Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These include medications and Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet parents may also choose to set up a peaceful or quiet space at home for their dog that is anxious where they can relax.
Medication
Some dogs need medication to manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The vet will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavioral modification and training and not as a substitute for training.
treat generalized anxiety disorder -related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants, as well as anxiolytics. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are often prescribed for chronic treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior like excessive grooming. They may take a few weeks to show their effects and may require periodic surveillance by the vet. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication can take anywhere from four to six weeks to produce effects and the doctor must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a rapid effect and should be administered just before an anxious event.
There are also natural products that help dogs feel less stressed. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that can help calm dogs. Some pet owners also use melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to manage anxiety. There isn't much evidence from science to support these methods.
At Small Door we prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for some dogs. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain and making training repetitions "stick" more quickly.
In the majority of cases, your first step is to determine and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process and provide suggestions to eliminate factors that trigger anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy like making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off pent-up energy. Other strategies are more involved such as desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however a good vet and a canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. It takes time, but once you find the triggers for their behavior changes, they can learn to relax and enjoy life again. Your vet can advise you on the best training techniques for your dog, and may recommend you work with an experienced dog trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit similar behavior patterns as dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing anxiety barking, and chewing on objects. It is also normal for them to be hostile towards other pets and those living within their homes. This is why you should consult with your vet to create a behavior plan and hire a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient in the short-term and is often utilized in combination with other treatment options. Medication can help reduce the negative emotional reaction of dogs which allows them to be more open to training and relieving their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise phobias and aversions. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be observed and it is crucial to administer the medication as directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior reevaluations.
Many natural treatments can reduce a dog's stress. They can feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the environment, as well massage and music. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that exerts constant pressure to the chest of the dog, similar to the swaddling blanket for a baby. This will help them feel less stressed when traveling, hearing sounds or being separated from their pet or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can soothe dogs that are anxious. This includes herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from anxiety about separation, crate training is a good option to help them relax and give them a safe space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which promotes relaxation in dogs and cats. Certain pet owners have experienced satisfaction with pheromone products that mimic calming scents that dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available as the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
You can also try a soothing herbal remedy such as Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies you can sprinkle into the water of your dog directly or directly into their mouths. These remedies can be as effective or even better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be a short stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog can help keep him relaxed and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally and you should consider engaging your dog in new techniques. This will help them focus on something different from their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental stimulation they need.
For older dogs who need to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit from a veterinarian could be beneficial. Chiropractic care is beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help to align the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In severe cases, medication may be the best option to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. However, in the majority of cases, there are other ways to calm a dog that are less risky and much less expensive than prescription medications. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be difficult for pet owners and their pets but they can be dangerous for the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and even self-mutilation, such as pulling fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that require the help of veterinarian. A behaviorist trained in animal behavior can help you develop the best treatment plan. Some medication may be needed.
There are many medications that can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will determine the best one according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. The typical dosage is up 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 essential to be in line with the prescription of your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions, such as soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the best methods to lessen anxiety and stress in your pet, such as getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm space with your pet.
There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, arthritis-related pain or other health conditions which can increase stress levels. Contact your veterinarian immediately whenever you notice a change in your dog's behavior, especially when the anxiety appears to be caused by pain. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is due to an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if required.