Macho's Xanax Experience

Since Macho gives us the hardest time when trying to clip his nails, or giving him a bath, or we make him do any activity he just doesn't want to do, the vet gave us Xanax to give him. Usually Xanax is used to cure anxiety, yet in Macho it turns him into a puppy.

After giving Macho the pill, I let him chill out for a little bit. Usually he has no interest in leaving the apartment and doesn't go within 10 feet of the front door. But when I came back from checking the mail, Macho was waiting right behind the door for me. Next I began to realize that he was loosing his ability to walk. He was walking towards me and his back legs gave out. Then he kept falling over on the couch and looked like he couldn't get comfortable. This worried me a little bit, but I talked to the vet and she said that clumsiness is a common side effect of giving Xanax to a dog. I literally felt like I had a puppy. He was sniffing things he never had an interest in, chewing on things, and sniffing open air. He also had no fear and was jumping from the couch to the ottoman and sitting on the part of the couch that he usually never goes to. Nick was in Indiana to visit his parents for Thanksgiving while I stayed home with Macho. I wanted him to see how Macho was acting, so I shot a video to send to him. I posted it below. If you don't know Macho, this probably doesn't look any different than any other dog, but this is pretty active for him!

Macho's First Vet Visit!

Today was the day that I have been fearing for quite some time. I knew that Macho would need to see a vet sometime soon as he hasn't been checked out since his rescue in 2009. I thought it was going to be awful, and all morning I had a knot in my stomach just thinking about how terrified he was going to be.

Our dog trainer recommended a vet that comes to your home, so I decided to give it a shot. I told the vet on the phone that Macho is very timid and that this might not be a pleasant visit. We were all surprised when Macho was as calm as he was. He hopped up on the couch, let the vet and her assistant pet him, and didn't even flinch while he was getting his body check. As the vet lined up three vaccines, I got more nervous, but Macho just sat there and let her give all three without a fight. We also asked for some kind of drug that we can give him when we know he will be stressed out (going to the vet, getting his nails clipped, etc.). In order to give him the drug, they have to do a blood test. Once again, Macho just sat there and let her take a vile of blood! I was in shock, I couldn't believe it was that easy.

Of course he had a little moment when he saw the nail clippers. She tried to clip one of his nails and he ran away. That didn't surprise me, I know that he hates it. Hopefully he is healthy enough to take the pills so that we can get them done soon! Maybe I should just clip them now, as this is how he is sleeping right next to me right now. I guess the vet and vaccinations made him sleepy :)

Little Dog, Big Little Bed

How is it that such a small dog takes up so much of the bed? This is how Macho sleeps every night, curled up in a ball between both of us. Can you imagine two normal sized people on each side of him? Sometimes I don't even have covers because he balls them up underneath him! I feel like I should not have to buy a bigger bed just because a 15 pound dog started sleeping on it. He should be concerned about my comfort :)


Other than that, Macho is still doing great. I think he knows that it is getting colder outside because he likes to cuddle a lot more during the day and at night now. He's starting to seem like such a normal pup, I love it! I can't wait until it snows and I can take him outside since I don't think he has ever seen snow before. I have been taking knitting classes to learn how to knit (especially since Sara at Posh Pooch Designs sent me a pattern to make Macho a hat!). I'm excited not only to make the hat, but also a little sweater for those cold winter days. I'm not sure how Macho will like wearing clothing, but right now I'm more worried about actually making the hat and sweater before winter is over!