Just catching up - so sorry Willow is struggling with this. Here's hoping with you that the meds can make some difference for her.
I'm really glad you are sharing Willow's story and what you are doing to help her. As I've already mentioned, Brogan had some serious issues with noise as well and I got so frustrated because I thought I'd tried everything and nothing helped. Even though I'd take him to the vet at the drop of a pin for anything else, it never even occurred to me to consult the vet for the noise sensitivity. Hopefully by learning more here with Willow and the few other Forum members who have shared their battles with this issue, if my next dog also shows signs I can do more than just sitting with him and worrying.
Sorry I'm only just catching up with this! I am so sorry to hear this! You are doing everything you can and in the best way possible! I hope you get something sorted soon and Willow feels better, Its such a shame we cant tell them how safe and loved they are and they understand. Thinking of you! x
High winds overnight mean wind drift (piles of snow forming dangerously) and so more blasting this morning. Sigh. Still, day one of medication so hopefully we'll see some improvement over the next few days. I'm going to start a journal so I can document what has happened each day and how she's been.
Just saw this now. Please don't think you've failed her, Fiona. You wouldn't say that a person suffering from anxiety had failed if they decided to use medication. I know dogs aren't people, but if she needs medication to get her equilibrium back then I don't see how that's a bad thing. I hope that in a few weeks time you start to see improvements
You are doing the right thing for Willow,Fiona. Proud of you writing about it because it will help us al! Big hug.
I will keep everything crossed the medication helps little Willow to bounce back to her normal self xx Give her a big hug from us xx
She certainly seems better this afternoon, but it might just be in my mind. I'm updating her journal throughout the day (but have closed it for comments so that it doesn't get jumbled). https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/willows-noise-phobia-medication-journal.18456/
I'm glad she is a little better, just read your journal and I doubt it is your imagination. A journal is such a good idea as it gives a focus, if down the line Willow takes a step back you can re read it and take comfort in how far she will have come. I have an old diary in which I've written rambling thoughts before writing them in a more coherent manner on the forum. It's been a godsend in hindsight.
I was looking for an app to record it and then just thought, hey, I might as well do it on here because it may help someone else down the line, who knows?
Journals are invaluable , giving a good and accurate recollection of what went before , good luck Willow x
It's good to see that she's been out and seems a bit better, but the food craving is odd. Is that a side effect of the medication?
Mostly Curious, are they using hand charges, avalaunchers or artillery? I'm surprised that Willow is bothered by Blasting, but not by fireworks. Here the fireworks, especially the mortars are usually louder than the Avy Blasts. Is she also bothered by thunder?
Yup, Rivotril can be used as an appetite stimulant! In our immediate area, they generally use hand charges and sometimes bomb from the heli. In the adjoining area, they have a lot of Gazex, too. She's not bothered by thunder. Fireworks are far less boomy than the blasting. It's a far deeper, more encompassing noise. But, I don't think it's necessarily the noise in itself, as that wouldn't explain the fear of birds swooping or gunshot. Whether it's something to do with the unpredictability of it, I don't know - thunder is accompanied by the changes in pressure and fireworks have the flashes to help her anticipate the noise. But that's just guessing.
Poor, poor, Willow. You know how much I feel for you and Willow. It is so hard when they are so scared and you've worked so hard already with her fears and anxiety. Just sending my thoughts and a big supportive ((((hugs))))
