About a month ago my 2 year old Great Dane decided she didn't like going on walks anymore. She only goes outside to use the bathroom but will not go any farther, and after she is done doing her business she makes a beeline to come inside. I have lived in the same apartment complex since October 2007 when she was adopted into my home. She has been to the vet and all blood work is normal, thyroid is normal, no muscle problems, joint problems, etc. I started her on anti-anxiety medicine, per vet recommendation, about 5 days ago to help with her severe anxiety in general. She was very undersocialized prior to her adoption. There is nothing I can think of that would have made her all of a sudden upset about going outside, other than the fact that it is summer and I started leaving my windows open more, and maybe she is hearing sounds during the day while I am away. Does anyone have any advice they could offer me? I miss taking my dog on a walk, but she shows no interest in going. She'll go a few steps before her eyes get dilated, her tail is between her legs and she begins to drool and back away from me. I always use positive reinforcement, as I know this breed is quite sensitive. Any advice would be very helpful...thank you!

topladyj

I am not a vet in the past I have worked at some. I'm thinking you should take him to another vet to get checked out or take him back to your vet and explain the drool and backing away and everything. I would have thought and allergy but he's had the test so...or maybe he just had a bad experience outside in the past. I was thinking maybe its something different like arthritis maybe it hurts him to walk, maybe its worse. I certainly hope not and hope you find out what the cause of this is. Good Luck!

lmangileri

OK, I don't know where you live, if it's in the city or in the country or whatnot but our dog is like that when he goes outside sometimes. We have coyote very close to our house and we think he senses danger. We hear the coyote howling at night.

topladyj

Oh I thought he was doing this alot and it might be a big problem, but I bet you thats all it is, he does since danger and he's still pretty young he'll probably come out of it.