Paxel and Prozac

So you might know that for the past 8 months we've been battling with a dog that seems to have developed an onset of doggy dementia or manic depression or bipolar disorder or something. Appropriately named Paxel, our previously mild mannered black lab/border collie mix who is 7 years old began having episodes of anxiety/destruction. He's always been crate trained for times when we're gone during the day, but suddenly decided he hated crates and broke the metal crate. And maybe broke is the wrong word to use, maybe bent all of the bars and broke off his tooth attempting to chew out is a more appropriate description.

Once successful, a second crate was on the menu and he demolished that one as well. We decided to just give him the run of a room in the basement, thinking that it was crate anxiety, but that led to eating the wooden door to his doggie room and breaking 2 glass panels, cutting his legs up nicely. So, maybe he had an aversion to being inside the house? But letting him run the yard led to eating/bending/mauling the chain link fence outside in the yard. He's even figured out how to get out of the padlocked gate - wanna know how to do that for your own future reference? - just throw yourself repeatedly at the post for the gate & eventually you'll bend it enough that you can squeeze through or scale over. He's run away so many times I've lost count, although my neighbor might have a better idea as he often catches him for me and helps us get him home (Shout out Keith - Thanks!)

Two weeks ago, I caught him scaling the side of the house by way of the trumpet vine trellis... which coincidentally didn't hold up well under his 80 lbs. He's broken through 2 windows trying to get in if he's outside & out if he's inside. He's eaten, and I mean EATEN, the wooden screen door. He's opened a paint can and paw painted through the basement and eaten spaghetti from the top shelf of the pantry. He wants in if he's out and out if he's in. It doesn't matter if we're home or not - he's an equal opportunity psycho. He's just not a happy dog & it's not fun to watch. :(

So, after many trips to the vet, lab work, tests, homeopathic remedies and counseling, we're no closer to a peaceful, happy existence for Pax. So, as a last resort, he is now taking a prescription anxiety/tranquilizer mix. We are 2 1/2 weeks in & aren't seeing any improvement. Doc said give it up to 4 weeks to take full effect, but if it doesn't work, we are at the end of our options... that's a hard thought to swallow. Ultimately I want him to be happy & live a full life, but not at the expense of my paycheck & sanity and the kids' safety!

By the way, is dementia contagious?!? My cat has now decided that litterboxes must be for decorative purposes as houseplants seem much more appealing...