Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and develop a treatment plan for anxiety. These could include medication or collars with pheromone diffusers (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners may also decide to have a calm and quiet area at home for their dogs who are anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Certain breeds require medication to manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short- or long-term medication and recommend the best choice. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training not as a substitute.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all drugs used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are often prescribed for chronic management of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks for the medication to start functioning, and regular monitoring by your vet could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires frequent examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a rapid action and should be taken just before an anxious event.
There are also natural products that can help dogs feel less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin are also being used by some pet owners to aid in managing anxiety. There is a limited amount of evidence from science to support these options.
Small Door uses an array of behavior modification, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medications when needed. Medication can boost the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain, making training repetitions more "sticky".
In most cases, the first step is to determine and eliminate the root of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can aid in this process and suggest methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are simple and include creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist work together in the end to develop a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
overcoming anxiety to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. It takes time to identify the causes of their behavior, they can learn to relax and have fun again. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best methods for training your dog, and might recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors as dogs with other types of anxiety such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing stress, barking, and chewing on objects. It is also typical for them to be aggressive towards the pets and other people at home This is 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 extremely effective for short-term treatment and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Medication can help reduce the dog's negative emotional response, allowing them to be more open to training while alleviating their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm is a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medication that is used to treat situational anxiety, such as noise fears. It can take approximately four weeks to experience an improvement in your health. Your veterinarian will want you to schedule regular blood tests as well as behavior assessments.
Several natural treatments can help reduce a dog's stress. Adding consistency and structure to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as well as pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your vet might be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which will be most helpful for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that applies constant pressure to the chest of your dog like the swaddling blanket for babies. This will help them feel less anxious when they are traveling, hearing sounds and being separated from their pet, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming the dog who is anxious. This includes herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.
Crate training is a successful method to calm dogs suffering from separation anxiety and give them their own space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin and help promote relaxation in a cat or dog. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones that resemble the relaxing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.
You can also make use of a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are herbal remedies that have been diluted and you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouth. These remedies from nature can be as effective, or even superior to prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great method to reduce stress. It could be a simple stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog will help keep him relaxed and less likely for him to exhibit anxious behavior. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally, so consider working with your dog on new techniques. This will provide them with something to concentrate on other than their stress triggers and give them the mental stimulation they need.
A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for dogs that need to be more calm, or dogs with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for a dog with a slipped disk. It can realign the spine, and help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In severe cases medications may be the best solution to ease the dog's anxiety. However, in the majority of cases there are alternatives to calm a dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription drugs. Speak to your vet about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be challenging for pet owners and their pets, but they can also be dangerous to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling out fur or a recurrent biting. These are serious problems that require the help of vet. Certain medications may be required and a trained behaviorist can work with you to develop a treatment strategy.
There are a variety of medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the particular situation of your dog and its reaction to the medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be continued after positive results are observed for a period of 2 months. It is crucial to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxing products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on methods to lessen stress and anxiety in your pet, including getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.
Many factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that increase stress levels overall. See your veterinarian right away whenever you notice a change in your dog's behavior and especially if the anxiety seems to be provoked by pain. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is caused by a medical condition and recommend you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.