Hailey.. and a more relaxed you means a more relaxed mamma!!! Good to hear... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Good news! Chillax Hailey!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Yeah, stick with the meds, you want a calm non-destructive dog. After years (and years and years) of teaching, wind is the worst.....positive ions someone said...rain has negative. Anyway, windy days always produced crazy playground behaviour and fights!
ReplyDeleteSounds like great improvement! glad the meds are helping.
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
I am so glad the medication is helping her! That's wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteI don't love having to resort to meds with my dogs, because I worry about side effects. But the fact is that sometimes they are exactly what are needed and the thing that works. I try to keep a very open mind about it. I didn't want to put our beagle Cricket on pain meds for her arthritis, but she is doing so well now! We're going to try to reduce her dose, but if we see any worsening, we will go right back to the original.
ReplyDeleteYou can see that they are working for Hailey, and that is so great!
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Sometimes I feel medicine provides a chemical that is missing in ones body. Being anxious and fearful has to make her miserable. I am glad that the medicine is available for her.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot
Trees and wind scare Mommy ever since a big tree branch almost fell on her. Luckily she jumped back.
ReplyDeleteI think our Mommy needs a thundershirt too.
Glad she is doing well on da meds. Wind is scary for my Mom. I really don't mind it but den again.... I'm young and she is OLD.
ReplyDeleteWags,
Ranger
We are so glad the meds are working for Hailey!!!
ReplyDeleteSmileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
That's fantastic news!
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely wonderful news!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is great news. Pocket has always been a nervous little dog and we have wondered about medication. Thanks for the information
ReplyDeleteOh I am very glad to hear it is working!!
ReplyDeleteღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Dear Ojo's Cousin Lee,
ReplyDeleteSometimes medicines are good... I am glad to hear that yours is helping! And it sounds like you had a pawesome Walk today. I love deer poop! Did you save me any?
Licks,
Cobi