Harley health or anxiety issues

[jackie schaffer]

Help fellow doodle owners. My Harley has for the past three weeks has been some issues. I took her to the vet on 6/14 and 6/17. The vet listened to heart, lungs and do a complete blood panel. all normal. She detected a slight pain in one of her rear legs and we tried tramadol at night and rimadyl twice a day thinking she might be in pain.  No change in her behavior.

The vet said to wait and see if any other changes. Bathroom habits normal, eating normal.

Initial symptoms were heavy panting and restless at night, early morning. House is cool so she is not hot.

The past week has she is glued to me. Fearful of every noise even when there is no thunder, guns or fireworks. She also is afraid of her yard! She walks on the grass like she does not want to touch it!!!!  We have a huge fenced in yard and she seems to be afraid to venture away from the deck and grass area closer to deck. She has started pooping close to the deck instead of her usual far corners of the yard. 

I have gone to the family room couch to sleep at night so as not to disturb my husband with her.  She seems a bit calmer when she is sleeping in there with me at night. 

Will not leave the drive way for her normal walk.  I put in the car and drive to the trail and she stops many times and I have to coach her to walk.  Instead of a long walk it is short because she is so fearful. 

Nothing has happened with anyone or another dog to create these fears. I have no idea where to go and what to do.  I will make a follow up appointment but don't know how to proceed.

Any input from fellow dog lovers.  I don't want to miss something with her that can be treated.  It feels like looking for a needle in a hay stack.

Read more here: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues?commentId=...

[jackie schaffer]

yes the vet checked her eyes and they were normal.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Dog's are just so sensitive, that is often difficult for us, as mere humans, to determine what is accounting for a sudden behavior change. Something may have triggered of which you are unaware, because it is not a big deal to you, but was a big deal to your sweet pooch. As it sounds like you have eliminated any possible organic reason for this sudden change, you might consider contacting a really good, reputable trainer to assess the situation; an experienced trainer might have dealt with a similar situation and have some sound advice.  It's so hard to watch a dog suffer with such anxiety (not unlike a person) and hopefully, there are strategies that will help make this better.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

How old is Harley? 

This may have nothing to do with it, but as you probably know, dogs can hear things that we can't. I know in my area, there have been people shooting off firecrackers for weeks. She may be hearing something that you don't hear.

You might also want to post in the Fear & Anxiety group: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/mentalhealth