Animal Health (General)

[Guest]

My male GSD who is now 3 yrs. old has had stomach issues of and on since we got him at 4 mos of age. A couple of months ago he dropped from 70 lbs to 59 lbs. He was throwing up undigested fod after 6 - 8 hours. He had always whined for about 15 minues after he ate a meal. He has always been fed in his crate and kept there for an hour to digest his food. The vet did a CBC, EPI test and thyroid test. Everything came back normal except slightly elevated white blood count. He suggested he go on IVD limited diet and see if that helped. He is now up to 66 pounds after two months. Also he has become increasingly anxious when I take him out in public. He has been well socialized in public places, obedience classes, etc., but in the last 8-9 months he becomes nervous, panting, drooling, etc. He has become aggressive towards other dogs that stare at him or initiate aggressive behavior. He did pass his therapy dog test and has done some visits. Even when we have him out with out female GSD (4 years old) he is very apprehenisve. I am at my wits end about how to help him. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[Guest]

well my dog is not a social dog. He only likes other chihuahas. He had one terrible incident. where he screamed literally screamed at this loose cockerspaniel. Although this loose dog was climbing my leg to get to him. But after that incident i took him to the vet. and he said that he needed to go on antidepressents. Well he went on the antidepressents for a little while and then he took himself off of them.HE just refused to take them. After that he was ok. He doesn't pant or drool however he sorta chews his blanket, nibbles on it. that's a sign of anxiety apparantly a nervous habit and well other than that and getting awfully angry at the mailman he seems ok. Whatever you do make sure your dog is on a leash. I know coz when i take mine for a walk he hates the cats next door he wants to go after him. I've had my dog for 11 years I've given up on trying to figure him out. Keep up with the training. I know the antidepressents my vet gave my dog did help him for a little while. I know it can be a bit embarrassing too. When my dog was screaming at this cockerspaniel this little old lady came out of her house she thought someone killed a racoon. And she kinked her neck in the process trying to figure out what the noise was. After that i knew it was time to see a vet.
Well hope all goes well with your GSD
I don't know what that is ... Is it german shephard?

[quote] My male GSD who is now 3 yrs. old has had stomach issues of and on since we got him at 4 mos of age... [/quote]

[BeagleMum]

First off, I would suggest switching to a high quality kibble. What are you currently feeding him? I have a dog with food allergies and know how upset his tummy can get when he eats the wrong thing. My dog is allergic to anything that has wheat or gluten in it.

As for the anxiety, I am dealing with that as well however it is when I am gone and not when I am with him. You should be walking him on a 5 or 6 foot leash and not a retractable (incase that is what you are using). How much physical activity does he get in a day? If a dog does not get enough exercise, they often ger frustrated and will lash out at other dogs because they don't know what else to do with their energy.

Also, never comfort him if he is looking upset, you need to completely ignore it. Dogs are not like kids, if you try to comfort him, you are just encouraging the behaviour.

Good luck.