Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety treatment plan. These include medications, pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet parents may also choose to have a calm and quiet area at home for their anxious dogs where they can relax.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to manage anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The vet will determine if your dog needs medication for long-term or short-term use and will recommend the best option. Medication should only be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavioral modification or training.
Anxiety-related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, as well as anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts functioning, and regular monitoring by your veterinarian could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety, and can be used to address specific phobias and aggression. This class of medication can take as long as four weeks to produce effects and the doctor must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are quick in action and are best given just before an anxious event.
There are also natural products that help some dogs to feel less stressed. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps, like the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Some pet owners also use massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture for managing anxiety. There is only limited scientific evidence to support these methods.
At Small Door we prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for certain dogs. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of behavior modification and training by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain, and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In the majority of cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most crucial step. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help you with this process and offer suggestions to prevent the causes that can cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies are easy, such as creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Some are more involved, such as desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however an experienced veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to create a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.
Training
Behavior modification is the most effective method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the triggers for their behavior changes and they learn to relax and have fun again. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most effective methods for training your dog and may recommend that you work with an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing anxiety and barking. They may also chew on objects. It is also common for dogs to be aggressive towards people and other pets in their home This is why it is crucial to create an appropriate behavior plan with your vet and get the help of a seasoned dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective in the short run and is often employed in conjunction with other treatment modalities. treating anxiety disorders of medication can reduce the dog's negative emotional response which allows them to be more open to training while alleviating their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate the anxiety associated with situations such as noise fear and Aversions. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to show, and it is important to administer the medication according to the guidelines recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior reevaluations.
A number of natural treatments can also help reduce anxiety in dogs. They can feel more secure by adding structure and consistency to the environment, as well music and massage. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to use a calming t-shirt or coat that apply constant pressure to the dog's body similar to an swaddling cloth for babies, and can help them feel less anxious about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can be used to calm an anxious dog. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic care.
Crate training is an effective method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which can promote relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have found satisfaction with pheromone products that mimic calming scents that cat and dog owners naturally emit. They are available in collar diffuser and spray versions.
You can also try a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprayed into the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. Most often, these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Physical exercise is an excellent method of reducing stress. It could be as simple as a long stroll or as complex as playing fetch, but anything that tires out your dog can help keep them calm and less likely to display anxious behaviors. You can teach your dog new techniques to keep their minds stimulated. This will provide them with something to concentrate on, apart from their stress triggers and will give them the mental stimulation they crave.
A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for older dogs that require to be more calm, or dogs with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care is beneficial for a dog with an injured disk. It can help to align the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In severe cases medication could be the best solution to calm a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are safer and cheaper methods to calm dogs that are anxious. Consult your veterinarian and try one (or all) of these natural remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be a challenge for pet owners and their pets, but can be dangerous for dogs. Some of the most severe signs of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This could include pulling fur out or biting. These are serious problems that need to be dealt with by a veterinarian. Some medications might be required, and a trained behaviorist will work with you to formulate an effective treatment strategy.
There are many medicines available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the unique condition of your dog and the reaction it has to medication. Medications typically take up to six weeks before the effect is clear and should be maintained for two months following a positive response is observed. It is essential to adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time, while anxiolytics are long-acting medications that ease anxiety and stress over time.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety, your veterinarian will likely recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on the best methods to lessen stress and anxiety in your pet, including exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a safe space with your pet.
There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that can increase stress levels. Therefore, it is essential to speak with your vet right away when your dog's behavior begins to change, and especially if it appears that their anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is caused by an illness or condition, and will refer you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.