Who will prescribe Clomicalm for my dog?
Question by nicole: Who will prescribe Clomicalm for my dog?
I have a three year old, small dog with severe separation anxiety problems. I took him to the vet a while back and discussed my concerns. We talked about behavior modification techniques, which I tried with him over the course of several months. Nothing seemed to be helping, so I talked to vet once again about, this time about prescription treatments. My vet refuses to give my dog any kind of medication for his anxiety. He recommended us to a ‘animal behavior therapist’ and said that was all he could do.
I am frustrated by this for a lot of reasons. First, it is really expensive to pay for frequent vet visits, and I’m sure even more expensive to see an animal behaviorist. Also, it takes a lot of time, and if I see someone else, I’m guessing they will also want to try behavior training before medication.
Does anyone know where/who can and will prescribe this medication for my dog? General and specific references/suggestions would be greatly appreciated (I live in Chicago). Thanks!
I appreciate everyone’s helpful responses, but the fact is that I am NOT trying to take the easy way out. I have tried virtually every training and behavior modification method out there. My dog is 3 years old, I’ve been working on his anxiety problems his entire life. As apac suggested, Ive tried those same crate training methods. Also, I get him tons of exercise, he has a dog walker during the day while I work, he has things to keep him occupied during the day, and Ive done everything else I possibly can to ease his anxiety- and have been doing this for nearly 3 years.
Also, when I say ‘severe anxiety,’ I mean it. He cries, he acts out on carpet & furniture, he goes to the bathroom, and he is miserable and unhappy. After nothing has worked, I want to ease his comfort and make him feel more relaxed while Im away- not ‘drug him into submission’ or ‘find a quick fix’.
I think the problem is that my vet and you guys have the same hyper-sensitive response to medication.
I appreciate everyone’s helpful responses, but the fact is that I am NOT trying to take the easy way out. I have tried virtually every training and behavior modification method out there. My dog is 3 years old, I’ve been working on his anxiety problems his entire life. As apac suggested, Ive tried those same crate training methods. Also, I get him tons of exercise, he has a dog walker during the day while I work, he has things to keep him occupied during the day, and Ive done everything else I possibly can to ease his anxiety- and have been doing this for nearly 3 years.
Also, when I say ‘severe anxiety,’ I mean it. He cries, he acts out on carpet & furniture, he goes to the bathroom, and he is miserable and unhappy. After nothing has worked, I want to ease his comfort and make him feel more relaxed while Im away- not ‘drug him into submission’ or ‘find a quick fix’.
I think the problem is that my vet and you guys have the same hyper-sensitive response to medication.
Best answer:
Answer by ginbark
Only a vet can so see a diff vet and you can buy it at Wal*Mart cheaper, just get the prescription sent there.
Add your own answer in the comments!
JVZoo Product Feed
If you had a child with a chance of ADHD, you’d be the parent to throw him on ridalin right away aren’t you?
I have a dog with massive separation anxiety issues. No way would drugging her into submission help. It would make her miserable. Maybe figure out what the dog is so worried about. They do have feelings, you know.
And think about it- pills that could potentially cost you $ 50 to $ 100 a month….. yet you say vet visits are too expensive? Sit down and do the math. And remember that your dog is a living being, not something you can drug up when they become difficult.
Behavior Training is not a big deal. Does your dog have a crate? Most dogs feel safer in a crate than they do just left alone in a room. If he doesn’t have a crate, try that first. Many people prefer the airline type plastic crate, but my dogs didn’t like that. They all prefer the wire crate. I sometimes put a blanket over the top and 3 sides of the crate to create a den-like place for them.
Then the training. Put the dog in the crate, say nothing to him, and walk out the front door. count to 5 and go back in if he has not started howling. If he has, wait until he takes a breath and then go in. Do this several times a day for several days until he is comfortable with it. Slowly increase the time you’re outside until you can walk around the outside of the house and he doesn’t howl. Then start getting in the car and starting the engine. Then drive down the driveway and back. You see the progression? Slowly but surely increase the time you’re gone, and don’t go back til he takes a breath between his howling. And be sure to praise him and give him treats and make a big deal out of returning – teaching him that no matter what, you’ll always come back.
Why are you so fed up with behavior modification? Behavior modification can take a lot of time! Putting your dog on medication is just going to mask the problem, not fix it. Is that the better option for your dog anyway? NO. It’s the quicker and easier method for YOU, but not your dog.
You have a good vet! Good veterinarians should FIRST refer you to a animal behaviorist and then only use medications as a last resort. Note – There is no such thing as an animal behavior “therapist” unless that is the term your vet used. The usual term is behaviorist.
Yes, it’s really expensive to keep going to the vet and yes, an animal behaviorist is very expensive. FACT – you took on the responsibility of a dog. Some dogs need more care than others. It’s YOUR responsibility to take care of your dog and not take the “quick fix.” You should NOT own a dog if you’re just going to give up on it the minute things start to get expensive and go wrong. Shame on you!
Do you really want your dog to become a drugged out zombie? I surely hope not! I suggest that you bite your tongue and go through the behavior modification. You have to be PATIENT. This will take time. Medicating your dog should be a last resort AFTER you have tried, to the best of your ability, everything else!
ADD: Jade – I totally agree! Apac – You’re right too! Crate training is a great tool to help with separation anxiety!
ADD: I’m not hyper sensitive to using medication as a last resort to help a dog that has severe separation anxiety.
I apologize for thinking that you wanted a quick fix. It sounded like you were one of those people by what you wrote originally. Since you have tried everything, then go ahead and try the medication. Go talk to your vet. Make sure you and your vet are on the same page and that you BOTH know what has, and hasn’t worked for your dog in behavior modification. Communication is key! If your vet absolutely will not budge on medication, you could find a different vet, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A new vet will not know your dog’s history, therefore it might take longer to build a relationship with him or her and it will take longer for your dog to get what he needs. You and your current vet should at least have a nice long talk about this, so you will both feel comfortable doing what’s best for your dog. I know it’s frustrating to wait, but really, you do have a good vet! He actually cares about your dog enough to try training first rather than meds. No offense, but he might not realize that you’re not one of those “quick fix” people either! If you have been coming in there frustrated, and complaining, then it’s understandable why he has mistaken you for that.
Now, when you find the best medication to put your dog on, don’t give up the behavior modification! Keep doing the crate training like Apac said. The medication will make your dog calmer, so the crate training might get through to him this time. As long as you keep doing the behavior modification WHILE your dog is on medication, there is a good chance that he will be able to come off of it and only use it temporarily to get the training to sink in! I can’t promise anything though. Some dogs will be on medication for the rest of their lives. Medication is beneficial for dogs if it helps them live a happier, less stressful life. Stress is harmful to dogs just as much as it is for humans so if it makes him a happier dog, than it’s ok. Good luck!
I have a dog with severe anxiety also. I tried everything. Finally my vet put him on Clomicalm. I understand about training and an animal behaviorist, that does not work for all dogs and neither does “special attention”. I have six rat terriers and this is the first time I turned to medication. He was miserable. He would do circles constantly, you could not keep weight on him. When he would come to kiss you he would nibble at you and sometimes jump so hard, knock you over. This was from his nerves, even the 3 trainers we got for him said so. He is your dog, you know what he needs. Thank goodness you are reaching out for help, instead of dumping him in a shelter. Go to a different vet. The pills are $ 30.00 bucks a month. After 4 months, they stop taking them. Good luck.