My dog is clingy and anxious after a dog bite. What can I do?

Poor Brody! How scary for both of you. Dogs can certainly be anxious and upset for a while after a traumatic event like this, just like people. This should improve with time, but there are a few things you can try in the meantime that may help. If he seems nervous all the time, you can try using a DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure to help him relax - these products are all very safe, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. On walks, he may be very nervous about other dogs approaching for quite a while - so I would make sure to give him plenty of space, and don't walk in areas where other dogs are likely to be until he seems more relaxed and comfortable again. You can also carry treats with you on your walks, and praise and reward him every time you see another dog - this can be a very effective way of helping with fear.

It sounds like your pup may be suffering from some separation anxiety, perhaps brought on initially by the trauma of the attack. You can read more about this condition at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1502. A visit with your vet is best to be sure there aren't any other medical problems that need to be addressed. They can recommend some behavior modification to try. You may also try some over the counter calming aids including Adaptil collar http://www.adaptil.com/us/Adaptil/Adaptil-Collar or spray, and Zylkene supplement http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/content/zylkene.

If he was part of a bonded pair then he definitely may experience some anxiety with being separated. He may have a decreased appetite or you may notice some behavioral issues. You could try an Adaptil collar or Solliquin and see if that helps him. Good luck. I hope he gets used to his new environment quickly. http://www.solliquin.com/

This is quite strange behavior. It sounds like it is mostly anxiety and stress related due to the change in environment and care givers. I would have your girlfriend try to give him some treats and feed him to help "win him over" again as long as he isn't being too aggressive. I do not want her to get bit again. If this behavior continues on and off, I would consider putting a calming collar on her like adaptil and giving him a calming chew like vetriscience composure. Finally, if that doesn't help, I would talk to your vet about starting him on an anti-anxiety medicine like fluoxetine. I hope this helps and he starts to get back to normal soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nate! I think an important first step is to have your Vet examine Nate. He could be painful at the site of the bite, despite no outward wounds. He could have neck (muscle) pain like whip lash or be generally sore. That could explain the lack of energy and slowly coming down the stairs. I strongly feel that you need to be sure he is actually healthy before considering this a new behavioral problem from being attacked. Most dogs aren't overly traumatized mentally after getting in to fights but it is possible. If your vet finds nothing wrong with Nate they can discuss anti-anxiety medications and behavioral modifications to help him get back to normal. Good luck!

He could have some pain or anxiety from being bit by the German Shepherd. He should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a complete physical examination to locate any abnormal or painful areas. Your dog could have some back/neck pain or an infection that is causing some discomfort making him reluctant to run or play. Once diagnosed, your vet can prescribe an anti-inflammatory, pain medications, and/or an antibiotic to help treat. If the physical examination is completely normal, you could try an Adaptil collar and see if that helps relieve any anxiety.

Poor Littlebit! Is there a scary or traumatic even that could have happened a few months ago that could have changed his behavior? Or a change in the household (new people, kids now crawling/walking, new pets, construction, etc) or household routines (you're home more or less than normal, change in work schedule, etc)? All of these things could cause a little anxiety or neediness. You could try to give her some Benadryl to see if this calms her. You could also do a pheromone calming collar like adaptil. If this does not help, I would talk to your vet about looking at her to ensure nothing else is going on and possbily starting her on an anti-anxiety medicine. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better really soon.!