Acupuncture for Penny Lane????

**clara4457** · 08-14-2003, 08:12 AM

I have heard that acupunture is another way of helping alleviate anxiety in dogs. Has anyone tried this and had any success with it? What about message therapy?

I am willing to try anything at this point!!! Poor baby - she still shakes constantly. I have seen a little improvement, but this shaking is breaking my heart.

Also anyone know of a real good baby gate that can be attached to the doorway. Penny Lane has learned how to open the ones I have.

**ChloeLove** · 08-15-2003, 10:14 AM

Never heard of it, but it might work, and it's probably worth it to try anything right now. Try massages first, then accupuncture. Massages are easier and probably less expensive.

**KYS** · 08-15-2003, 04:24 PM

My vet just added acupunture to
his clinic.
I was thinking about trying it for Sheba for her
arthritis.
If you do try it for anxiety, please let me know if it helps.

**lizbud** · 08-15-2003, 08:46 PM

Well, I don't know about the baby gate question, but you might
ask at a hardware store for some ideas. About the shaking, that
must be very sad to see. I don't know anyone who's tried the
acupunture method for anxiety, but it would be worth a try. Have
you asked the Behaviourist or your Vet about medicine to help
Penny Lane with this problem? Best of luck to you. Liz.

**clara4457** · 08-16-2003, 06:44 AM

Well I did a little more research on acupunture and appearently it only helps if there is some sort of medical cause to the anxiety. I am going to look further into the message therapy though.

It has also been recommended to me to try a anxiety wrap http://www.anxietywrap.com/, which I think I am going to try.

The good news is that I am starting to see some improvement from the Prozac. Lately Penny Lane's ears are up more and she is playing a bit more. Yesterday she was actually running and rolling in the back yard for a full 15 minutes.

She also seems to be a little less concerned when Leo barks at something outside the house.

Taking her to my sister's house when I am out of town helps a great deal, she is less anxious when I return. We are finding out that it is not necessarily other dogs that she gets aggressive with, rather it is when other dogs are being boisterous. She is absolutely fine with my sisters 13year old GSD (Tara) since all Tara does is mostly sleep and waddle to the food or water bowl.

She also is fine when Leo and Hutch (my sisters 2year old GSD) are at rest, but the minute they start playing together, she gets very growly and nippy and tries to jump on my lap.

As you can see, I am trying to do everything I can to make this work. I think if I can get Penny's anxiety under control, I think it will all be more manageable. The weird thing is that when Penny gets nervous because of thunderstorms or fireworks she wants to be close to Leo not me.

Penny is also learning to leave Sam the cat alone - which is extremely important as the last couple of skirmishes have been when she tried to chase Sam and Leo wanted to protect him. I shut Sam up in a different room when I am not home so there is no chance of him getting hurt.

Sorry this is so long - just thought I would give everyone an update.

**alicat613** · 08-17-2003, 02:24 AM

Have you tried Rescue Remedy?

BTW my friend's dog has had acupuncture for pain, with amazing results. It doesn't really solve problems, or help with anxiety as above, but can be really useful for pain or longterm illness.

**clara4457** · 08-17-2003, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by alicat613
Have you tried Rescue Remedy?

I am planning to, but I haven't been able to find it locally yet. I have one more place to check and if I can't find it there I am going to order it online. BTW - Welcome to Pet Talk, it is always nice to see new people on the board.

**alicat613** · 08-17-2003, 12:18 PM

Thank you!

http://www.petfooddirect.com sells it, I believe. I joined their 'savings club' which just sends you emails periodically and I get a lot of 20% of coupons. Shipping seems to take a while though.