Murphy's visit to the behaviorist

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Our appointment was yesterday.  Somehow I thought I would feel better after our $500 appointment but I don't.  I actually feel a bit uncomfortable.   She gave us some relaxation exercises to work on.  We had already started with the same basic concept with his trainer but the behaviorist has changed it up a bit. The idea is to have a special mat that we only use during our relaxation exercises.  I put Murph in a down stay and reward him for staying and relaxing.  Before the behaviorist we were doing this and adding distractions and distance.   The behaviorist wants me to do the same thing with the special mat but she also wants a special collar and leash, only used for our exercises.....I am to put his mat beside me while I am watvhing tv or on the computer, etc.  He has his collar and leash on and I am to direct him to his mat, let him make the correct decision to stay and lay down.....if he doesn't, I shorten my grip on the leash, redirect, praise when he makes the right decision.  I am to keep him tethered to me on his mat, "relaxing" for 30 minutes.  Eventually we will add distance and distractions.

I am also supposed to use nothing in life is free..always, for everything.

 

And then the drugs........I knew she would want him on a daily drug and I had prepared myself for this and researched the ones I thought she would be sure to prescribe.  To my surprise she prescribed Murphy Trazadone.    I have never heard of a dog taking Trazadone.  I know my own doctor has offered it to me to help me sleep.....I don't want a sleepy Murph, he isn't a sleepy guy.   I am guessing that drugs don't necessarily affect dogs the same as humans but I don't know that.   What if this drug makes him feel like a zombie?  How will I know?   I know I have been on antidepressants in the past that have made me feel miserable.  I knew it was the drugs and was able to stop taking them.  But what if Murph feels terrible?

 

Has anyone ever heard of a dog taking Trazadone?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This sounds so similar to what we're doing with our Murph.  His whole day is about staying calm and relaxed.  We've had to change so much about the way we structure his day and even how we interact with him.  I'm going to message you.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

I would like that Jane.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

How long  will he be taking Trazadone?   Did she feel it would be a short-term until he can calm down enough to learn some new training methods?  Or is did she say it is a permanent thing?

What does you vet say about this?  Did she consult the vet about the medication she felt was needed?

And last, but certainly not the least, are you going to be following up with her after a trail with this medication? 

Don't get me wrong, as you know, Starlit was on medication and I thought it was the best decision we ever made with her care.  She improved 100%.  She was much happier and more comfortable.  She was able to enjoy life.

Just wondering how this will all be going with Murph's care?

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Joanne, the Trazadone is what we are starting with.....he may be on some med long term, whether this one or some other one.    She did not consult with my vet, although she is a vet herself.  I did have a comprehensive exam/blood panel/lipid, organ, urine, etc. done on Murphy to ensure there is no physical reason he couldn't tolerate the meds.

I do have a follow up with her on June 18.

He took his first dose around 7:30 and he is now asleep........

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I hope these things work for Murphy and you and will follow his progress.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Thank you Nancy.  I love him so very much.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ronna, It really sounds like you are doing everything possible to help Murphy. I know how overwhelming it can be trying to make the right choices when you aren't sure of anything, and you can't help but question and second guess everything, especially when drugs are involved. I do think it's very important to have a level of comfort and trust in the person who is directing the treatment. I know how difficult it can be with these specialists to get all of your concerns and questions addressed. I wish I had some advice. Please know that I understand and will be hoping that the meds and the relaxation techniques help Murphy, and you can feel comfortable with your decisions. Hugs to you both.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Thank you karen. I don't have human children and never will. Murphy is my "first born".  I never thought it possible that I could love the way I love Murphy..and with the love comes a lot of worry.  I just want to do right by him.  I want him happy and healthy and safe.  We will get through this together...I just hope I am making the right choices for him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think you would gauge how a dog feels by how he acts. You will see if he just seems calmer but still plays and seems to enjoy things. If he seems very sleepy and doesn't want to do usually pleasurable things that is a different story. But give it some time since side effects may go away with time but good effects increase with time ideally.