Originally Posted by
Marlin&Me
I can't keep Marlin calm anymore. He had his surgery last Monday (FCP), so we have a way to go as far as recovery. I will be bringing him into the vet on Thursday night to have his sutures removed. But he is so excitable right now that I am at my wits end trying to keep him calm. I just gave him a dose of pain meds (Tramadol) with the hope that it will sedate him a little. He barks when he is in the crate so I have been keeping him in my kitchen, which is small. When I take him out to the backyard for potty, he is starting to jump like crazy and grab the leash to try to get me to play. I'm starting to really freak out because I'm afraid he will hurt himself.
I am going to ask the vet about physical therapy -- I know some vet hospitals use underwater treadmills. My thinking is that if I get the go ahead, this will burn a little energy off while helping the healing process.
Has anyone ever given benadryl to their dog for a sedating effect? Any suggestions? I do give frozen kongs, and marrow bones to occupy some of his time.