"please keep me updated about oximeters "
Sleep Apnea Forum Bringing Power to the Patient
New? Free Sign Up
Then check our Welcome Center to a Community Caring about Sleep Apnea diagnosis and Sleep Apnea treatment:
CPAP machines, Sleep Apnea surgery and dental appliances.
CPAP Supplies
Latest Activity
It's Either the CPAP Machine or my Chihuahua...
I'm trying to get some rest with the CPAP Machine, but my dog is so afraid of the CPAP Machine. It's either the CPAP Machine or my Chihuahua. I don't know how many nights I'm going to cry about this issue, but Blackie is so afraid of the CPAP Machine. I'm so frustrated. I'm tired at times during the day when I'm at work. He trembles with fear whenever I put on the mask. He waits by my bedroom door wondering if I'm going to let him out. All I can do is put a throw on the floor for him and hopefully he'll make a nest and go to sleep. He likes to climb into my closet too. I never had a dog before...my boyfriend's dog had no problem with it. She had a concerned look on her face according to my boyfriend, but I just don't know how I'm going to cope with my dog (granny's dog) being scared. It's almost 12 midnight and I have to be up by 5:30am. Sometimes I wonder if I should put the cpap machine away until he passes on then start using it, but it's got a smart card in it and the doctor might want me to send it in to get read. I guess I'll just let him wander about in my bedroom and pray that he settles down and gets some rest.
Views: 392
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Mike on
-
My honest opinion is you have to use the CPAP machine every night, without exception, whether Blackie can deal with it or not. It's not only good for you to do this and your health, but it's important for the dog to learn that this thing is here, it's not going away, and he is going to have to work out his fear of it. He wants to be next to you, right? So if he wants that bad enough, he'll swallow his fear and jump on the bed once he knows you're going to be using this thing, no matter what.
Also, let's say worse comes to worse and he never gets over his phobia of the CPAP, your health has to come first, and not the dog's paranoia. Also, your sleep is probably better off without a dog in bed with you even if you didn't have sleep apnea -- dogs twist and turn from time to time and although it might not wake you up on a conscious level, you're getting more fragmented sleep as a result. You can always make Blackie a nice nest on the couch in the living room and give him a treat and make him comfortable there. that's what we do with Maggie.
-
Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on
-
I agree with Mike.
Dogs are smart. Once he figures out that it isn't going away, he should acclimate to it. I have had chihuahuas in the past and know they can be skittish. But what is the poor dog going to do if you kill yourself in a car accident because you feel asleep at the wheel?
I don't know if this would work and maybe some of the professionals will chime in, but could you leave the machine running -- no mask or anything on you -- just the machine running for him to get used to the sound? Once he is adjusted to the sound, then work on the mask issue. If he has to sleep in another room for a few nights it won't him and will give you some much needed rest.
-
Permalink Reply by Judy on
-
The most important issue is that you NOT sympathize with him. That only reinforces that he is right to be afraid of it. Just be matter of fact, or even laugh at him, silly dog! When you sympathize and "poor baby" him you are reinforcing his assumption it is something to be fearfd. Be matter of fact. Ignore his fear. Fix him a nice bed somewhere in your room and then forget about his fear and concentrate on your SLEEP. If his fear is disturbing you thru the night, leave the bedroom door open and let him have his "escape route" away from that which he is fearful of. He will either adjust and eventually rejoin you or he will find comfortable sleeping quarters elsewhere w/in the house.
-
Permalink Reply by Daniel on
-
I'll never forget when my daughter showed concern over a chihuahua that was trembling. The owner very casually stated, "chihuahuas like to shake. It doesn't mean they are scared."
Try talking to your vet about the situation. Your health must come first.
-
Permalink Reply by bonesigh on
-
I agree with Judy about not sympathizing with the Blackie. Blackie is also sensitive to your feelings about the mask/machine. If you don't like wearing it he senses this! I have watched many episodes of Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, and this guy knows his stuff. You can get Blackie used to the mask with positive association. What's his favorite treat? Put the mask on the floor and put his treat close to it. Keep putting it closer until he has to get it out of the mask, wash you mask after, yuck! Do this every day for a while. Also try wearing the mask during the day when you play his favorite game. Lay on the bed with the mask on and again do the treat thing setting the treat on top of the mask. Whatever you do don't bring the mask to him, have him go to the mask somehow. Help him get used to it and look up Cesar Millan. Good luck.
© 2024 Created by The SleepGuide Crew.
Powered by
