Separation Anxiety and the use of Benadryl (or Dramamine...)

[magoo]

This is long - sorry.
I was just wondering if it's a smart or really stupid thing to do. I recently began a weekend job as a vet tech for a low-cost innoculation clinic and the vets use children's benadryl on the smaller dogs to avoid a reaction to the vaccinations - one side-effect of benadryl is that it makes the dogs drowsy. I asked one of the vets if this would be alright for my dog (who tends to get over-hyper/slightly aggressive in some situations and shows SA in the form of peeing and pooing when I leave the house) as a way to control anxiety - they told me it is perfectly safe - I've used it now twice for anxiety related issues (he spazzes every day when the kids are out - he's a pitbull mix and I need him to not spaz in front of kids-especially in my area(Chicago) - where the ban is always looming over our - the responsible owners heads) and then I used it today as I left the house - hoping he would snooze instead of freaking - I came home - no accidents-hurray! We just started an obedience class - so the kids hours are taken care of - I've had him occupied with earning his dinner for the past 1/2 hour - I was just wondering if the benadryl could be a daily thing on the days I'm gone for more than 4 hours for the house training? How long till he builds an immunity to it? Can it be harmful? AND - if it's perfectly safe - how do I wean him off it and have him be calm and ok and HOLD it in the future?

[Renee]

I think this is something that you should talk to your vet about. Drugs alone won't necessarily make a behavioral problem better - all they can do is give you a "foot in the door" while you work on the behavioral modification program

[magoo]

Thanks Renee - I have spoken to a vet - who said it was OK to do - however, yesterday I dosed him again, and he had accidents and was apparently quite upset that I was gone - so, I've called in a behaviorist who we're meeting with in the next week or so. I don't know if you remember us from doggiedoor - Magoo was the rescue who was caged for practically the 1st year of his life - so, he's got "issues"
I'm learning I (as a human) can only deal with one of them at a time.
For the time being I won't be giving him benadryl - no sense drugging him if it doesn't even help either one of us with our stress (his at being home alone - mine at coming home to poo and pee everywhere!)
What's your opinion/experience with that DAP thing? It's so expensive that I can't just go out and "give it a try" but if there's a good chance that it will help then it's worth it.
Or doggie diapers? - another expensive item - but again, if it would help...
I don't mean to seem cheap - but he's proving to be more expensive than other dogs I've had - due to the BIG JERKS that just let him go!
Day by day for those of with rescues huh?
Thanks for all the advice you give here - it's much appreciated.

[Renee]

Hello-

Yes I do remember you... You might want to email Renee Premaza about DAP...I think she regularly uses DAP in her group classes and has had much success with it.

[Renee]

Here is the link to some of Renee P's comments about DAP

http://www.doggiebagonline. com/forum/showthread.php?t=916&page=1&pp=10

[Sheryl]

I actually think that the DAP helps Harley's separation anxiety. I have posted in another thread about it. I didn't think it was making a big difference, but it seems as though when I let it run out he starts chewing things up again. I also have my guy on Clomicalm.

[magoo]

Shirley - What is Clomicalm? Please explain...
Merci Beaucoup :)
Julie and Magoo

[Renee]

I believe that Clomicalm is a perscription drug that vets often give to dogs with SA. I attended a seminar that Trish King did on SA. Her personal stats about SA and the use of Clomicalm were it helps about 60% of the time. And of course, you need to have a behavior modification program also....drugs alone won't fix the problem.

[magoo]

Thanks Renee,
Since my last post I have started obedience classes with a behaviorist who is also going to come and help us out on a one-on-one basis for a few sessions...
Magoo and I have been making leaps and bounds in the last few weeks - if not in actual OBEDIENCE - at least in our communication with one another. I can't say that I LIKE the way he's telling me he needs to go out (5 minutes ago he sat near me bark/whining - then bit me - not hard at all, quick, but not hard - not even a mark but slight contact) I'm realizing now that when he gets "mean" it's his way of saying he's got to go (cuz BOY did he HAVE to go! - even though he'd just gone less than 2 hours before) - so... I stall a bit in order not to reward the mean behavior and then praise and treat when he goes - I'm waiting to have my private session with Debbie (behaviorist/trainer) to help train ME how to train HIM to tell me more politely! Until then... I think my tactic is doing no harm at least...
I will use prescriptions as a last resort - I'm still using the benadryl on days I know will be ultra-stressful - and it's working 60/40 - just like the clomicalm would...
I'm just praying our foster finds a home soon - I spend so much time monitoring them and breaking up their tiffs - I could be spending that time really training...
Anywho - thanks so much for all your pro-bono advice on this site! It's always been appreciated and I'm sure will be invaluable in the future as well!
Take care.
Julie, Magoo and the Stray

[Sheryl]

The generic name for Clomicalm is Clomipramine. We (the vet and I) started him on it after he chewed through the side of his kennel, and basically was destroying my house. I can't say for sure how much it helps. I am also doing behaviour modification as well.
I am feeling very discouraged today, will post in the aggressive dogs forum about it.