A very anxious dog

Hi all,

So I adopted Zeus about four months ago. He was a breeder in a puppy mill I think and had no socialization and lived outside all his life before coming to me. His training has been going well. He was housebroken within 2 weeks, knows how to sit, stay, shake, and come. However, I have had to take him twice to the vet for colitis and I am noticing more and more how much of a stressed and anxious dog he is. He exhibits all the behaviors of stress I am not sure how to help him. I just recently started classes again so I am not sure if our new schedule has been especially hard for him but he used to be able to go upstairs like a pro and now he resists me on that too which is no good since we live on the second floor. He is scared of things such as me clicking a pen or opening a marker. How do I help him not be so stressed so he doesn't keep getting colitis?

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Permalink Reply by Loan & Zeus on September 23, 2013 at 11:10pm

I did get one for Zeus but he is still really anxious. I am going to try the DAP air diffuser and see if that works to calm his nerves a little bit. Thanks for the advice, though!

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on September 24, 2013 at 12:25am

You can try a lot of herbal remedies for stress. Things like DAP diffusers or collars and/or rescue remedy. There is a supplement called Calm that worked well for my anxious corgi. I work at a rescue and we give our dogs rescued from hoarding situation L-Theanine and Melatonin at the recommendation of a behaviorist. Both are used to reduce stress and anxiety. The Melatonin seems to work better than the L-Theanine so far. I highly recommend it as a natural and safe stress reducer.

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on September 24, 2013 at 10:29am

We use Calming Treats for our cat when we travel across Country. It really helps him a lot. We give one 1/2 hour before we put him in his crate ( a 36" crate where he remains for 3 days). He is the closest thing to a feral cat and I too have to make sure I don't give away our intent to travel..... He's made the trip 5 times by now and is starting to feel safer in the car or, at least, knows the drill..

The same product is available for dogs:

http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Naturals-Calming-Small-count/dp/B001AT9B8M

We only use one treat per day each morning. He calms down on his own at night, once the car is not moving and the dogs are no longer in there. The treats can be bought at Petco. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

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Permalink Reply by Loan & Zeus on September 29, 2013 at 10:31pm

Just wanted to let you all know that Zeus is feeling a lot better. The pumpkin puree really worked in helping go to the bathroom. He's still skittish around noises but he's getting braver around people. We are working on bringing his confidence with little treats that he loves and he is back to conquering stairs like a pro. Thanks for all the advice and support!

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on September 30, 2013 at 10:22am

Happy to hear that Zeus has turned the corner, keep looking for improvements and he will show them to you. After all, he does have a pretty powerful name, just probably needs time to grow into his power!