We had a very helpful appointment with Hachi's behavioral vet last week. We discussed how to get Hachi veterinary care despite his terrible fear of vets, strangers, and unfamiliar places. While we plan to continue to work on all of the elements of eventually taking Hachi to the vet without being sedated, sedation is the best strategy for now.
The behavioral vet's goal (and ours too) is to figure out a tranquilizing medication that we can give so that he can walk into a vet's office with minimal fear. Then, the vet will rapidly sedate him with an injection to his butt. Of course, we have to figure out the right medications by trial and error.
We tried out the first tranquilizing medication last week. The Runner medicated Hachi. Two hours later, they arrived in the parking lot of our vet, got out, and walked toward the door (all the while, the Runner was giving him yummy treats). Hachi was noticeably less scared than when he did the same thing the previous week without any tranquilizing medications.
The Runner thought that Hachi would have walked in the door but they didn't do that this week (we are taking teeny tiny steps on this journey). Now, we'll report to our behavioral vet, and she'll probably add in an additional medication so that he's even more relaxed.
In other news, Hachi is doing great with visitors to Lab Valley. He still barks when they first arrive but rapidly calms down. He's gone on walks with a number of visitors over the past couple of weeks. He seemed relaxed!
Hachi is such an intense dog. He's watching me SO carefully so that he can blast toward me when I call him. I love his intensity.
We love our Hachi.
to walk through the door at the vet is our challenge too... mark carried them inside... I hope he will be still able to do that...
ReplyDeleteHachis is so very beautiful, i can see the intensity as he focuses.. this is good news, i hope they can find just the right med mix to help him..
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWE love your Hachi! slow and steady as ever. YAM xx
It sounds like you have a good plan to work out what will work for Hachi to go to the vet. We have to admit that we aren't fans of the vet either but we do go willingly inside when we have to. Hachi looks so beautiful surrounded by all the gold from the grass and trees.
ReplyDeleteI love the look on his face. He's ready and willing to go when you call.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the vet training, it sounds like you've made a good start.
Easy does it sounds like a pawsome plan. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHe had such focus and he looks so handsome surrounded by all of the golden colors.
ReplyDeleteTiny steps and the right sedation sounds like a very good plan.Love the photo in the golden grasses, so focused.
ReplyDeleteHachi what wonderful news that your stranger/danger is decreasing....
ReplyDeletePurrs the scariness at the vet will go away quickly too
Hugs cecilia
and we love your Hachi! you and the runner have wonderful patience with him. XO
ReplyDeleteWe all love to go places but we don't go in the door at the vet willingly either. The vet is a tough place for any dog.
ReplyDeleteI like how you're doing this. You're so clever in helping Hachi.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥
People in the canyon adopted a dog that had been tossed and left in a trash can. Needless to say the dogs was terrified of people. The very kind and loving woman who got the dog, had not training, no idea of what she was in for. After a vet visit put the dog in the car, let go of the leash to close the door, and the dog escaped. We all looked for her for hours on Friday. I don't think she's been found yet. So tragic. So wonderful that Hachi found the right home and you guys who know what to do and where to seek help to add to your own knowledge.
ReplyDeleteNo matter the challenges, that dear boy knows how much he is loved!
ReplyDeleteIntense is a good word. I think that's the word I'll use for our little Chia.
ReplyDeleteYOur patience is boundless, but we suspect it is totally guided by love for Hachi. Hope this medication plan works.
ReplyDeleteThat is a brilliant way to get over the anxiety.
ReplyDeleteGreat plan! Itty bitty steps - as they say, 'the slower you go, the faster they progress".
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise