Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These include medications and Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet owners can also make use of a calm and quiet place at home where their anxious dogs can retreat.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to manage anxiety or fear-based behaviors. natural treatment for anxiety will determine if your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and prescribe the best option. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training and not as a substitute for training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers are all drugs that are used to treat anxiety. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety as well as separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins working and regular monitoring by your vet may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show results and requires constant monitoring by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an event that causes anxiety.
In addition to prescription medicines There are also natural products and treatment methods that can reduce anxiety in some dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Some pet owners also use massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to manage anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these options.
At Small Door we prefer a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for some dogs. Medication supercharges the positive results of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain, and making repetitions of training "stick" faster.
In the majority of cases, your first step is to identify and eliminate the root of anxiety. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process, and recommend methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies can be straightforward, such as establishing routines or providing your dog with lots of exercise to release those accumulated energies. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist will work together in the end to develop a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
Behavior modification is the most crucial tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you identify the triggers of the behavior change and your dog is able to learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They may even suggest that you work with an experienced trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit the same behavior patterns as dogs suffering from other types of anxiety, including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing, stress, barking, and chewing on things. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards other pets and those living in their home. This is the reason you should work with your vet to create the right behavior plan and employ a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term therapy and is often used with other methods of treatment. The use of medication can lessen the negative emotional response of dogs and make them more open to training while providing relief from their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety, and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo), which is specifically designed to alleviate the anxiety associated with situations such as noise phobias and Aversions. It may take as long as four weeks to see an improvement in your health. Your vet will recommend regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.
Many natural treatments can reduce stress levels for dogs. Adding consistency and structure to their surroundings can help them feel more secure, as can music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet might be able to recommend an aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Use a calming t-shirt or coat that puts constant pressure on the chest of the dog, similar to a swaddling blanket for babies. This will help them feel less stressed when traveling, hearing noises or being separated from their pet, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can help calm an anxious dog. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.
For dogs suffering from separation anxiety, crate training can be an effective tool to help them relax and provide them with their own secure space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin and help promote relaxation in a dog or cat. Some pet owners have had success with pheromones that mimic the calming scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
Another option is to apply a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprayed into the water of a dog, or directly into their mouth. The majority of these remedies perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It can be a simple walk or a more involved game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog will help keep him relaxed and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. 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 that is not their stress triggers and give them the mental stimulation they crave.
For older dogs who need to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit to an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for dogs suffering from an injured disk. It can realign the spine, and help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape.
In extreme cases medications may be the best option to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. In most instances, however there are less expensive and safer methods to calm dogs that are anxious. Consult your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be difficult for pets and pet owners However, they can be harmful to the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or a habitual kissing. These are serious problems that need to be dealt with by an animal veterinarian. Some medication may be necessary and a certified behaviorist can work with you to formulate an effective treatment strategy.
Many medications are available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the unique condition of your dog and its reaction to medication. The typical dosage is four to six weeks before the effects become clear and should be continued for a period of two months after a positive response is observed. It is crucial to remain consistent with your dog's prescription and never stop or change the dosage without a consultation with your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medications that have a short-acting effect that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms and anxiolytics are long-acting medications that ease anxiety and stress over time.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxation products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can provide advice on how to reduce anxiety and stress in your dog, such as exercising regularly playing games, as well as spending time with him in a secure space.
There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, including pain caused by arthritis or other health conditions which increase stress levels. Consult your vet immediately if you notice a change in your dog's behavior particularly when the anxiety appears to be provoked by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to an illness or condition, and will refer you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.