Home› Advice

Stress & Anxiety

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 5,846
Forum Member
✭
in Advice #1
I have major anxiety right now. Most of it seems concentrated around my 5 month puppy, who is hard work and I am worried has anxiety separation.

I don't know what to do. The doctor gave me beta blockers but they have only helped marginally. I can't help thinking I was mad getting a dog! I'm so stressed about combining my work with looking after her, despite planning for this for aaaages in advance (i really thought I could do it, I was under no illusions how diffiuclt it would be but I still feel I can't cope). I let the dog rule my life and I feel I have absolutely no time for myself.

I love this dog, but the way she destroyed the room when I left her for 2 hours the other day, made me think I can't provide enough for her. She has plenty of toys, attention, exercise, socialisation....yet...I really feel like I can't cope.

Er dunno why I'm posting really, I guess I feel I need to get it out somewhere!

Comments

  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Hi Madge,

    Oh gosh, that cute little so and so has really put you through the wringer hasn't she? It sounds like she's drained the emotional life out of you with her demanding ways. Even if everyone says, well hey - this is dogs for you, it doesn't alter the fact that the stress of caring for her is actually affecting your health now. That's not so good. If she could go to another good home, would you feel able to accept that, without feeling torn with guilt over it? Is that something you could consider? Or is that out of the question. It's okay to say I can't cope. I'm sure your local vets have contacts with people who could foster her, until she finds a home. If not, then they could put you in touch with someone who can perhaps find ways or techniques to keep her a little calmer which will really help you with the strain of all this.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 6
    Forum Member
    #3
    I have two dogs and had them from very young and also suffer from depression and anxiety. Beta Blockers are horrible and you can get addicted to them. Believe me the dog will calm down very quickly. They are only like this when they are young.

    Don't let the dog rule your life. If they think they are in charge then they will take advantage of it. Sets the rules early on. make sure the dog knows where her bed is and dont let her into your bedroom (we got a child gate on the door so they can see us but cant come in).

    Make sure you do go out and leave her on her own so that she becomes independant. Make sure she has lots of toys to play with or wear her out first. Leave the room free of anything you dont want her to bite up and leave her in little bits at a time getting longer as you go on. Ie. Start with 10 minutes, 20 and so on. You dont necessarily need to go out the house, just somewhere she cant see you and doe snot know you are there.

    Once you have set boundries and get into good habits you will have a great time with you dog.

    Good luck
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 5,846
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #4
    Thanks for the replies guys :)
  • malaikahmalaikah Posts: 20,014
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭
    #5
    Madge, what kind of dog is she?

    Crate training will also prevent her from attempting total destruction when you are out for a short while - Crate Training (This is the just the first link I came across).

    Dog Crate
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    I know this is probably no consolation Madge, but a friend of mine adopted an Alsation from a rescue kennel and when he got in from work one day, it had virtually chewed his settee completely in half:eek:
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 5,846
    Forum Member
    ✭
    #7
    Lol Jim, well I know I'm not the first person whose dog chewed up something - and it could have been worse by the sounds of things!

    Maliaikah - she's a beagle, I know they have a reputation for not liking to be alone etc. and they also have a reputation for being particularly bad at chewing!

    She sleeps in a crate but she's not crate trained, I leave the door open for her but it sounds like it's the time to change that. I guess I'm paranoid she might try to chew out of the crate or something! When I first had her she would throw herself at the crate door at night.

    Just came down to her this morning and she had pooped twice! She's not done this in months. I think her stomach was a little upset yesterday. But this stresses me out MORE...

    Been thinking about these replies. I'd be totally devastated to give her up but at the same time I don't think I can continue feeling so stressed and ill :( I feel a bit embarassed feeling so stressed and that I can't cope.
  • SystemSystem Posts: 2,096,970
    Forum Member
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    #8
    Madge - why not just give the vets a ring and just chat it through like you have here? Better than churning it over and over in your head. You don't have to make a decision yet, but I bet they'd take these things in their stride and be quite matter of fact about it. Enough to reassure you that this isn't at all unusual and make you feel more at ease over any decision you make. :)
Sign In or Register to comment.