Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet owners may also decide to use a calm and quiet area at home for their dog that is anxious where they can relax.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to control anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs medication for long-term or short-term use and will recommend the best option. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training, not as a replacement.
Anxiety-related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show results and may require regular surveillance by the vet. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific fears. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks to show results and requires frequent examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when given just prior to an anxious event.
There are also natural products that can help some dogs to feel less stressed. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that aid in calming dogs. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin are being utilized by pet owners to aid with managing anxiety. There is only limited scientific evidence to support these methods.
At Small Door We prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to 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 your dog's brain, and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In the majority of cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most important step. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process and offer suggestions to avoid the factors that trigger anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy, such as creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. treat anxiety are more involved, such as desensitization and counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist will work together to create a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. It takes time to identify the reasons behind their behavior and they learn to relax and enjoy life again. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective training techniques for your dog and may even recommend that you work with an experienced trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same symptoms like dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. This includes destructive behavior such as urinating or fecesing in the home, pacing and agitation chewing and barking. It is also normal for them to be aggressive toward people and other pets within their homes, which is why it is crucial to create a behavior plan in conjunction with your veterinarian and seek the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient for short-term treatment and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Medication can help reduce a dog’s negative emotional response, allowing them to be more receptive towards training while alleviating their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to reduce situations of anxiety, such as noise phobias and fears. It may take as long as approximately four weeks to experience the therapeutic benefits. Your veterinarian will want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can also help alleviate anxiety in dogs. By bringing consistency and structure to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as well as pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a specific aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's body, much like a swaddling cloth on infants, and helps to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can soothe 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 is a good option to help them relax and give them a safe space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which can promote relaxation in dogs and cats. Certain pet owners have experienced satisfaction with pheromone products that mimic calming scents that dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available in collar diffusers and sprays.
Another option is to utilize an herbal remedy that is calming, such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprayed into the water of a dog or directly into their mouth. These herbal remedies can often be as effective, or even superior to prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Physical exercise is an excellent method to lower stress. It could be as easy as a long stroll or as intense as playing fetch, but anything that tires out your dog can help keep them relaxed and less likely to display anxious behavior. You can teach your dog new techniques to keep their minds active. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and give them the mental stimulation they need.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for older dogs that require to be more calm or those with health issues that cause them to be more stressed. For instance dogs with discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic care which can help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good condition and functioning properly.
In extreme cases medications may be the best solution to calm a dog's anxiety. However, most of the time, there are other ways to calm a dog that are less risky and cheaper than prescription drugs. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be a challenge for pet owners and their pets however, they can be dangerous for the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling fur or compulsive licking. These are serious problems that require the help of a veterinarian. Some medications might be required and a trained behaviorist can assist you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the best option based on your dog's unique health condition and reaction to the medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The treatment should be continued after positive results are observed for a period of 2 months. It is crucial to follow your vet's prescription for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
The medications to reduce anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all relieve anxiety symptoms immediately.
In addition to prescribing anxiety medications Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes engaging in regular exercise, playing games and spending time in a secure environment with your dog.
Several factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain or other health issues that increase the stress levels. Consult your vet immediately if you notice an alteration in your dog's behavior and especially in cases where the anxiety may be caused by pain. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is caused by an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to a behaviorist or trainer if necessary.