Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety. These include medications such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet owners may also decide to set up a peaceful or quiet space at home for their dog that is anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Some dogs need medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and prescribe the best option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavior modification and training not as a substitute.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all drugs that treat anxiety . 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. It can take some time to show effect and may require regular examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires constant examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very quick-acting and are most useful when they are administered before an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medicines, there are natural products and treatment methods that can reduce anxiety in some dogs. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps, like the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin are being used by some pet owners to aid in anxiety management. There is a limited amount of scientific evidence to support these options.
At Small Door we prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for certain dogs. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain and making training sessions more "sticky".
In most cases, identifying and eliminating the root of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can help with this process and suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these methods are easy and include creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Others are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and canine behaviorist collaborate to create an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you recognize the triggers behind their behavior, your dog can learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your vet will be able to guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog, and might recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same signs like dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. These include destructive behavior and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness chewing and barking. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards pets and people within their homes This is why it's crucial to get an appropriate behavior plan with your veterinarian and seek the help of a seasoned dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term treatment and is often incorporated into other methods of treatment. Medication can help reduce the dog's negative emotional response, allowing them to be more receptive towards training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to ease the anxiety associated with situations such as noise phobias and fears. It can take up four weeks for a therapeutic effect to be observed and it is essential to administer the medication as recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior reevaluations.
Many natural remedies can also reduce anxiety in dogs. They are more comfortable by adding structure and consistency to their environment as well as music and massage. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that exerts constant pressure to your chest of the dog, similar to a swaddling blanket for a baby. This will help them feel less stressed when they are traveling, hearing sounds and being separated from their owner, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can be used to calm an anxious dog. They include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a great way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and give them their own space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have found success using pheromones that imitate the calming scents dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available as the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
Another option is to use a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprinkled into the water of a dog, or directly in their mouths. Often these herbal remedies will perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Physical exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It could be a simple stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog can help keep him calm and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds stimulated. This will help them focus on something other than their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental stimulation they need.
For older dogs that need to be calmer or for dogs with a health 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 that will help realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles healthy and functioning properly.
In certain instances medication is the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. In the majority of cases, however, there are more effective and less costly methods to calm dogs that are anxious. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to determine what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be challenging for pets and pet owners, but they can also be dangerous to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression, and even self-mutilation like pulling fur out or a recurrent kissing. These are serious problems that require the help of vet. Some medications might be required and a certified behaviorist will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
Many medications are available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the best option according to your dog's individual condition and response to medications. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be maintained after the positive results are noted for a period of 2 months. It is essential to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or change the dosage without a consultation with your vet.
Treatments for anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are long-acting medications that ease anxiety and stress that is a constant source of.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on ways to reduce anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a safe space with your dog.
Several factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including arthritis-related pain or other health issues that increase the stress levels. It is important to speak with your vet right away whenever your dog's behavior is changing and, in particular, in the event that it appears the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to a medical condition and recommend you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.