English bulldog with anxiety

Question
Hi Susan,

Lola is 2.5 years old who has been having a very difficult time. She has severe
panick attacks that include a generaized rash break-out with each episode.
She is easily startled by shadows, wind, the slightest noise, etc. And this is
gotten worse with the recent thunder and lightning. She has obessive traits
for certain things especially balls. When she plays with balls for instance, she
becomes obsessed to the point that she is not reponsive to our commands
and will start whining and ramming it until her face starts to bleed. At times
she will run frantically around the house whining until she drops from
exhaustion. When her anxiety increases she constantly chews on her paw
until it is red and raw and she eventually finds it difficult to walk. She
consistently humps our female pug which often leads to altercation. We are
worried because the only thing that helps to calm her down is when we
restrict her to her crate. These episodes and breakouts have gottne worse
over he last 6 months.

She is the kindest dog you will ever meet. A dog that loves everyone. And she
doesnt have an agressive bone in her body. But when she has one of these
episodes it really scares us, because both the frequency and duration have
increased. Initially we though this would improve with age, but the oppositive
has been the case. We have over the years attempted a variety of things to
include 2 seperate dog obience courses, restricting her diet to all natural,
increased socialization through daycare and groups, behavioral modification
strategies, and attempts to modify our home environment/parenting.

Her mother too had a lot of energy for an english bulldog.

We have started her on a course of anti-depressants (Clormipramine 50 mg
daily) for the last 2 weeks. We understand that therapeutic effects arent
noticeable for 3-4. Her anxiety has not gotten any better. The only calming
effects so far are from the side effects of sedation.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Travis

Answer
Hi Travis, I am so sorry your dear dog is having anxiety attacks. I also had a dog that inherited psychotic problems and know how severe it can be. Give the drug a bit of time to see if it helps. If not, there are many other drugs which may help such as benzodiazepines ,butyrophenone, phenothiazines (there are many in each category and your vet can help you find one which helps. There is a product that you  can put on the ball and her paws which will not cause irritation, but give her a bad taste in her mouth and keep her from chewing. I found that taking my dog to agility trials was good for her, her job gave her increased confidence whereas the obedience is good it serves to give you control, not her. It is always good to do obedience, but your dog needs a job with loads of activity and praise. If you have not done so, spay her immediately as this problem is inherited. Keep me posted at mccrettons@yahoo.com. Thanks. Susan