Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications, Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.
Pet parents may also choose to set up a peaceful or quiet space at home for their dog that is anxious which they can go to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to deal with anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs medication for long-term or short-term use and recommend the most appropriate choice. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavior modification or training.
Anxiety-related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, as well as anxiolytics. health anxiety treatment like sertraline and fluoxetine are often prescribed for chronic treatment of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive grooming. They may take several weeks to show effect and may require regular monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of drugs can take up to four weeks to produce effects and the doctor must monitor it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very rapid in their action and are most effective when they are administered before an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medications There are also natural products and treatment modalities that can ease anxiety for some dogs. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps, like the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture for managing anxiety. However, there is only a small amount of evidence from science to support these methods.
At Small Door, we prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for some dogs. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in the brain of your dog and making the repetitions of training "stick" more quickly.
In most cases, identifying and removing the cause of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process, and can suggest methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies may be easy, such as creating a routine or providing your dog with lots of exercise to burn pent-up energy. Some are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist work together in the end to develop a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is the most important method to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you identify the triggers behind the behavior change and your dog is able to learn to relax again and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best methods for training your dog, and may suggest you consult an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors as dogs with other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing stress and barking. They may also chew on objects. It is also normal for them to be aggressive toward people and other pets within their homes and that's why it is essential to put a behavior plan in conjunction with your veterinarian and seek the help of a seasoned dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term treatment and is often incorporated into other methods of treatment. The use of medication can reduce the dog's negative emotional response and make them more receptive towards training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to ease situations of anxiety, such as noise phobias and fears. It could take up to four weeks for a therapeutic effect to be seen, and it is important to give the medication as prescribed by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior reevaluations.
A variety of natural remedies can help reduce a dog's stress. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, and this includes music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet may be able to suggest an aromatherapy scent that is most beneficial for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that puts constant pressure on the chest of your dog like the swaddling blanket for babies. This will help them feel less anxious when they are travelling, hearing noises and being separated from their owners, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can soothe an anxious dog. They include music, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a great method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and allow them their own space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success with pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available as the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
You can also try a soothing herbal remedy such as Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. These herbal remedies can often be just as effective or more effective than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Physical exercise is an excellent method of reducing stress. It can be as simple as a long walk, or as intense as playing fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Also, mental stimulation is important and you should consider working with your dog on new techniques. This will give them something to focus on that is not their stress triggers, and will give them the mental stimulation they desire.
For dogs of a certain age who require to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit to 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 muscles and nerves healthy.
In certain instances, medication is the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are safer and cheaper methods to soothe a dog who is anxious. Consult your veterinarian and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to find what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be difficult for pet owners as well as their pets, but they can also cause danger to dogs. Some of the more severe signs of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that need to be addressed with the help of vet. Some medication may be necessary and a trained behaviorist will work with you to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the specific situation of your dog and its reaction to the medication. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The treatment should be continued when positive results are seen for a period of 2 months. It is essential to follow your vet's prescription for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
The medications to reduce anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
In addition to prescribing anxiety medications Your veterinarian may also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions, such as tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can give you suggestions on how to decrease stress and anxiety in your dog, for example, exercising regularly by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure area.
Many factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as pain from arthritis or other health conditions that can increase stress levels overall. Therefore, it is essential to consult your vet right away if your dog's behavior changes, and especially when it appears that the anxiety is triggered by pain or discomfort. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is caused by a medical issue and will refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.