Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. This could include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners may also decide to use a calm and quiet area at home for their anxious dogs that they can retreat to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The vet will determine if your dog needs short-term or long-term medication and recommend the most appropriate choice. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all medications used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins working, and regular supervision by your vet could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or Clomipramine are also used to treat generalized anxiety, and can be used to address specific fears and aggression. This class of drugs can take anywhere from four to six weeks to show results, and the veterinarian must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an anxious event.
In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment options that can ease anxiety for some dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that help calm dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin can also be employed by some pet owners to aid in managing anxiety. There is only limited scientific evidence to support these choices.
At Small Door, we prefer to use a combination of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications when needed for certain dogs. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain and making training repetitions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to identify and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process and provide suggestions to avoid the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies could be straightforward, such as establishing a routine or giving your dog lots of exercise to release those accumulated energy. Certain strategies are more complicated like desensitization or counterconditioning. In the end, however an experienced veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that is beneficial for your dog.
Training
The most important tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. It takes time to identify the causes of their behavior changes, they can learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog, and might suggest you consult an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will display many of the same symptoms like dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. This includes destructive behavior, urinating or defecating inside the home, pacing and agitation, barking and chewing things. It's also common for them be aggressive towards other pets and people in their home. This is why you should consult with your veterinarian to develop a behavior plan and hire a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term treatment and is often incorporated into other treatment methods. Medication can help reduce the negative emotional reaction of dogs which allows them to be more open to training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially helpful for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to ease situations of anxiety, such as noise fears and aversions. It can take up to four weeks before you see an improvement in your health. Your vet will also want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavior assessments.
A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress in dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as well as pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial to your pet. Choose a soothing t-shirt or coat that exerts constant pressure on the chest of the dog, similar to the swaddling blanket for a newborn. This will help them feel less anxious when travelling, hearing noises and being separated from their owners, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can be used to calm the dog who is anxious. This includes herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from anxiety about separation, crate training can be an effective tool to calm them and provide them with a safe space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which can promote relaxation in both cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have had success with Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
Another option is to apply a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprinkled into the water of a dog, or directly into their mouth. These remedies can be just as effective or better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be a short walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog can help keep him relaxed and less likely for him to exhibit anxious behavior. Try teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds active. This will allow them to focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress and give them the mental exercise they crave.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for older dogs that require to be more calm or those with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help to align the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In the most severe instances medication could be the best solution to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. However, most of the time there are other options to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and cheaper than prescription drugs. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to find what works best for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be a challenge for pet owners as well as their pets, but they can also be dangerous to the dog. Some of the more severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression and even self-mutilation, such as pulling out fur or a habitual kissing. These are serious issues that require the assistance of vet. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you in establishing the best treatment plan. Some medications might be needed.
There are many medications that can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms. anxiety remedies will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the specific condition of your dog as well as the reaction it has to medication. It typically takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be continued when positive results are seen for a period of two months. It is crucial to remain in line with the prescription of your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your vet.
The medications to reduce anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all relieve anxiety symptoms immediately.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies that include tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on the best ways to decrease anxiety and stress in your pet, such as exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a calm space with your dog.
There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain, or other health conditions which can increase stress levels. It is therefore important to consult your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing, and especially if it appears that the anxiety is triggered by pain or discomfort. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is due to a medical condition and refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if needed.