Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications, pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.

Pet parents may also choose to have a calm, quiet spot at home for their dog that is anxious that they can retreat to.

Medication

Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The vet will determine if your dog requires short-term or long-term medication and will recommend the best option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavioral modification and training and not as a substitute for training.

Anxiety-related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are often prescribed for chronic management of generalized anxiety treatment anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks to show effect and may require regular examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and Clomipramine are also used to treat generalized anxiety. They can also be used to treat particular phobias and aggression. This class of medication 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-acting and are most useful when they are administered before an anxiety-provoking event.

There are also natural products that can aid dogs in feeling less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin are being used by some pet owners to help with managing anxiety. There isn't much evidence from science to support these choices.

At Small Door, we prefer a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for some dogs. Medication enhances the positive effects of behavior modification and training by balancing the chemical signals in the brain of your dog and making training repetitions "stick" more quickly.

In most cases, the first step is to identify and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can aid in this process and provide suggestions to avoid the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies could be easy, such as creating routines or providing your dog with plenty of exercise to flush out their energies. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. However, in the end, a good veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that works for your dog.

Training

The most effective method to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. It takes time to identify the causes of their behavior and they learn to relax and enjoy life again. Your vet will be able to guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog, and ed from their owner or meeting strangers.

Natural Therapy

A number of natural techniques can be used to calm the dog who is anxious. They include music, herbal supplements aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic alternative treatment for depression and anxiety.

Crate training is a successful way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and give them their own space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in dogs and cats. Certain pet owners have experienced success with pheromone products that imitate the calming scents cat and dog owners naturally emit. These products are available as spray diffusers for collars and collars, as well as 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 the water of a dog, or directly in their mouth. Most often, these remedies work as well, or even better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It can be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog can help keep him calm and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Also, mental stimulation is important, so consider engaging your dog in new treatments for anxiety tricks. This will allow them to focus on something different from their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental exercise they crave.

For older dogs who need to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit with a veterinarian may be helpful. For example, a dog who has an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care which will help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good shape and functioning normally.

In certain instances medications are the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. However, most of the time there are other options to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and much less expensive than prescription medications. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to find what works best for your pup.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pets and their owners, but can be dangerous for the dog. Some of the most serious symptoms of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This could include pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious issues that require the help of veterinarian. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you with the development of the best treatment strategy. Certain medications may be required.

There are a variety of 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. It typically takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be continued when positive results are seen for a period of two months. It is crucial to follow your vet's prescription for your dog and do not alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.

Antidepressants, anxiolytics and benzodiazepines are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.

In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments like tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can give you advice on how to reduce anxiety and stress in your dog, such as getting enough exercise, playing games, and spending time with him in a safe area.

There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain, or other health issues that can increase stress levels. Therefore, it is essential to see your veterinarian immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing and, in particular, in the event that it appears the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is caused by an illness or medical condition and recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.