Elderly dog anxiety

[Allfurcoatandnoknickers]

Our 14yo JRT cross has had a tricky few months - she had an attack of vestibular disease last year followed
by haemorrhagic gastroenteritis ☹️
She’s never been a cuddly dog, but has withdrawn herself from us, and has noticeable cognitive decline. She’s also become head shy and isn’t keen on having her lead on.
Our vet has suggested a trial for fluoxetine and she’s started on these.
Has anyone had any noticeable improvements with these meds?

My ten year old recent rescue was on fluoxetine for five months, she’s weaning off it now. It was recommended by both her behaviourist and vet as she’d had a traumatic time when I got her. It’s been brilliant at giving her the support to engage with training. I’m not sure how much it would have done on its own but everyone who sees her remarks she’s a much improved dog. She did so well on it that I was in two minds whether or not to try weaning her off but decided that if necessary she’d go back on. It was a fraction of the price to pay for a prescription and get the tablets from my local pharmacy than to buy them via the vet.

My 14 year old Sprocker has been on them since October. They've definitely helped him, but we're off to the vet again tomorrow because his level of cognitive decline has really ramped up this week.

Hopefully we can have some other medication because despite his other various health issues, he's a really happy little chap and still enjoys life.

Thanks both - that's good to know. She is still enjoying her walks, and is very fit still but her cognitive decline is a worry. Can you remember how long it took to kick in? I've heard that the loading period is around 4-6 weeks :(

Nothing like that for my old boy, we noticed a difference within about a week.

Hope it helps your girl too, dogs are just such precious wee souls aren't they?

That’s reassuring. She’s on Day 3 so early days

Hi there @Allfurcoatandnoknickers , just checking in to see how your girl is doing on the medication.

Ah Thanks @CarrieMoonbeams
she’s about the same in terms of her nervousness but seems a little bit more relaxed in our company- still early days fingers crossed 🤞

That's good to hear, a bit of positive progress anyway.

My old boy has started a course of Gabapentin, just one a day at the moment, because he'd started "sundowning" and it's really helping him. His legs were a bit wobbly for the first couple of nights but that's stopped now and he's sleeping much more in the evenings.

I had mixed feelings about starting them because I don't just want him to be knocked out all the time! But he couldn't go on like he was, I was worried he'd have a heart attack or something, he was just panicking, pacing around the room, eyes staring, shaking and panting for about 2 hours a night ☹️. If it's not one thing it's another eh?!

Hope your girl continues to improve.