Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviorist will determine your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment plan. This could include medications such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents can also benefit from a peaceful and tranquil space at home where their anxious dogs can go to.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs medication for long-term or short-term use, 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 like sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They may take a few weeks to show effect and may require frequent monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and Clomipramine are also used to treat generalized anxiety. They can also be used to treat specific fears and aggression. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks for the effects to be evident and requires regular examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered prior to an event that causes anxiety.
In addition to prescription medicines and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment methods that can ease anxiety for certain dogs. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps such as the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to help manage anxiety. There isn't much evidence from science to support these methods.
At Small Door we prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for certain dogs. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In the majority of cases, your first step is to identify and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can assist in this process and offer suggestions to eliminate factors that trigger anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies may be easy, such as creating routines or giving your dog lots of exercise to flush out their energies. Some are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and canine behaviorist will work together to create an effective treatment plan 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 and your dog is able to learn to relax again and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog and may recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will display many of the same signs like dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. They can be destructive and urinating or excreting in the home, pacing and agitation, barking and chewing things. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards people and other pets in their home This is why it's crucial to get a behavior plan in conjunction with your vet and get the help of a seasoned dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient for short-term treatment and is often used with other methods of treatment. Medication can reduce the dog's emotional reaction and help them become 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 beneficial for separation anxiety, and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise fears and Aversions. It can take up four weeks for the therapeutic effect to show, and it is important to administer the medication according to the guidelines prescribed by your vet and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior evaluations.
Several natural treatments can help reduce a dog's stress. They will feel more secure by bringing structure and consistency to their environment as well as massage and music. Your vet might be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial to your pet. Another option is a calming t-shirt or coat that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso, much like the swaddling blanket on babies, and can help them feel less anxious about travel, noise, separation, or strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can aid in calming 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 calm them and give them a safe space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which is a relaxing hormone in cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
Another option is to apply a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprayed into the water of a dog, or directly into their mouth. The majority of these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Physical exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It could be a short walk or a more involved game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog helps to keep him relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. Try teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds active. This will help them focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress, and provide them with mental stimulation they need.
For older dogs that need to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit from a veterinarian could be beneficial. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help align the spine, and keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In some severe cases medications are the best choice for alleviating a dog's anxiety. In most cases, however, there are less expensive and safer methods to soothe an anxious dog. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to find what works best for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pets and their owners, but can be harmful for dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression, and even self-mutilation like pulling fur out or a recurrent biting. anxiety treatment for dogs are serious issues that require the assistance of veterinarian. A trained animal behaviorist who is knowledgeable about behavior can assist you with the development of a treatment plan. Some medication may be needed.
There are many medications that can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the particular situation of your dog and its reaction to medication. The typical dosage is four to six weeks before the effect becomes clear and should be maintained for two months following the positive response is seen. It is essential to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog and never change or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments that include soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on ways to decrease anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes engaging in regular exercise, playing games and spending time in a safe space with your pet.
Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain, or other health conditions that raise stress levels. See your veterinarian right away if you notice a change in your dog's behaviour, especially in cases where the anxiety may be triggered by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to a behaviorist or trainer if necessary.