Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will determine your dog's triggers and formulate a treatment plan for anxiety. This could include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents can also use a quiet and peaceful space at home, where anxious dogs can go to.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavior modification and training not as a substitute.
Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety, separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks to show results and may require periodic examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show effects and requires constant monitoring by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when given just prior to an event that causes anxiety.
In addition to prescription medicines There are also natural products and treatment options that can help ease anxiety for some dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that can help calm dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin can also be employed by some pet owners to aid with managing anxiety. However, there is a lack of evidence from science to support these methods.
At Small Door, we prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for some dogs. Medication supercharges the positive results of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in the brain of your dog and making repetitions of training "stick" more quickly.
In the majority of cases, your first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process and suggest ways to eliminate triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies are simple and include creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off pent-up energy. Others are more involved, such as desensitization and counterconditioning. However, in the end an experienced vet and a canine behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that works for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you identify the reasons behind their behavior the dog will be able to relax again and enjoy life. Your vet can advise you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They may even recommend that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it will exhibit many of the same signs similar to dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. They can be destructive and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness, barking and chewing things. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards the pets and other people in their home This is why it is crucial to create a behavior plan together with your veterinarian and enlist the services of an experienced dog trainer.
best natural treatment for anxiety can be extremely effective in the short term and is often employed in combination with other treatment options. Medication can reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and allow them to be more receptive to training as well as providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is especially helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise fear and aversions. It can take up to four weeks before you see an improvement in your health. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests as well as behavior evaluations.
A number of natural treatments can help ease a dog's anxiety. Adding consistency and structure to their environment can help them feel more secure, and this includes music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to use a calming t-shirt or coat that apply constant pressure to the dog's body, much like the swaddling blanket on babies, and can help to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
Many natural methods can help calm an anxious dog. This includes herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
For dogs suffering from anxiety about separation, crate training can be a great way to soothe them and provide them with a safe space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which is a relaxing hormone in both cats and dogs. Some pet owners have found satisfaction with pheromone products that imitate the calming scents can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser 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 solutions that can be sprayed into a dog's water or directly in their mouths. These herbal remedies can often be as effective, or even better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great method to lower stress. It could be as easy as a long walk or as complex as a game of fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will keep them calm and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. Try teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds engaged. This will help them focus on something other than their stress-inducing triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise that they want.
For older dogs who need to be calmer, or for dogs suffering from a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit from a veterinarian could be beneficial. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a dog with an injured disk. It can help to align the spine, and keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In the most severe instances, medication may be the best option to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. But in most cases there are alternatives to calm an anxious dog that are safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pets and pet owners however, they can also be harmful to the dog. Some of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling fur out or biting. These are serious problems that require the assistance of veterinarian. Some medication may be necessary and a certified behaviorist can work with you to formulate a treatment strategy.
There are many medicines available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the best one depending on your dog's specific condition and reaction to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be maintained after positive results are observed for two months. It is crucial to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all medications that relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like calming supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your pet, including engaging in regular exercise playing games, and spending time in a secure space with your dog.
Many factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that increase the stress levels. Contact your veterinarian immediately whenever you notice an alteration in your dog's behavior particularly when the anxiety appears to be triggered by pain. Your vet will determine if their anxiety is caused by an illness or medical condition and recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.