Not sure what to do...

I have a golden retriever. He is a great dog, especially with the kids, except when it's stormy. He hates storms, like a little kids following me around. He tries to jump up in my lap, if I am walking he will knock me down. He also does the same with the kids which scares me sometimes. If it is at night I have to get up with him and keep him settled until the storm passes. I was up with him almost 2 hours last night. I have tried several things, some calming drops, storm jacket nothing is working though. The vet has some tranquilizers , but they are 12 dollars each. I really can't afford that. I would average having to use them 10 to 15 dollars a month. If it were up to my dh we would have done something with him a while ago. My kids wouldn't understand it though. Any suggestions?

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Asked by Anonymous at 10:09 AM on Oct. 18, 2012 in Pets

Answers (20)

Buy the pills

Answer by Mrs_Harsh at 10:12 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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I would definitely say get the pills. I would do anything and everything possible without even the consideration of getting rid of my furry family member.

If you are completely against the pills, perhaps play music or the TV loud when there is thunder...?

Answer by AllAboutKeeley at 11:04 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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I am a nurse and have a had nurse friends give their dogs Benadryl! Just like kids :) A lot cheaper than pills from the vet.

Answer by AmyMSNRN at 11:17 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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I say get the pills for him, how do you afford to take him to the vet etc,, DO NOT get rid of this dog that is awesome in every other way! I would also ask the vet if he has any less expensive ones, or try pet meds. com

Answer by kimigogo at 10:27 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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The cost per pill seems very high to me,, and I am sure that some months you will not have storms,, I would google dog tranquilizers and do some research,, My dog has the same anxiety when it comes to thunder/firecrackers,, I got 10 pills for $25. I could have had the vet write a script and then ordered them from Pet Meds for 1/2 the price,, so call him and ask about cheaper alternatives.

Answer by kimigogo at 10:58 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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100 ct, 75 milligram Amiltryptiline (sp) for $20.99 at pet med com,, most likely he would need 2 pills if he is over 100lbs.. this is the exact same drug I give my dog.

Answer by kimigogo at 11:20 AM on Oct. 18, 2012
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THUNDERJACKET.

Answer by FreeForAll at 1:07 PM on Oct. 18, 2012
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I agree with Dard. If you can't get the pills, I would put him in a crate with something that has your scent on it and play music near him.

Also, try giving him benadryl. That is what we used to give to my dog growing up. It worked great.

Answer by theMOMmission at 1:26 PM on Oct. 18, 2012
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Have you tried desensitizing him to storms? Any training at all to help with this fear? why no try to find a trainer that will come to your home and help you with this?

Answer by KyliesMom5 at 6:24 AM on Oct. 19, 2012
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I'm against the medication route. This behavior is common among most pets. What I would recommend instead, is to buy a dog house for inside the home so that he has a "cave" to go hide in whenever it storms. Makes sure it's comfy with a padded bed inside and get him used to go there by putting him in there every time it storms. He sounds like a great dog and this should definitely not be seen as bad behavior. It's natural for animals to run from loud sounds and what may seem like a natural disaster in their little world.

Answer by hellokittykat at 3:54 AM on Oct. 20, 2012
Credits: 13533 Level 22 Pets 101

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