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Bassett hound freaks out

Species: Dog
Breed: bassett hound
Age: 2-5 years
Our dog is healthy and happy, usually. He's been to the vet once per year to get his shots and a check up, once only 2 months ago. He dprained his tail when my partner and I were both away from the house one evening and we took him to the vet the next day and he was fine within 3 days. My question is about his behavioural outbursts. Once in a while he has outbursts where he will run away from everything and everyone barking non stop and howling. we cannot regain control over him during these eppisodes, and its really frightening. It has happened 4 times in the past 2 months. There is no common trigger and we cannot figure out why it happens. The first time, he was in our house with another friends hound and out of the blue started freaking out and ran round our neighborhood barking and freaking out, the second time we were on a bike ride with some friends and other dogs, the third time walking home from a friends and the fourth time today at the lake. He would not let anyone near him and ran way off into the woods. Its not a regular barking either, he seems very disstressed and scared. Can you please suggest what may be causeing this behaviour? PS. there is never any injurry site, no licking or biting anywhere and after the eppisodes he calms back to normal within 20 minutes.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I'm sorry to hear that Whiskey is having this frustrating problem!

While I can't say for sure, I'll give you a few ideas.

I wonder if he is having periodic bouts of pain. It is possible that he has some back pain. If he is getting back spasms that come and go this could cause him to be very distressed. It is hard to determine if there is back pain but your vet should be able to help decide if this is the case.

Another possible reason for animals to have sudden outbursts where they seem uncomfortable is if there is a problem with the anal glands. Anal glands on a Bassett are sometimes hard to empty, so it's best to have your vet do this.

It is also possible that this is some type of a behavioral problem with a trigger that we haven't figured out yet. You may want to talk to your vet about a medication called clomicalm which really helps with anxiety in pets.

In any case, it does sound like a vet visit is necessary.

I hope you get some answers soon!

Dr. Marie

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.