Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and create a treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medication and Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet owners may also decide to have a calm, quiet spot at home for their anxious dogs where they can relax.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The vet will determine if your dog requires short-term or long-term medications, and prescribe the best option. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training, not as a replacement.
Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants, and anxiolytics. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They may take a few weeks to show their effects and may require regular surveillance by the vet. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of drugs can take as long as four weeks to produce effects and the vet must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a quick effect and should be administered prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription drugs, there are natural products and treatment methods that can ease anxiety for certain dogs. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin can also be used by some pet owners to aid in managing anxiety. However, there is a lack of evidence from science to support these methods.
Small Door makes use of an array of behavior modification as well as changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medication when needed. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain, making repetitions of training more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can help you with this process and offer suggestions to prevent the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies could be simple, like creating routines or giving your dog lots of exercise to flush out their energies. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end a good vet and canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
Behavior modification is the most effective tool to help your dog overcome their anxiety. Once you have identified the triggers behind their behavior changes the dog will be able to relax again and enjoy life. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most effective training techniques for your dog and may recommend you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behavior patterns as dogs suffering from other types of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing stress barking, and chewing on things. It is also normal for dogs to be aggressive towards people and other pets at home This is why it is crucial to create a behavior plan together with your veterinarian and seek the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification can be highly efficient in the short-term, and is often used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Medication can help reduce the dog's negative emotional response and make them more open to training while decreasing 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 fears and Aversions. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be observed and it is essential to administer the medication according to the guidelines recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior evaluations.
A number of natural treatments can help ease a dog's anxiety. They are more comfortable by bringing structure and consistency to the surrounding as well as massage and music. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso similar to an swaddling cloth for babies, and can help them feel less anxious about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can be used to calm dogs that are anxious. These include herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
natural ways to treat anxiety is an effective way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and allow them their own space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which is a relaxing hormone in both cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.
Another option is to utilize an herbal remedy that is calming, such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprayed into the water of a dog or directly in their mouth. Often these herbal remedies will work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be a short stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog helps to keep him relaxed and less likely for him to display anxiety-related behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds active. This will provide them with something to focus on that is not their stress triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise they desire.
A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for dogs that need to be calmer or have health issues that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help align the spine, and help keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In the most severe instances, medication may be the best option to ease the dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are safer and cheaper ways to calm a dog who is anxious. Consult your veterinarian and try one (or all) of these natural remedies to find what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pets and their owners however, they can be dangerous for dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression and self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or a recurrent kissing. These are serious issues that require to be dealt with by a veterinarian. Some medications might be required, and a trained behaviorist can assist you to develop an effective treatment plan.
There are many medications that can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the best option based on your dog's unique condition and response to medications. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The medication should be continued after positive results are observed for two months. It is important to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxing products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet, which includes getting adequate exercise, 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 conditions which raise stress levels. It is therefore important to speak with your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing, and especially in the event that it appears the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is caused by a medical condition and recommend you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.