Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and formulate an anxiety treatment plan. These include medication such as pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.
Pet parents may also choose to use a calm and quiet area at home for their dogs who are anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to control anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and will recommend the most appropriate option. Medication should only be used in conjunction with not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all drugs that treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder, separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They may take some time to show effect and may require periodic monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific fears. This drug class can take as long as four weeks to begin delivering effects and the doctor must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a rapid action and should be taken prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medications and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment modalities that can ease anxiety for certain breeds of dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is among the many products that help calm dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin are also being utilized by pet owners to aid in anxiety management. However, there is only a small amount of scientific evidence supporting these options.
At Small Door, we prefer a mix of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies, and medication as needed for some dogs. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain and making training sessions more "sticky".
For most instances, identifying and removing the root of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help with this process and suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies could be straightforward, such as establishing a routine or providing your dog with lots of exercise to flush out their energy. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however an experienced vet and a canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. Once you identify the triggers behind the behavior change, your dog can learn to relax and be happy. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best training techniques for your dog and may recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it is likely to exhibit the same signs similar to dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior, urinating or defecating inside the home, pacing and agitation chewing on things and barking. It's also common for them be aggressive towards other pets and those living in their home. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to develop the right behavior plan and employ a dog trainer.
Behavior modification can be extremely efficient in the short-term and is often employed in combination with other treatment methods. Medication can reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and make them more open to training while providing relief from their anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a medicine that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situationsal anxiety, such as noise fears. It can take up four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be seen and it is crucial to administer the medication according to the guidelines directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior reevaluations.
Several natural treatments can help reduce stress in dogs. They can feel more secure by bringing structure and consistency to the environment as well as massage and music. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is a calming coat or t-shirt that applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to an swaddling cloth for a baby, and helps them feel less anxious about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can help calm the dog who is anxious. They include herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs suffering from anxiety about separation, crate training can be an effective tool to soothe them and provide them with their own secure space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which is a relaxing hormone in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success with Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
You can also make use of a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. These herbal remedies can often be just as effective or better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Physical exercise is an excellent method to lower stress. It could be as simple as a long walk or as involved as playing fetch, however anything that exhausts your dog can help keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxiety-related behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds active. This will provide them with something to focus on that is not their stress triggers and provide them with the mental exercise they desire.
For older dogs that need to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit with an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for a dog with an injured disk. It can realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In extreme cases medication could be the best solution to calm a dog's anxiety. In most instances, however, there are safer and cheaper ways to calm an anxious dog. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to determine which one is the most effective for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be a challenge for pets and pet owners However, they can cause danger to dogs. Some of the more severe signs of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This includes pulling out fur or biting. These are serious problems that require the assistance of vet. Some medication may be necessary and a trained behaviorist will work with you to formulate an effective treatment strategy.
There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. anxiety treatments medication will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the particular condition of your dog as well as its reaction to the medication. The typical dosage is four to six weeks before the effect is clear and should be continued for a period of two months after a positive response is observed. It is important to be consistent with your dog's prescription and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time, while anxiolytics are long-acting medications that ease anxiety and stress over time.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety, your veterinarian will likely suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments like soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you tips on how you can reduce stress and anxiety in your dog, such as having enough exercise, playing games, and spending time with him in a secure space.
Many factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, such as pain from arthritis or other health conditions that can increase overall stress levels. It is important to speak with your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing or changes, particularly if it appears that anxiety is caused by pain or discomfort. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is rooted in an issue with their health and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.