Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviorist will determine your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety treatment strategy. These include medication such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.
Pet parents may also choose to have a calm and quiet area at home for their anxious dogs where they can relax.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The vet will determine if your dog requires short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. Medication should only be used in conjunction and not as a substitute for behavioral modification and training.
Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all that are used to treat anxiety. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat anxiety that is chronic, separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks to show effect and may require regular examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety and can be used to tackle particular phobias and aggression. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks to show results and requires regular monitoring by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam have a quick action and are best given just before an anxious event.
There are also natural products that help dogs feel less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Some pet owners also utilize melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to manage anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these options.
Small Door utilizes the combination of behavior changes as well as changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medication when needed. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical signals within your dog's mind and making training repetitions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the underlying cause of anxiety. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help with this process, and can suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies are easy, such as creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off pent-up energy. Some strategies are more intricate, such as desensitization or counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist will work together to come up with a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
Behavior modification is a potent tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. It takes time, but once you find the causes of their behavior changes and they learn to relax and have fun again. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective training methods for your dog and may even recommend that you work with an experienced trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit similar behaviors as dogs with other types of anxiety including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing stress and barking. They may also chew on objects. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards other pets and people at home. This is why you should consult with your veterinarian to develop a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term therapy and is often used with other treatment methods. The use of medication can reduce a dog’s negative emotional response, allowing them to be more open to training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) that is especially beneficial for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate the anxiety associated with situations such as noise fears and Aversions. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be seen, and it is important to administer the medication according to the guidelines directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior reevaluations.
A number of natural treatments can also alleviate anxiety in dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as well as pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian may be able recommend an aromatherapy scent that is most beneficial to your pet. Use a calming t-shirt or coat that applies constant pressure on the chest of your dog like a swaddling blanket for babies. This will allow them to feel less stressed when they are traveling, hearing sounds and being separated from their owner, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can help calm dogs that are anxious. This includes herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.
For dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, crate training can be an effective tool to soothe them and give them a secure space. Relaxing anxiety treatment medicines can also boost serotonin and promote relaxation in a dog or cat. Some pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available as collar diffusers and sprays.
You can also use a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies you can drop in the water of your dog or directly into their mouth. Most often, these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to lower stress. It can be a simple stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog helps to keep him calm and less likely for him to display anxious behaviors. Also, mental stimulation is important so you should think about working with your dog on new tricks. This will help them focus on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and give them the mental exercise that they want.
A visit to a veterinarian can be beneficial for dogs that need to be calmer, or dogs with health conditions that make them more stressed. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for dogs suffering from a slipped disk. It can help align the spine and keep the muscles and nerves healthy.
In severe cases medications may be the best option to calm a dog's anxiety. But in most cases there are alternatives to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription medications. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pet owners and their pets, but they can also be harmful to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and even self-mutilation, such as pulling out fur or a recurrent biting. These are serious issues that require the assistance of vet. Certain medications may be required and a certified behaviorist can work with you to create a treatment plan.
There are many medications that can be used to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the unique 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 maintained for two months following a positive response is observed. It is essential to follow your vet's prescription for your dog and never change or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxation products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can give you advice on how to reduce stress and anxiety in your dog, including getting enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure area.
Several factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, such as arthritis pain, or other health conditions that increase stress levels overall. Consult your vet immediately when you notice changes in your dog's behaviour, especially in cases where the anxiety may be provoked by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is caused by an illness that is medical in nature and recommend you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.