Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and create a treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications, Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet owners can also make use of a quiet and peaceful space at home, where anxious dogs can retreat.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to control anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short-term or long-term medication, and prescribe the best option. Medication is only to 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 behavior, such as excessive grooming. It may take several weeks for the medication to start working and regular monitoring by your doctor may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks for the effects to be evident and requires constant monitoring by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when they are administered before an anxiety-provoking event.
There are also natural products that can help dogs feel less stressed. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to manage anxiety. There is only limited evidence from science to support these choices.
At Small Door We prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies, and medications as required for certain dogs. Medication can boost the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical signals within your dog's brain, making training repetitions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, identifying and removing the underlying cause is the most important step. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help with this process and suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these methods are easy like creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Some are more involved, such as desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist collaborate in the end to develop an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
The most crucial method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the triggers for their behavior and they learn to relax and have fun again. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the best methods for training your dog, and might suggest you consult an expert dog trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they'll exhibit similar behaviors as dogs with other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing, restlessness barking, and chewing on things. It is also typical for them to be aggressive toward the pets and other people in their home and that's why it's crucial to get an appropriate behavior plan with your veterinarian and seek the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term therapy and is often combined with other treatment methods. Drugs can help decrease a dog’s negative emotional response which allows them to be more open to 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 as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situations of anxiety, such as noise fear and aversions. It could take up to up to four weeks before you see a therapeutic benefit. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests as well as behavior assessments.
Many natural treatments can reduce stress levels for dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their environment can help them feel more secure, as can music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet may be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial for your pet. Use a calming t-shirt or coat that puts constant pressure to your dog's chest, similar to the swaddling blanket for babies. This will allow them to feel less anxious when they are traveling, hearing sounds, being separated from their owners, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming dogs that are anxious. They include herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a great way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and give them their own space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin levels and encourage relaxation in cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available in collar diffusers and sprays.
Another option is to apply 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 work as well, or even better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is a great method to lower stress. It could be as easy as a long stroll or as complex as playing a game of fetch but anything that tires out your dog can help keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds stimulated. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and will provide them with the mental stimulation they crave.
A visit to a veterinarian can be beneficial for older dogs that require to be more calm or have medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a dog with a slipped disk. It can help align the spine, and help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In certain instances, medication is the best option for relieving a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are less expensive and safer ways to calm an anxious dog. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to find what works best for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pet owners as well as their pets, but they can also be dangerous to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that require the help of veterinarian. Some medications might be required and a certified behaviorist will work with you to formulate an appropriate treatment strategy.
There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will determine the best option according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. Medications typically take between four and six weeks before the effect becomes clear and should be continued for two months following an improvement is noticed. 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 veterinarian.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all relieve anxiety symptoms immediately.
In how anxiety is treated to prescribing medications for anxiety Your veterinarian may also suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments that include calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on natural ways to decrease anxiety and stress in your pet, including getting adequate exercise, playing games and spending time in a calm space with your dog.
There are many factors that can cause your dog's anxiety, such as arthritis pain, or other health issues that increase stress levels overall. Contact your veterinarian immediately when you notice changes in your dog's behaviour particularly in cases where the anxiety may be triggered by pain. Your vet will determine if their anxiety is rooted in an issue with their health and recommend a trainer or an animal behaviorist if required.