Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and develop a treatment plan for anxiety. These include medication such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.
Pet parents may also choose to have a calm and quiet area at home for their dog that is anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to manage anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The vet will determine if 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 that are used to treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat anxiety that is chronic or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It can take some time to show results and may require frequent monitoring by the veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires regular examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an anxious event.
In addition to prescription medicines and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment options that can help ease anxiety for certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin can also be employed by some pet owners to help with managing anxiety. There is only limited evidence from science to support these methods.
Small Door utilizes an array of behavior modification and changes to the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when required. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In most cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most crucial step. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process, and can suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these methods are easy, such as making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Others are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however a good vet and canine behaviorist will work together to create a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. It takes time, but once you find the triggers for their behavior, they can learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective training methods for your dog. They may even recommend that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit similar behaviors as dogs with other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing, anxiety barking, and chewing on objects. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards people and other pets within their homes This is why it's crucial to get a behavior plan together with your vet and get the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient for short-term treatment and is often used with other treatment methods. Drugs can help reduce the dog's emotional reaction and help them become more open to training while providing relief from their anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine is also known as Clomicalm is a medicine that is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situational anxiety such as noise fears. It can take four weeks to see an improvement in your health. Your vet will want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can also alleviate anxiety in dogs. By bringing consistency and structure to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, and this includes pheromone sprays, music, and massage. how anxiety is treated can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to use a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's body similar to a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming the dog who is anxious. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, crate training can be a great way to help them relax and provide them with their own secure space. Calming music can also stimulate serotonin and promote relaxation in a dog or cat. Some pet owners have had success with pheromone products which mimic the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available as collar diffuser and spray versions.
You can also use a soothing herbal remedy such as 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 even better than prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Exercise is a great way to decrease stress. It can be as simple as a long stroll or as involved as a game of fetch, but anything that tires out your dog will keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds stimulated. This will provide them with something to concentrate on that is not their stress triggers and give them the mental exertion that they need.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for older dogs that need to be more calm or those with health conditions that make them more stressed. For example, a dog who has discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic care which will help realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good shape and functioning normally.
In extreme cases medications may be the best solution to ease the dog's anxiety. However, in the majority of cases, there are other ways to calm a dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription medications. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to determine what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be difficult for pets and pet owners however, they can also be harmful to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression and even self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or a habitual kissing. These are serious issues that require the help of vet. Some medications might be required, and a trained behaviorist can work with you to create an effective treatment strategy.
Many medications are available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend 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 effect becomes clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for a period of two months after a positive response is observed. It is essential to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
The medications to reduce anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies that include calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the best ways to decrease anxiety and stress in your pet, such as exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a calm environment with your dog.
Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including arthritis-related pain, or other health issues that increase stress levels. Consult your vet immediately when you notice changes in your dog's behavior, especially in cases where the anxiety may be provoked by pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether the cause of their anxiety is an illness or medical condition and recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.