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Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behavior consultant will identify your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment plan. This includes medications, pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.

Pet parents can also use a quiet and peaceful space at home, where anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Some dogs require medication to manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires medication for long-term or short-term use, and prescribe the best choice. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training, not as a replacement.

Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks for the medication to start working, and regular supervision by your veterinarian could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This drug class takes one to four weeks for the effects to be evident and requires regular surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam have a rapid action and should be taken prior to an anxiety-provoking event.

In addition to prescription medicines There are also natural products and treatment options that can reduce anxiety in certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin are also being employed by some pet owners to aid with managing anxiety. There is only limited evidence from science to support these choices.

At Small Door we prefer a mix of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for some dogs. Medication enhances the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain, and making training repetitions "stick" more quickly.

In the majority of cases, identifying and eliminating the cause of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process, and can suggest methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are simple like making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however a good vet and canine behaviorist will work together to develop a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.

Training

Behavior modification is the most important method to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior changes and your dog is able to learn to relax again and enjoy life. Your vet will be able to advise you on the most effective methods for training your dog and may suggest you consult an experienced dog trainer.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it will display many of the same signs like dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. They can be destructive and urinating or excreting in the home treatment for anxiety attack, pacing and anxiety chewing and barking. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards the pets and other people within their homes and that's why it is crucial to create a behavior plan in conjunction with your vet and get 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 methods. Drugs can help decrease the dog's negative emotional response which allows them to be more receptive towards training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo), which is specifically designed to reduce situational anxiety like noise fear and Aversions. It can take up to four weeks for a therapeutic effect to show and it is crucial to give the medication as directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood work and behavior evaluations.

Several natural treatments can help reduce stress in dogs. Adding consistency and structure to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as can music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet may be able to suggest an aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is to put on an enveloping coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso, much like the swaddling blanket on babies, and can help them feel less anxious about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.

Natural Therapy

A variety of natural methods can soothe dogs that are anxious. These include herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.

Crate training is an effective method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which is a relaxing hormone in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have had success with Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.

Another option is to use an herbal remedy that is calming, such as 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. These herbal remedies can often be as effective, or even more effective than prescription anti anxiety drugs.

Exercise is a great method to decrease stress. It could be as simple as a long walk, or as complex as playing a game of fetch but anything that stretches your dog will help to keep them relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Mental stimulation is also important and you should consider working with your dog on new tricks. This will provide them with something to concentrate on that is not their stress triggers, and will give them the mental stimulation they crave.

For older dogs that need to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit with a veterinarian could be beneficial. Chiropractic care is beneficial for dogs suffering from discs that are slipping. It can help to align the spine, and keep the muscles and nerves healthy.

In extreme cases medications may be the best solution to ease the dog's anxiety. However, in the majority of cases there are alternatives to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and much less expensive than prescription medications. Consult your veterinarian and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression (check it out) works best for your pup.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pet owners and their pets, but can be dangerous for the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling out fur or compulsive kissing. These are serious problems that need to be dealt with by vet. A behaviorist trained in animal behavior can assist you in establishing a treatment for high functioning anxiety plan. Some medication may be required.

Many medications are available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will determine the best one based on your dog's unique health condition and reaction to the medication. Medications typically take four to six weeks before the effect is clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for two months following a positive response is observed. It is important that you adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

Treatments for anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.

Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxing supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you advice on how to reduce stress and anxiety in your dog, including having enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure space.

There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, pain caused by arthritis or other health conditions that increase stress levels. See your veterinarian right away whenever you notice a change in your dog's behavior particularly if the anxiety seems to be triggered by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to an illness or condition, and will refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if needed.