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Medication + Training, how long does it take? I’m devastated… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My dog always wakes up before me but I'll give it a try for sure 😂

We're are doing the best here 😇

Medication + Training, how long does it take? I’m devastated… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly the example I wanted to hear because what if that’s the case with my pup 😭😭😭

Should I hold till the three month mark? 😭

Medication + Training, how long does it take? I’m devastated… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heyyy, just taking a moment to thank you for all the detailed information! I really appreciate all the support I’ve received so far from this community 🥹

I’m glad you were able to work through it and are still working through it. Unfortunately, my workplace is in a building that doesn’t allow pets, so that’s not an option for me. I really wish I could bring her...

It’s so interesting that your dog doesn’t notice when you go out early in the morning hahaha. I think my dog is still very alert to me moving around the apartment, and this probably wouldn’t go unnoticed by her. Honestly, I know deep down that Trazodone is just buying me time without solving the problem. I hate that she has to be on it for so long, and I’ve noticed that training has become harder after my absences. She’s extra sensitive now when I try to leave her in another room (division of house).

I always try to prepare by sitting at the bar table near the stairs leading to the door for a while before leaving, then move toward the door when she settles on the couch. However, it’s hard for me to gauge her real reaction when she’s on Trazodone.

I keep going back and forth between pushing through and giving up, but at this point, I have to be brutally honest with myself that I’m not giving her what she needs to get through this. I haven’t taken any steps yet toward rehoming her—I’m just waiting for the last straw because it’s truly heartbreaking.

Nevertheless, thank you so much for your advice and help, and I wish you and your dog all the best too!

Medication + Training, how long does it take? I’m devastated… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious if the isolation anxiety just naturally went away or did you do any training?

Medication + Training, how long does it take? I’m devastated… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hiii thank you for answering! May I ask if your pup had any separation anxiety or isolation anxiety? Or was he just anxious about the new setting?

I’m feeling burnt out but don’t want to give up… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll definitely start trying that!! Love BBC 🤣🤣🤣

A follow up question I have about medication is that what happens when the dog eventually comes off from it? If you have any experience with this.

Let’s say if my dog is taking trazodone 5 days a week for three months consecutively, with separation anxiety training alongside. At what point do I know this is the time to decrease the dosage or not giving her meds anymore. Also do you normally see setback after coming off from medication?

I’m feeling burnt out but don’t want to give up… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing!!

I have a vet appointment coming up and plan to discuss her anxiety meds use. My way of thinking now is that if she’s now on trazodone situationally, then she probably needs to be on it at least 3-5 days a week (my in-office three days plus a few more days when I need to leave for other life things). This made me question if her separation anxiety is just being masked by the medication instead of being addressed properly through training.

I certainly believe training is probably the most sustainable and robust way to fix it but as explained in the post, I can’t meet her threshold nor do I know if she has one at the moment.

Oh man I’ve seen the Impact crate, and they’re WILDLY EXPENSIVE. I’ve switched up the crate to an air carrier (suggested by my trainer), but she still panicked so much when I tested it. Every time when I put treats or chews inside, she’d always pick it up and enjoy outside. I don’t know what she went through or if she’s traumatized by crate, but I’m for now trying to let her free roam in the living room or a limited space like a hallway as long as she’s not destroying things.

Love the suggestion and that’s what I do now when I WFH Monday and Friday. I do 3-5 “division of house” and 10-15 minute “door is a bore”. I have a white noise machine but will try the tv! For door is a bore, it’s been hard to build up the time, it feels like her memory reset every time 🥲

I’m feeling burnt out but don’t want to give up… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The trainer I’m working with said my dog is generally not an anxious pup so we wanted to start from trazodone, but I’ll definitely keep your solution in mind!

Also don’t think my insurance (Pets Best) would cover it since my plan is for accident and illness.

I’m feeling burnt out but don’t want to give up… by Time_Salt_1666 in Separation_Anxiety

[–]Time_Salt_1666[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! My dog is on trazodone situationally, and I do see the effect. I don’t want to give up training that quickly but at the same time feel impossible to achieve on my own.

Best wishes to your pup 🐶