Pet care: Highly anxious dog needs choices
2-year-old Weimaraner suffers from behavior disorder
Q: I have a 2-year-old intact female Weimaraner with severe anxiety and reactive behavior. She chews bark, material, paper, nuts, plastics and her crate. She barks in her crate so much that she stands in her drool. She rubs skin off her muzzle. She is dog reactive and hesitant with touching except with me and my husband. She is extremely affectionate with us.
Dr. Nichol: This big girl is blessed with strong human bonds while suffering from a soul-crushing behavior disorder. Separation anxiety, destructiveness and agitation toward unfamiliar people and dogs are not rare afflictions. Your Weimaraner deserves a better life. So do you and your husband.
Research has shown that most dogs with separation behaviors were genetically predisposed. They're overwhelmed when home alone. I strongly advise against crate confinement; it worsens their angst, often triggering frantic escape attempts. Lacerated lips, broken nails and even fractured teeth add physical pain to their misery. The skin on your dog's face must really hurt. There are ways to help.
Your girl feels trapped in her crate when you folks are away. During leash walks, the 6-foot radius of her leash has a similar effect. Unable to escape or avoid her fears, she panics. This is a highly anxious dog who needs choices but not those meant for people. She requires canine choices.
Many dogs do fine with others of their ilk if everybody is free to engage, play, or simply avoid the crowd. I advise a test run at a good doggy day care like K9 Resorts. Drop the kid off on your way to work and pick her up on your return trip. She might play hard and feel calmer.
This species is hard-wired to survive by scavenging. Chewing is normal. Working bits of food loose from challenging food-dispensing toys and puzzles every day can focus their instincts. Retire the dog food bowl. Your hound should labor long and hard for every calorie.
We know from brain science and experience that none of this will help if we don't readjust your dog's neurotransmitters. Custom-fitted antianxiety medications are safe and necessary for longterm improvement. The hereditary nature of your Weimaraner's severe anxiety disorder makes spaying her important.
• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions at drjeffnichol.com or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.
