Suggest Remedy For Panic Attacks And Anxiety After Losing A Pet

Posted on Sat, 12 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 19 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I haven't been to a doctor in maybe 8 years. I'm healthy except for allergies which I take Zyrtec for. My heart, my 9-year-old Chihuahua, passed away last night due to complications from a routine spaying surgery. I can't breathe, she never left my side for 9 years. She was not my pet, she was my child. I finally convinced myself the risk of her getting uterine cancer & dying on me was greater than the risk of surgery. I was wrong. The grief and anxiety are so intense I can't do anything. I walked out of the clinic with her staring at me confused while they had her in an oxygen chamber. I thought she would be ok & I didn't say goodbye. I didn't want to inconvenience the doctor. I miss her so much. I just want the pain and anxiety to go away. I'm working in a temporary city & have no family nearby, just my other 2 dogs (children) who also can't understand why she isn't with us. I need an anti-anxiety medicine for 2-3 days. I can't handle this feeling of loss and guilt. I can't eat or even leave the house. I pray for sleep so I don't feel anything, but when I wake, the dread and despair start all over again. I just want it to stop. I want to miss her without the intense, debilitating anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Clearly your dog had a very special place in your heart.

You are likely experiencing grief with significant anxiety and possibly even panic attacks. The good news is that this will resolve on its own with time. In the meantime, the most effective treatments are meditation, progressive relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and talking to family on the phone for support. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, I recommend taking over the counter Melatonin, 5mg 30 minutes before you go to sleep.

With time, you will feel better.

Please let me know if you're having any further queries.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee