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I have a 6-year old Labrador Retriever. She's a GREAT dog, but ever since she was about a year old, she's been really skittish. She has "episodes" where something scares her and causes her to pant heavily, shiver, and act way out of character.
She used to get freaked out about when she heard a clap of thunder, loud fireworks, or something else that would scare any dog. These episodes used to be rare, but over the last few months, they've turned into a daily occurrence. I have no idea what freaks her out, but there's been several times where she has crawled into someone's bed in the middle of the night while in panic. It's starting to get really annoying for all of us, because these episodes last for 3 hours or more, no matter how hard we try to make her comfortable.
We have 3 other dogs and none of them get freaked out like she does. She gets along well with the other 3 dogs, is very much loved by everyone in the family, and has never been neglected or abused. I'm not sure if there's a "dog psychologist" out there, but I really need to know how I can help her because I hate seeing her act the way she does.
This sounds like a medical problem. Have to talked to the vet about these problems? She could be having mild seizures, vision problems & other Medical problems!!
This sounds like a medical problem. Have to talked to the vet about these problems? She could be having mild seizures, vision problems & other Medical problems!!
^^^^^ This ^^^^^
Radical changes in a dog's behavior are often indicative of an underlying medical condition. A trip to the vet is in order.
The first step is always a medical work up as has already been mentioned. If that fails to turn anything up, there are veterinary behaviorists throughout the country. They are veterinarians who have had furthur education and training in animal psychology. It sounds like her issues may be getting worse and finding a behaviorist is likely to result in a much happier life for her and for you. To find one you could search the internet, but be careful. Or a call to your closest vet school may be helpful.
I agree with the advice to take her to your vet. You might want to get some video footage of her during those situations if you can sometimes that will help the vet. She could have everything from an inner ear problem to actual panic disorder.
We had a greyhound that was prone to jumping into laps or becoming flypaper to ones leg during thunderstsorms and such. WE just acted like it was natural occurance, he just got a couple of 'its ok' pets and nothing more. after some time he wouldn't panic so much and after plenty of time we could even get him to outside while a thunderstorm approached. We just never asked him to deal with a full on thunderstorm alone or outside.
if there is a true underling panic problem then the vet can offer meds. but be sure it is a true disorder for the meds can be strong and have side effects.
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