Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behavior consultant will identify your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety treatment strategy. This includes medication and Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet parents can also opt to have a calm and quiet area at home for their dog that is anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short-term or long-term medication and recommend the most appropriate option. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training not as a substitute.
The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior like excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show their effects and may require periodic monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific fears. This drug class can take up to four weeks to show results and the doctor must monitor it frequently. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are rapid in their action and are most effective when they are administered prior to an anxious event.
In addition to prescription medications and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment modalities that can reduce anxiety in some dogs. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps, such as the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin can also be used by some pet owners to help with managing anxiety. However, there is only a small amount of scientific evidence to support these options.
Small Door utilizes an array of behavior modification, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when needed. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain and making training repetitions more "sticky".
In best herbal treatment for anxiety of cases, the first step is to determine and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can assist in this process, and can suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these methods are easy like making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Some are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist work together to create an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. Once you have identified the triggers of the behavior change, your dog can learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most effective methods to train your dog, and might recommend you work with an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they'll exhibit the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing, restlessness barking, and chewing on things. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards people and other pets in their home and that's 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 can be extremely efficient in the short-term and is often utilized in conjunction with other treatment modalities. The use of medication can reduce a dog’s negative emotional response and make them more open to training and alleviating their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine is also known as Clomicalm is a medicine that is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a drug that is used to treat situationsal anxiety such as noise fears. It could take up to four weeks to see a therapeutic benefit. Your vet will recommend regular blood tests as well as behavior evaluations.
A number of natural treatments can also reduce anxiety in dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, and this includes music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Use a calming t-shirt or coat that puts constant pressure on the chest of the dog like the swaddling blanket for babies. This will allow them to feel less anxious when traveling, hearing noises, being separated from their owner, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming dogs that are anxious. This includes herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs suffering from anxiety over separation, crate-training can be an effective tool to help them relax and provide them with their own safe space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which can promote relaxation in cats and dogs. Some 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.
You can also try a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprayed into the water of your dog or directly into their mouth. Most often, these remedies perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to decrease stress. It can be as simple as a long walk or as intense as playing a game of fetch but anything that stretches your dog can help keep them relaxed and less likely to display anxious behavior. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally and you should consider working with your dog on new tricks. This will provide them with something to concentrate on other than their stress triggers and provide them with the mental exertion that they desire.
For older dogs that need to be more calm or those with a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit from an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For example, a dog who has a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning normally.
In certain instances medication is the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however, there are more effective and less costly methods to soothe an anxious dog. Consult your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be challenging for pets and pet owners however, they can also cause danger to dogs. Certain of the more serious signs of anxiety could cause self-mutilation or aggression. This includes pulling fur out or biting. These are serious issues that need to be dealt with by an animal veterinarian. A trained animal behaviorist who is knowledgeable about behavior can assist you with the development of the best treatment strategy. Some medication may be needed.
There are many medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the particular condition of your dog and its reaction to the medication. It typically takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The treatment should be continued after the positive results are noted for two months. It is essential to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Antidepressants, anxiolytics and benzodiazepines are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms, while anxiolytics are long-acting medications that relieve chronic stress and anxiety.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety, your veterinarian will likely suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions like calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your pet, including exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.
Several factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as pain from arthritis or other health issues that increase stress levels overall. See your veterinarian right away when you notice a change in your dog's behavior, especially if the anxiety seems to be caused by pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether the anxiety is due to an illness or condition, and will refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.