Stress/Anxiety symptom or something else?

[mollycoddle2012]

I need some advice, guys. My 2.5ish year old pup is having a diarrhea atm. Some of the things that came out were a lump of grass. I noticed he's been very keen to eat grass on all our walks. They say that dogs eat grass to purge their system. He hasn't been sick, though. He is currently using an Adaptil collar to help ease distress/stress and anxiety due to lots of changes in our lives recently like moving home and living with other people and another dog. He's been wearing this collar for more than a week now but his condition seem to stay the same. I work part-time and when I'm not at home, there are always people he is close to in the house to keep him company and take him for walks. If he is going through emotional problems, how else can I reassure him? He gets a lot of love, cuddles, kisses, good food and walks and I don't know what else I can do???!!! He's been with me for more than 8 months now. He used to suffer from separation anxiety but he got over that after a few months. I know he is a very sensitive boy and I was told that mollycoddling is the root of the problem?  How can I get the balance?  Arrrggghhh!!!  This is worse than bringing up my own children!  lol. 

[sharonhigh45]

Hi,

I am sure you will be getting some good advice off the Forum as the day goes on,don't despair,if you take your dog for walks where a lot of others go then he might have picked up a bug so keep an eye on him,I have a two year old lurcher from GG who has had a stomach bug and is on antibiotics for it no doubt picked up from his regular walks, if you are really worried then pop him along to the vet, it might also be stress as you have mentioned,but as I said don,t despair I am sure you will have some good advice and I hope that things settle down,it sounds as if you are doing your best with the anxiety symptoms, as for kids I think that I would rather have the pets with past experience!(only joking mine is 21 and still not grown up)!
Take care.
Shazx

[ritab]

I've got a girl with a severe case of SA and it is difficult. She is also very sensitive to other things. All dogs thrive on routine (I'm not sure about Border Collies!) and any disruption to that can upset them. The Adaptil collar if it works may take time to settle him down.

I think you should probably try and put a bit of distance between you and him when you are at home, but do it gradually. You could limit the cuddles to certain times, and ignore him for short periods. The trouble with Gizzi is that she doesn't come for cuddles very often so I can't turn her away when she does. It may only happen once a day or less.

It all takes time though - I was told it takes a year and it does for some. It seems to be taking ages at the time but when you look back you won't remember how bad it was. And try not to be anxious yourself as dogs pick up on our feelings. I had to get another dog for Gizzi - it didn't help her very much, but it did help me as I don't worry so much if I have to leave them for short periods now she has a companion.