Expert: Kaza - 3/12/2008

Question
Hi! My sister just moved in with me to my new house. She has an 11year old bishon, and prior to living with us, it was only she and the dog. Now that she is with us, she works full-time and when she leaves the dog cries, whines, literally all day long! I try everything walking the dog, playing with it, etc. She took the dog to the vet and the vet said it had severe separation anxiety and prescribes prozac. It has now been a month, at first there was some improvement, but now it seems he is just as bad. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Answer
Why prozac, such a drastic meausre so early on. I would have your sister wear a nice soft t shirt in bed for a week, use no artificial scent , perfume, sprays etc get it right smelly and then place this into a crate for the doggy, cover the top of the crate with a blanket and leave the door open, this willbecome the dogs den, a place of safety. Then use DAP around the house, this will ease the dogs anxiety. Take the dog for a long walk , talk to him all the time as you walk him beofre sis goes to work, generally if a dog is tired , anxiety is lessened.
Please go to my health site www.eurobichons.com
and read how to continue this .
Good luck xx