great read and great points. I am generally against the use of medications to treat behavioral issues, however, I have used both of these drugs personally and for my older dogs and they have worked wonders. Before critics criticize they should understand that shelters are doing their best. They don't have staff and budget to address behavioral stress. The side effects are relatively mild compared to the side effect of not using the drugs which is death or suffering from stress. We need to do better for our shelter animals, but so many are dead set in their ideals of not providing proper training and / or fining and shutting down backyard breeders and puppy mills. so much to think about and address. keep the great reads coming!
Robert, thank you for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your personal experience with Trazodone and Gabapentin. It's heartening to hear that these medications had a positive impact on your older dogs. Your point about shelters facing significant challenges in addressing behavioral stress with limited resources is certainly valid. It's a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and potential risks of medication use.
You rightly highlight the importance of understanding the practical constraints faced by shelters and the need for broader efforts to improve the welfare of shelter animals, including addressing underlying issues like backyard breeding and puppy mills. Your perspective adds valuable nuance to the discussion, and I appreciate your engagement with the topic.
I'm glad you found the article informative, and I'll strive to continue providing insightful reads on important animal welfare topics. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and I look forward to further discussions with you on these important issues.
great read and great points. I am generally against the use of medications to treat behavioral issues, however, I have used both of these drugs personally and for my older dogs and they have worked wonders. Before critics criticize they should understand that shelters are doing their best. They don't have staff and budget to address behavioral stress. The side effects are relatively mild compared to the side effect of not using the drugs which is death or suffering from stress. We need to do better for our shelter animals, but so many are dead set in their ideals of not providing proper training and / or fining and shutting down backyard breeders and puppy mills. so much to think about and address. keep the great reads coming!
Robert, thank you for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your personal experience with Trazodone and Gabapentin. It's heartening to hear that these medications had a positive impact on your older dogs. Your point about shelters facing significant challenges in addressing behavioral stress with limited resources is certainly valid. It's a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and potential risks of medication use.
You rightly highlight the importance of understanding the practical constraints faced by shelters and the need for broader efforts to improve the welfare of shelter animals, including addressing underlying issues like backyard breeding and puppy mills. Your perspective adds valuable nuance to the discussion, and I appreciate your engagement with the topic.
I'm glad you found the article informative, and I'll strive to continue providing insightful reads on important animal welfare topics. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and I look forward to further discussions with you on these important issues.