Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior specialist will pinpoint the triggers for your dog and formulate an anxiety treatment strategy. This could include medications or collars with pheromone diffusers (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners may also decide to use a calm, quiet spot at home for their anxious dogs where they can relax.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short-term or long-term medications and will recommend the best choice. Medication should only be used in conjunction and not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all medications used to manage anxiety. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It may take several weeks before the medication begins working, and regular supervision by your doctor could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety, and can be used to tackle particular phobias and aggression. This drug class can take anywhere from four to six weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must monitor it frequently. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when they are administered before an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription drugs and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment options that can help ease anxiety for some dogs. These include tranquilizing supplements, pheromones and anxiety wraps, like the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to help manage anxiety. However, there is only a small amount of scientific evidence supporting these options.
At Small Door We prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for certain dogs. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of behavior modification and training by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In most cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most important thing to do. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can assist in this process, and recommend ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are easy like creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. treatments for anxiety are more complicated, such as desensitization or counterconditioning. A good vet and canine behaviorist collaborate to come up with a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the triggers behind their behavior, your dog can learn to relax and take pleasure in life. Your vet can advise you on the most effective training methods for your dog. They may even suggest that you work with an experienced trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they'll exhibit the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety, including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing anxiety and barking. They may also chew on objects. It's also common for them be aggressive towards other pets as well as people at home. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to create an appropriate behavior plan and then hire a dog trainer.
Behavior modification can be highly effective in the short term and is often employed in combination with other treatment options. Medication can reduce a dog's negative emotional response and help them become more open to training as well as providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo), which is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise fears and aversions. It could take up to approximately four weeks to experience a therapeutic benefit. Your vet will also suggest regular blood tests and behavior assessments.
Several natural treatments can help reduce a dog's stress. They will feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the environment, as well music and massage. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Choose a soothing t-shirt or coat that exerts constant pressure to your dog's chest similar to a swaddling blanket for a baby. This will make them feel less stressed when travelling, hearing noises and being separated from their owners or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
Several natural techniques can calm dogs that are anxious. This includes herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is an effective way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which is a relaxing hormone in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have found success using pheromones which mimic the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally exude. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
Another option is to utilize a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprinkled into the water of a dog, or directly into their mouths. Most often, these remedies perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is an excellent way to lower stress. It can be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog helps to keep him relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally, so consider working with your dog on new tricks. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise they crave.
For dogs of a certain age who require to be more calm or dogs with a health condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit with a veterinarian could be beneficial. For instance, a dog who has an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care that can help to realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning normally.
In some severe cases, medication is the best option to ease anxiety in dogs. In the majority of instances, however there are less expensive and safer methods to soothe a dog who is anxious. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be difficult for pet owners and their pets but they can be harmful for dogs. Some of the most serious signs of anxiety could cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling out fur or biting. These are serious issues that need to be dealt with by an animal veterinarian. A behaviorist trained in animal behavior can help you develop a treatment strategy. Some medications might be required.
There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most effective option depending on your dog's specific condition and response to medications. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The treatment should be continued after positive results are observed 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.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all medications that relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on methods to lessen anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes engaging in regular exercise playing games, and spending time in a safe space with your dog.
Several factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including pain from arthritis or other health conditions that increase overall stress levels. Consult your vet immediately whenever you notice an alteration in your dog's behavior, especially in cases where the anxiety may be triggered by pain. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is caused by a medical issue and will recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.