Anxiety

So last week my best bud Jed (my 9 year old boxer) got really sick and had to be put down. Sunday night I went to bed only to wake up with what felt like an odd heartbeat. That really startled me and I woke up in a panic and didnt fall asleep again for a couple more hours. I think its important to point out that I am no stranger to anxiety and panic attacks (e.r. three times prior for palpitations and panic attacks). I used to get these quite frequent and was on zoloft for two years. I got a lot better and was weaned off the meds. I feel like Im jumping out of my skin. I worry that I might lose control because of the anxiety. My question is.....Can losing a pet put you into an anxiety attack? Ive been really irritable and just not well. I dont really want to take zoloft again. Maybe this is just a temporary feeling in this hard time? I just miss him a lot and I dont know if thats what made me feel like this? Any ideas would be helpful....Thanks

Oh Smooter...I am so very sorry for your loss.  I went through this about 2 years ago too and felt every emotion possible.  And yes, losing your best bud could definately be the trigger that set off your panic attacks and palpitations again.  When I lost Bandit I felt all of these things too.  If you are prone to this and have a history of them (as you said) than it couldn't hurt to perhaps start your meds. again (if you had them) or go back to therapy to sort through all of this.  It will take a good amount of time, tears and anger to get back on track again.  Do whatever you can to help yourself through your grieving process.  And remember, you are definately not alone.  We're all here to listen and help.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!  And again, I'm so very sorry.

Cass

We lost our Chow-Husky about 3 years ago and I was a devistating time for us. Gracie hhad been a member of our family for 2l years. Thats a long time for a dog her size. My husband made a big mistake bringing home a chiwauwa a year later. He said it would help ease my problems. A year later and I cannot get to really like her. Poor pup,
Hope you take care of yourself . Try the zoloft. I take it was prescribed to help me sleep (it did'nt) I was going to stop taking it but realized it had help my anxiety attacks decrease. So very sorry about your pup. They are our pups even when they are 21 years old. june

hey smooter,
I def. think that the loss of anything you love can send you into a panic attack. Maybe you should give it a while before you talk to someone about Zoloft again, and just see if once your grieving stops your anxiety does? Once your comfortable, if you want to get a new puppy, it could also help take away the anxiety, and you could make a new friend. Take care and i hope you feel better

Smooter,

I understand so well,  We had two Dobermans, one mine and the other my hubbies..........well they both belong to us but the two chose their masters............mine was the oldest and her name was By Design's D' Oblique, I called her Dee.  She was the most lovable dog and was always right by my side. She was 12 years old and I had to make the decision for her sake to let her go.  I sat on the floor with her for days, hugging her and crying all over her.  I went with her to the vet and sat on the floor with her laying on her fav blanket. As a nurse I knew exactly what was happening and when she left me a piece of my heart went with her...........I loved her so. She was my beautiful show dog, my best friend.

I know how you feel. God Bless

Kitt

HI smooter
I am hoping that you have found some solace in your loss
I am so sorry about your baby
I know too well the loss of a loving pet ( family memer) .......
There are so many self help techniques out there now IF you dont want to go the med route
'I think this is something you need to talk to your doc about IMHO

Pleas do let us know how you are making out .....
Lyn

Im so sorry to hear about your loss. It is hard to lose a pet, they become our friends and help us thru the rough spots inlife. They are always there and never judge us.

I would say yes! It can could cause stress and panic attacks. When I lost my collie (who looked justed like lassie) who was only 8, I went into a melt down, I had loved that dog like no other. He was always there for me! I cried off on for days, I would wake up thinking I was hearing his paws walking in the hall way, I was cranky and wanted no one else around me and I ended up having a huge panic attack.
It was bad because I felt like I had lost a true friend and comfort in my life. And even now all these years later, still no other dog has ever given me the same comfort as he did.
But yes I was a mess and it makes sence to me that you would be having panic attacks after your lose.

Best wishes and hugs!