Enabling the Dog

Well, it's been over a year since we adopted Orion, and he still can't be left alone, ever. So we've decided to try "puppy Prozac", in his case, Clomicalm. Clomicalm is the only prescription approved for veterinary use for separation anxiety, although there are other human-approved medications that are used by many vets. We really struggled with this choice. We didn't want to alter his strong, playful personality, or make him dependent on drugs for the rest of his life, or risk the side effects of the medication. When I lamented the choice on Facebook, a good friend replied that in hindsight, she felt her beloved dog would have been happier if they had medicated her. That really hit home. Yes, we're concerned with the risks, but really, is Orion happier, if a little loopy, with Clomicalm? Or panicking that the rest of the pack left without him? When we really thought about it from his perspective, given that we can never explain to him that we'll be back, that he'll never outgrow this, the choice became clear.

Orion has been on Clomicalm for about 10 days. So far, so good. There haven't been any dramatic changes, although he does seem to sleep more soundly. I wonder if that's because he's not worried about missing something while he's sleeping. I don't mean to project human emotions on him, but to see things from his puppy perspective. Dogs are always listening, aware of what the rest of the pack is doing, what's going on around them. Orion is still sharp, but not as concerned, if that makes any sense.

On the other hand, he still hasn't been left alone. In a few weeks, we're going on a family camping trip and they won't let us bring him, so off to the kennel he goes. It's the same place he has daycare, so hopefully he'll be ok after dark. They're making extra arrangements to help keep him safe even if he does panic, like removing his collar so he can't get caught on anything, and putting up a baby gate so he can't jump out of his room. Yes, his room. No crates or cages here. He'll have a 6' by 9' room and all the comforts of home. Hopefully, he'll be ok for the weekend. And hopefully, someday soon, he'll be confident and comfortable in letting us come and go.