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Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety treatment strategy. This includes medication and pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.

Pet parents can also benefit from a peaceful and tranquil space at home, where anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Certain dogs require medication to help deal with anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and will recommend the most appropriate option. Medication is only to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavioral modification and training.

Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety as well as separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They may take some time to show effect and may require periodic monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine are also used to treat generalized anxiety, and can be used to address specific fears and aggression. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires regular examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid action and should be taken prior to an event that causes anxiety.

In addition to prescription medicines and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment options that can help ease anxiety for certain breeds of dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin can also be used by some pet owners to aid in managing anxiety. There is only limited evidence from science to support these options.

Small Door uses the combination of behavior changes and changes to the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when required. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's mind and making training sessions more "sticky".

In most cases, the first step is to identify and eliminate the root of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help you with this process and provide suggestions to prevent the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies may be simple, like creating a routine or giving your dog lots of exercise to release those accumulated energies. Others are more involved, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. In the end, a good vet and canine behaviorist will collaborate to create a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.

Training

The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the triggers of their behavior and your dog is able to learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They may even suggest working with a professional trainer.

If your dog has separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same symptoms similar to dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. These include destructive behavior, urinating or defecating inside the home, pacing and anxiety chewing and barking. It is also common for them to be aggressive toward pets and people in their home and that's why it is essential to put a behavior plan together with your veterinarian and enlist the services of an experienced dog trainer.

Behavior modification is highly efficient in the short-term, and is often used in combination with other treatment options. Drugs can help decrease a dog’s negative emotional response and make them more open to training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to reduce the anxiety associated with situations such as noise fears and fears. It can take four weeks to see an improvement in your health. Your veterinarian will recommend regular blood tests and behavior evaluations.

Many natural treatments can reduce stress levels for dogs. By bringing consistency and structure to their environment can help them feel more secure, and this includes music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso similar to the swaddling blanket on a baby, and helps them to feel less stressed about noise, travel or separation, as well as strangers.

Natural Therapy

Several natural techniques can calm dogs that are anxious. This includes herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.





For killer deal suffering from anxiety over separation, crate-training can be an effective tool to soothe them and provide them with their own safe space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic calming scents that can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.

Another option is to apply an herbal remedy that is calming, such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be dropped in the water of a dog or directly in their mouth. Most often, these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Physical exercise is an excellent method to lower stress. It can be as simple as a long stroll or as intense as playing a game of fetch but anything that tires out your dog can help keep them relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. You can teach your dog new techniques to keep their minds stimulated. This will allow them focus on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and give them the mental stimulation they need.

For dogs of a certain age who require to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit to an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For instance an animal with discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic care which can help realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape and functioning normally.

In some severe cases medications are the best option for relieving a dog's anxiety. However, most of the time there are alternatives to calm a dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription drugs. Speak to your vet about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be a challenge for pet owners as well as their pets However, they can be dangerous to the dog. Some of the most severe signs of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious issues that need to be dealt with by an animal veterinarian. A behaviorist trained in animal behavior can assist you with the development of a treatment plan. Some medication may be needed.

There are a variety of medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the specific situation of your dog and the reaction it has to medication. The typical dosage is up to six weeks before the effects become clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for a period of two months after a positive response is observed. It is important to be consistent with your dog's prescription and never stop or alter the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian.

The medications to reduce anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medications that have a short-acting effect that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms, while anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve anxiety and stress over time.

Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxing products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on ways to decrease stress and anxiety in your pet, including exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.

There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, including pain caused by arthritis or other health conditions that can increase stress levels. It is important to see your veterinarian immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing or changes, particularly when it appears that the anxiety is triggered by pain or discomfort. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is caused by a medical issue and will recommend a trainer or an animal behaviorist if required.