Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and develop a treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications, pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.

Pet parents can also benefit from a calm and quiet place at home where their anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires long-term or short-term medication and will recommend the most appropriate option. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training not as a substitute.

Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin release inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat anxiety that is chronic as well as separation mild anxiety treatment and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It can take several weeks for the medication to start functioning, and regular monitoring by your doctor could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of medication can take as long as four weeks to produce effects and the doctor must monitor it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid action and are best given just before an anxious event.

There are also natural products that help some dogs to feel less stressed. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is among the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Some pet owners also utilize massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to manage anxiety. There is a limited amount of evidence from science to support these options.

At Small Door we prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies and medications when needed for certain dogs. Medication enhances the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in the brain of your dog and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.

For most cases, identifying and removing the underlying cause is the most important step. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can help with this process, and can suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies can be straightforward, such as establishing a routine or giving your dog lots of exercise to burn pent-up energy. Other strategies are more involved such as counterconditioning and desensitization. A good vet and a canine behaviorist will work together to create a treatment program that works for your pet.

Training

Behavior modification is the most effective method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time, but once you find the triggers for their behavior and they learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best training techniques for your dog, and might recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.

If your dog has separation anxiety, they will display many of the same symptoms like dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. They can be destructive, urinating or defecating inside the home, pacing and agitation chewing and barking. It is also typical for them to be aggressive toward the pets and other people in their home and that's why it is essential to put an appropriate behavior plan with your vet and get the services of a professional dog trainer.

Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term therapy and is often combined with other methods of treatment Anxiety without medication. Medication can help reduce a dog’s negative emotional response which allows them to be more receptive towards training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) that is especially helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise phobias and fears. It can take up to four weeks for a therapeutic effect to show, and it is important to administer the medication as prescribed by your vet and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior reevaluations.

Many natural treatments can reduce stress in dogs. They can feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the surrounding as well as massage and music. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend an aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is to use a calming t-shirt or coat that applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps to reduce anxiety about noise, travel or separation from strangers.

Natural Therapy

A variety of natural methods can soothe dogs that are anxious. They include herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic treatment.

Crate training is a successful way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which can promote relaxation in dogs and cats. Certain pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.

Another option is to apply an herbal remedy to calm your dog such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprayed into a dog's water or directly into their mouth. Often these herbal remedies will work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medications.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It can be a simple walk or a more involved game of fetch. Anything that exhausts your dog can help keep him relaxed and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new tricks to keep their minds engaged. This will help them to concentrate on something other than the triggers that cause stress and give them the mental exercise they crave.

For older dogs that need to be more calm or those with a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit with an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For instance, a dog who has a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic care which will help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good condition and functioning normally.

In extreme cases medication could be the best solution to ease the dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are less expensive and safer ways to calm an anxious dog. Consult your veterinarian and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to determine what works best for your dog.

Veterinary Care

anxiety treatment cbt-related behavior problems can be difficult for pet owners and their pets However, they can be harmful to the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression and even self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or a recurrent biting. These are serious issues that require to be dealt with by vet. A professional trained in animal behavior can help you develop an appropriate treatment strategy. Certain medications may be needed.

There are many medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the specific condition of your dog as well as its reaction to the medication. The typical dosage is up to six weeks before the effect is clear and should be maintained for two months after a positive response is observed. It is crucial to remain congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or alter the dosage without a consultation with your veterinarian.

Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medications that have a short-acting effect that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately, while anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve chronic stress and anxiety.

In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on the best methods to lessen stress and anxiety in your pet, including getting adequate exercise, playing games and spending time in a safe environment with your pet.

There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, arthritis-related pain, or other health issues that can increase stress levels. Therefore, it is essential to speak with your vet immediately when your dog's behavior begins to change or changes, particularly when it appears that anxiety in elderly treatment is caused by pain or discomfort. Your veterinarian will determine whether the anxiety is caused by an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if required.