Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 11/11/2009

Question
I have a four year old Pomeranian. He is on Phenobarbital for two years now for seizures. He is an exceptional pup, until I go to work or anywhere for that matter. He is causing me problems in my home with neighbors. I just broke a lease and moved elsewhere hoping moving on the top floor of another community would quiet the noise down and limit his bark. I have been in my new home for three weeks and I already received four complaints. My vet has told me we are very limited to options because of the Phenobarbital. I have tried Citronella Spray Colors, Ultra Sonic devices, training and even Anxitane S. It says on the box to give small dogs 1/2 pill every 12 hrs, my Vet had me give him 1 full pill every 12 hrs and has not made a wink of a difference. I don't have a lot of time left. The last thing I want to do is let my pup go. To me this is not an option and clearly I can't move every time my Pom barks. Can you please recommend anything to help us or am I helpless?

Thank you.

Answer
I don't understand what your vet meant about limited options due to the phenobarb. In what way?

It's pretty obvious that this dog needs to be debarked at this point as nothing else seems to work. However, have you tried clomacalm or any of the newer drugs for separation anxiety?

I do believe debarking is a last resort but it is a quick and relatively (afterward) painless procedure. The only downside is a dog can teach themselves to bark again- albeit it is never as loud as the first bark.

Poms are the number one dog that is debarked besides shelties. They are known barkers.

Your dog barks because he is lonely. Get him a cat or another small, but not as barky dog to be with and he might do better. Behavioral training with a professional might also help.

Your dog should do fine with an anesthetic for a debark procedure. Call around and ask a few vets if they have done them and ask how many. Then ask about options or referrals to trainers.

That is about all I can offer at this time. Barking is a serious problem with neighbors, that I understand. I live in the country and it can still be a problem.

Good luck and let me know how it all pans out.