Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment plan. This includes medication and pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.
Pet parents can also opt to have a calm or quiet space at home for their dogs who are anxious which they can go to.
Medication
Some dogs need medication to help deal with anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medication and recommend the best choice. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training, not as a replacement.
Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks before the medication starts working, and regular supervision by your veterinarian might be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of drugs can take anywhere from four to six weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are quick in action and are best given prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment methods that can help ease anxiety for some dogs. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps, such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin can also be utilized by pet owners to help with managing 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 as required for certain dogs. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's mind and making training sessions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, your first step is to determine and eliminate the underlying cause of anxiety. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help with this process, and recommend methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are easy like creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Others are more involved, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. 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 a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior changes and your dog is able to learn to relax again and be happy. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the best methods for training your dog, and may recommend you work with an experienced dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will display many of the same signs as dogs who suffer from other forms of anxiety. This includes destructive behavior and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness chewing and barking. It is also typical for them to be aggressive toward people and other pets in their home, which is why it is essential to put a behavior plan together with your veterinarian and enlist 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. The use of medication can lessen a dog's negative emotional response and make them more receptive to training while providing relief from their anxiety-related symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) that is especially beneficial for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise phobias and aversions. It could take up to up to four weeks before you see the therapeutic benefits. Your vet will want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavior evaluations.
Many natural treatments can reduce stress levels for dogs. They will feel more secure by bringing structure and consistency to their environment, as well massage and music. Your veterinarian may be able to suggest an aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is an enveloping coat or t-shirt, which applies constant pressure to the dog's torso, much like a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps them feel less anxious about noise, travel, separation, or strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can help calm the dog who is anxious. This includes herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a successful method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Relaxing music can also boost serotonin levels and encourage relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones which mimic the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available as collar diffuser and spray versions.
You can also try a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that you can sprinkle into the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. Often these herbal remedies will work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Physical exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress. It could be as easy as a long stroll or as involved as a game of fetch, but anything that tires out your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to display anxious behavior. Consider teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds active. This will allow them to focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress and will provide them with the mental exercise that they want.
For older dogs who need to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit to an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For instance an animal with an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help to realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning normally.
In extreme cases, medication may be the best option to calm a dog's anxiety. In most cases, however, there are safer and cheaper methods to soothe a dog who is anxious. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pet owners as well as their pets However, they can cause danger to dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This includes pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that require the assistance of veterinarian. A trained animal behaviorist who is knowledgeable about behavior can assist you in establishing the best treatment strategy. Some medication may be required.
There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will determine the best one according to your dog's individual condition and response to medications. Medications typically take four to six weeks before the effect becomes clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for two months after a positive response is observed. It is crucial to remain in line with the prescription of your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all medications that relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions such as relaxation products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on methods to lessen stress and anxiety in your pet, such as exercising regularly playing games, and spending time in a safe space with your dog.
Several factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis pain, or other health conditions that can increase the stress levels. Therefore, anxiety therapy options is essential to see your veterinarian immediately when your dog's behavior begins to change and, in particular, if it appears that the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your vet will determine if the anxiety is caused by a medical condition and recommend you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.