Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These could include medication or collars with pheromone diffusers (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners may also decide to set up a peaceful, quiet spot at home for their anxious dogs which they can go to.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The veterinarian will determine if your dog requires short- or long-term medications and prescribe the best option. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all that are used to treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show their effects and may require frequent monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of medication can take anywhere from four to six weeks to begin delivering effects and the vet must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
There are also natural products that help dogs feel less stressed. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps such as the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Some pet owners also use melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to manage anxiety. However, there is only Iam Psychiatry of scientific evidence to support these options.
Small Door utilizes a combination of behavior modifications and changes to the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when required. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain and making training repetitions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, your first step is to determine and eliminate the root of anxiety. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can assist in this process and provide suggestions to avoid the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy like creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, a good vet and a canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
Behavior modification is a potent tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind the behavior change, your dog can learn to relax and be happy. Your vet will be able to guide you on the most effective methods for training your dog, and may recommend you work with an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same signs similar to dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. These include destructive behavior such as urinating or fecesing in the home, pacing and anxiety chewing and barking. It's also common for them be aggressive towards other pets and those living at home. This is why you should consult with your veterinarian to develop the right behavior plan and employ an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient in the short-term, and is often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Medication can help reduce a dog’s negative emotional response and make them more receptive towards training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise fears and Aversions. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be observed and it is crucial to administer the medication as recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior reevaluations.
A number of natural treatments can help ease a dog's anxiety. Incorporating structure and consistency to their environment can help them feel more secure, and this includes pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that exerts constant pressure to the chest of the dog, similar to an swaddling blanket designed for babies. This will help them feel less anxious when traveling, hearing noises or being separated from their owners or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
Many natural methods can help calm an anxious dog. This includes music, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Crate training is an effective method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and give them their own space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.
Another option is to utilize an herbal remedy to calm your dog 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 mouth. These remedies from nature can be as effective, or even superior to prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be as easy as a long walk, or as involved as playing fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Mental stimulation is also important, so consider engaging your dog in new techniques. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and give them the mental stimulation they crave.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for dogs that need to be more calm, or dogs with health conditions that make them more stressed. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can realign the spine, and help keep the muscles and nerves healthy.
In some severe cases medications are the best option for relieving anxiety in dogs. In most cases, however, there are more effective and less costly ways to calm a dog who is anxious. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these natural remedies to find what works best for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pet owners and their pets, but can be harmful for the dog. Certain of the more severe signs of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This could include pulling fur out or biting. These are serious issues that require to be dealt with by a veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a trained behaviorist can work with you to develop a treatment strategy.
There are many medications that can be used to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the particular condition of your dog and its reaction to medication. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be maintained after positive results are observed for two months. It is important to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies such as relaxing products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on natural ways to reduce anxiety and stress in your pet, such as getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a secure space with your pet.
There are many factors that can cause your dog's anxiety, such as arthritis pain, or other health issues that increase overall stress levels. See your veterinarian right away whenever you notice an alteration in your dog's behaviour and especially in cases where the anxiety may be caused by pain. Your vet will determine if their anxiety is caused by a medical issue and will refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist, if necessary.