Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and develop a treatment plan for anxiety. These could include medication such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners may also decide to have a calm or quiet space at home for their anxious dogs which they can go to.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The vet will determine if your dog requires short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training, not as a replacement.
Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It can take a few weeks to show effect and may require frequent monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires frequent examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are rapid in their action and are most effective when given just before an anxiety-provoking event.
There are also natural products that can aid dogs in feeling less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that help calm dogs. Certain pet owners also employ massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to manage anxiety. There is a limited amount of evidence from science to support these methods.
At Small Door we prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for some dogs. Medication can boost the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical signals within your dog's mind and making training repetitions more "sticky".
In most instances, identifying and removing the root of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can help you with this process and provide suggestions to avoid the causes that can cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies can be straightforward, such as establishing routines or providing your dog with lots of exercise to flush out their energies. Certain strategies are more complicated, such as desensitization or counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist will work together to come up with an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
Behavior modification is a potent tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the triggers behind their behavior changes, your dog can learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They might even recommend that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, they will display many of the same signs similar to dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior, urinating or defecating inside the home, pacing and agitation chewing on things and barking. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards other pets and those living within their homes. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to develop an appropriate behavior plan and then hire a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term treatment and is often incorporated into other methods of treatment. Medication can help reduce the negative emotional reaction of dogs and make them more open to training and relieving their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine is also known as Clomicalm, is a medication that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a drug that is used to treat situational anxiety, such as noise phobias. It could take up to four weeks to see a therapeutic benefit. Your veterinarian will recommend regular blood tests and behavioral assessments.
A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress levels for dogs. By bringing consistency and structure to their environment can help them feel more secure, as can pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Choose a soothing t-shirt or coat that exerts constant pressure on the chest of your dog, similar to an swaddling blanket designed for a newborn. This will make them feel less anxious when travelling, hearing noises and being separated from their owners, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can be used to calm the dog who is anxious. They include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, crate training is a good option to calm them and provide them with their own safe space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have found success with pheromone products that mimic calming scents that cat and dog owners naturally emit. They are available as the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
You can also try a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are herbal remedies that have been diluted and you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. These remedies from nature can be just as effective or better than prescription anti anxiety medications.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be as simple as a long stroll or as involved as playing fetch, but anything that stretches your dog can help keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Try teaching your dog new tricks to keep their minds stimulated. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental exercise that they want.
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 from a veterinarian may be helpful. For instance dogs with a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic care that can help to realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning normally.
In the most severe instances medication could be the best solution to ease the dog's anxiety. But in most cases there are other options to calm a dog that are less risky and cheaper than prescription drugs. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to determine which one is the most effective for your dog.
IamPsychiatry -related behavioral issues can be a challenge for pets and their owners, but can also be dangerous for dogs. Some of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This includes pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that need to be addressed with the help of an animal veterinarian. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you with the development of a treatment plan. Certain medications may be needed.
There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will determine the best option depending on your dog's specific condition and response to medications. The average time for medication is between four and six weeks before the effects become clear and should be maintained for a period of two months after the positive response is seen. It is important that you adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies such as calming supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress in your pet, such as getting adequate exercise, playing games and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.
Many factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including arthritis pain, or other health conditions that increase overall stress levels. Therefore, it is essential to speak with your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing, and especially in the event that it appears anxiety is caused by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether their anxiety is rooted in a medical issue and will recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist, if necessary.