Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment plan. This could include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) and regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Pet parents can also benefit from a quiet and peaceful space at home, where anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short-term or long-term medication and will recommend the best choice. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training, not as a replacement.

Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all drugs used to manage anxiety. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working, and regular supervision by your vet may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder treatment Without medication and specific phobias. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires constant surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered just before an anxious event.

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

At Small Door, we prefer to use a combination of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for certain dogs. Medication supercharges the positive results of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain and making the repetitions of training "stick" more quickly.

In the majority of cases, identifying and eliminating the cause of the anxiety is the most crucial step. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process, and recommend strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies are easy, such as making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Some strategies are more intricate like desensitization or counterconditioning. In the end an experienced vet and canine behaviorist will collaborate to create a treatment anxiety plan that works for your dog.

Training

The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. Once you recognize the triggers of their behavior changes, your dog can learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog. They may even recommend that you work with an experienced trainer.

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other forms of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing stress barking, and chewing on things. It's also common for them be hostile towards other pets and people in their home. 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 combined with other methods of treatment. Medication can help reduce the dog's negative emotional response, allowing them to be more receptive towards training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is especially helpful for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to ease situations of anxiety, such as noise phobias and Aversions. It could take up to up to four weeks before you see the therapeutic benefits. Your vet will want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavior assessments.

Several natural treatments can help reduce a dog's stress. They are more comfortable by adding structure and consistency to their environment as well as massage and music. Your vet might be able recommend an aromatherapy scent that is most beneficial for your pet. Another option is an enveloping coat or t-shirt that applies constant pressure to the dog's body, much like a swaddling cloth on infants, and helps to reduce anxiety about noise, travel or separation, as well as strangers.

Natural Therapy

Many natural methods can help calm dogs that are anxious. They include music, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.

Crate training is an effective method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin levels and encourage relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have found success with pheromone products that mimic calming scents that dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available as collar diffusers and sprays.

Another option is to use an herbal remedy that is calming, such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be dropped in the water of a dog or directly in their mouth. These herbal remedies can often be as effective or even superior to prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Exercise is an excellent way to decrease stress. It can be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog will help keep him calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. You can teach your dog new methods to keep their minds engaged. This will provide them with something to concentrate on that is not their stress triggers and will provide them with the mental exertion that they need.

A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for older dogs who require to be more calm or have medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. For instance dogs with a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy and functioning normally.

In some severe cases medications are the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. In most instances, however, there are more effective and less costly methods to calm a dog who is anxious. Talk to your veterinarian 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 a challenge for pet owners and their pets however, they can also be dangerous for the dog. Some of the more severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling fur or a recurrent kissing. These are serious issues that require the help of a veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a certified behaviorist can work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan.

There are many medicines available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will determine the best option depending on your dog's specific condition and response to medications. The average time for medication is four to six weeks before the effect becomes clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for two months after a positive response is observed. It is important that you follow your vet's prescription for your dog and never change or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

The medications to reduce anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately, while anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve chronic stress and anxiety.

Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies such as calming supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you tips on how anxiety is treated you can reduce anxiety and stress in your dog, such as having enough exercise playing games, as well as spending time with him in a safe area.

There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that can increase stress levels. See your veterinarian right away if you notice an alteration in your dog's behaviour, especially when the anxiety appears to be triggered by pain. Your vet will be able to determine if the cause of their anxiety is an illness or medical condition and recommend a trainer or an animal behaviorist if required.