Quote:
Originally Posted by mkdouthard
Thank you both for the great advice and reinforcement. and he is taking 3different meds. Guaifenisin, Metacam Oral, and Augmentin. He will start his seizure medication when he is off of antibiotic.
|
did some research on the meds...
Guaifenisin: I'm assuming this is being given as somewhat of a sedative/muscle relaxant?
Metacam Oral: Assuming your using this as a pain reliever. Like all meds, there can be side effects and potential harm. Is your dog in physical pain? How long ago was this incident? You may consider tapering the dog of this med and see what happens. If he is showing signs of pain get increase the dose a bit back toward normal. I'd start slowly tapering off now.
Augmentin: Looks like this is an antibiotic. Continue use as your vet directed to ward off possible infection.
So basically, I would try and taper off the Metacam Oral now, use the antibiotic as directed, and as far as the Guaifenisin goes I would keep using while the rehabilitation process is on going and eventually taper off very, very slowly as time goes on. Be patient though. Talk with your vet about this. Make sure your dog has plenty of fluids with the med to ward off any possible kidney stones. I may try to warn your dog off of this to avoid any side effects that could even interfere with the rehabilitation process though and try some natural remedies which relax dogs and are anti anxiety remedies. Try the following... (from online)
Rescue Remedy w/Bach Flowers
Chamomile
This herb reduces anxiety in dogs that are stressed out. It calms the nerve as well as induces sleep. You can give chamomile tea to your dog before a long drive or soak a treat in the tea.
Oat
Oat is an excellent nerve-calming herb and is nutritious as well. Cooked oatmeal can be added to your dog's food.
Astragalus
This Chinese herb has immune-strengthening qualities and can be used continually (in moderation) to boost the body's immune system under stress.
St-John's Wort
This herb is excellent for separation anxiety and tension and is also effective for depressed dogs, and is available in capsules or as a tincture. It combines well with valerian.
Valerian
Valerian reduces tension, anxiety, overexcitability in dogs. This herb is available in capsules or as a tincture.
Skullcap
Skullcap is effective for nervous tension. It also helps epileptic dogs.
** Sedative herbs (e.g. valerian, skullcap) and anti-depressants such as St-John's wort should not be used continually for a long period of time.
Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Anxiety
Homeopathic remedies are also effective in calming nervous dogs with anxiety problems. For homeopathic remedies, the effect is almost instantaneous; therefore, if your dog suffers from anxiety caused by noise (such as thunder), or if she becomes nervous in a car, keep one or more of the following remedies handy so that you can administer the remedy to your dog before any upcoming stressful event.
Some common remedies include:
Borax
Dogs needing this remedy are easily startled by sudden noises, such as gunshots. They are also fearful of downward motion. For example, they may panic when you place them on the floor after holding them; or they may have a strong resistance in going down stairs.
Chamomilla
This remedy (from chamomile) can be given in low potency to calm a dog suffering from anxiety. Usually, the dog is irritable and restless, and has to be carried all the time - she will whine and become restless the moment she is put down.
Passiflora incarnata
This remedy (from passionflower) has calming properties but not a sedative. It is effective in calming frightened animals and is good for travel and other stressful situations.
Phosphorus
Dogs needing this remedy can be startled easily. They may generally be sweet and gentle, but in threatening or stressful situations (such as at the vet's), they may become explosive. They fear thunder and lightning and other loud noises.
Rhododendron
Dogs that require this remedy are sensitive to stormy weather and are afraid of thunderstorms. The symptoms usually worsen before a storm.
Top
Nutritional Supplements for Dog Anxiety
Some natural nutritional supplements can be effective remedies for hyperactive dogs as well. In particular:
L-theanine: L-theanine is a free (non-protein) amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants and is the predominant amino acid in green tea leaves. L-theanine has been found to directly stimulate the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation. It is being used effectively as a calming supplement in people.
Thiamine: Thiamine, or thiamin, is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex (vitamin B1). It has been shown to affect the central nervous system, in particular, it helps to calm and soothe anxious animals. A deficiency of thiamin has been found to cause irritability in animals. Because thiamine is not stored in the body, increased activity, stress, illness, or increase metabolism depletes its levels in the body.
Decapeptide: Decapeptide is isolated from the milk protein casein and is known for its calming effects.
Flower Essences for Dog Anxiety
Flower essences are also effective in soothing a dog with anxiety.
Bach's Rescue Remedy is one essence that is handy to have for emergency situations.
If your dog is generally anxious and nervous about thunderstorms, going to the vet, taking a long trip, etc., there are various flower essence blends that can help address these problems as well. Visit our page on flower essence blends for dogs for more information.
Natural Products for Dog Anxiety
Genesis Canine Anxiety & Stress Formula for Dogs
This is an herbal supplement designed for dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally induced stress. The natural ingredients in this herbal formula balance the calming effects between the central nervous system and the heart, reducing anxiety without affecting a pet's emotional balance and personality. It contains nerve-calming herbs such as chamomile and passionflower.
Vetri-Science Composure Liquid Supplement for Dogs and Cats
This supplement contains L-theanine, thiamine, decapeptide, and lecithin (which is also calming to the nervous system). Many dog parents have successfully used this composure liquid to calm their dogs with anxiety.
Only Natural Pet Relaxi-Herb Herbal Formula 2 oz.
This is another effective herbal formula designed for nervousness and anxiety problems. This formula contains herbs such as oat, passionflower, valerian, and skullcap. These herbs help quiet nerves, relax the body, and heal tissues.
Dr. Harvey's Relax for Dogs
This herbal supplement is all natural and is effective in alleviating symptoms of dog anxiety without any harmful side effects. It contains nerve-calming herbal extracts, such as chamomile, passionflower, valerian, skullcap. It also contains herbs with nutritious and healing properties, such as garlic, flaxseed, alfalfa, kelp, red clover, rose hips, etc.
HomeoPet Anxiety TFLN for Dogs and Cats
This is a homeopathic formula contains borax, chamomilla, phosphorus, and rhododendron - all effective in calming a nervous dog.
LoveMyPet Stress Relief for Dogs and Cats
This formula uses organic herbs as well as homeopathic ingredients to calm pets that upset easily in unfamiliar or startling situations such as travel, thunder, fireworks, or separation. It contains skullcap, passion flower, and oatstraw.
Bach Flower Essences Rescue Remedy 10ml
Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy is effective in calming an overly excited or frightened dog. Put a few drops of the remedy in your dog's drinking water, or to be more effective, rub a few drops on his mouth and gums. In many cases, this will achieve almost immediate result.
*These will help with the trauma/anxiety during the rehabilitation process.
You may also choose to look into message therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, or touch therapy.
If these don't work out so well ask you vet about prozac, an antidepressent/antianxiety med.
Linear Mode
