Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behavior consultant will identify the triggers for your dog and formulate an anxiety treatment strategy. These may include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners can also make use of a quiet and peaceful space at home where their pets can be calm and peaceful.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short- or long-term medications and will recommend the most appropriate option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavioral modification and training and not as a substitute for training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all medications used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors like excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks for the medication to start working and regular monitoring by your veterinarian could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks to show results and requires frequent examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an event that causes anxiety.
There are also natural products that aid dogs in feeling less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Some pet owners also utilize melatonin, massage therapy, or acupuncture to manage anxiety. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these options.
At Small Door We prefer a mix of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for certain dogs. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's mind and making repetitions of training more "sticky".
For most instances, identifying and removing the cause of the anxiety is the most important step. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process, and can suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these methods are easy, such as creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Certain strategies are more complicated like desensitization or counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist work together in the end to develop an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior it is possible to help them relax and have fun again. Your vet will be able to guide you on the best training techniques for your dog and may recommend that you work with an experienced dog trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing, stress barking, and chewing on objects. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards other pets as well as people within their homes. This is the reason you should work with your veterinarian to develop a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term therapy and is often incorporated into other methods of treatment. Medication can reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and allow them to be more receptive to training, while also providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a medicine that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a drug that is used to treat situational anxiety such as noise fears. It can take four weeks to see a therapeutic benefit. Your vet will also recommend regular blood tests and behavior evaluations.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can also help ease a dog's anxiety. They are more comfortable by bringing structure and consistency to the environment, as well massage and music. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Choose a soothing t-shirt or coat that applies constant pressure to your chest of the dog similar to the swaddling blanket for a baby. This will make them feel less anxious when traveling, hearing noises or being separated from their pet, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
Many natural methods can help calm an anxious dog. This includes music, herbal supplements aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a successful method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which is a relaxing hormone in dogs and cats. Certain pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
You can also make use of a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that you can sprinkle into the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. The majority of these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress. It could be a short walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that exhausts your dog can help keep him calm and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Also, mental stimulation is important so you should think about engaging your dog in new tricks. generalized anxiety disorder treatment will help them focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress, and provide them with mental exercise they crave.
For dogs of a certain age who require to be more calm or those with a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit from a veterinarian may be helpful. For instance dogs with discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic treatment that will help realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy and functioning normally.
In certain cases, medication is the best option to ease anxiety in dogs. However, in the majority of cases, there are other ways to calm an anxious dog that are safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Consult your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to determine what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pets and their owners but they can be dangerous for dogs. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and even self-mutilation, such as pulling out fur or compulsive licking. These are serious issues that require the assistance of veterinarian. Some medications might be required and a certified behaviorist will work with you to create an appropriate treatment strategy.
There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the best one according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. Medications typically take four to six weeks before the effect is clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for two months following the positive response is seen. It is crucial to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are longer-acting medications that ease chronic stress and anxiety.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies like tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the best ways to decrease stress and anxiety in your pet, such as engaging in regular exercise playing games, and spending time in a secure space with your dog.
Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including arthritis-related pain, or other health conditions which can increase stress levels. It is therefore important to speak with your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing and, in particular, if it appears that their anxiety is triggered by pain or discomfort. Your vet will be able to determine if their anxiety is caused by an illness or medical condition and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.