Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will identify your dog’s triggers and develop an anxiety treatment plan. These may include medications such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents can also opt to use a calm or quiet space at home for their anxious dogs where they can relax.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short-term or long-term medications and will recommend the best choice. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavioral modification and training, not as a replacement.
The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the management of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It can take some time to show results and may require regular examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety, and can be used to tackle particular phobias and aggression. This class of medication can take anywhere from four to six weeks to show results, and the veterinarian must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a quick action and should be taken prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
There are also natural products that help dogs feel less stressed. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin can also be employed by some pet owners to help with managing anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting these options.
Small Door utilizes an array of behavior modification and changes to the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medication when required. Medication supercharges the positive results of behavior modification and training by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, and making repetitions of training "stick" more quickly.
In the majority of cases, identifying and removing the underlying cause is the most important step. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help you with this process and offer suggestions to eliminate causes that can cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy like creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Certain strategies are more complicated like desensitization or counterconditioning. In the end an experienced vet and canine behaviorist will work together to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior and your dog is able to learn to relax again and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective training techniques for your dog. They may even suggest that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit the same behavior patterns as dogs suffering from other types of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing restlessness and barking. They may also chew on objects. It is also common for dogs to be aggressive towards people and other pets at home and that's why it's crucial to get a behavior plan together with your veterinarian and seek the help of a seasoned dog trainer.
Behavior modification can be highly efficient in the short-term, and is often used in combination with other treatment options. Drugs can help reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and make them more open to training while providing relief from their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially helpful for separation anxiety as well as Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate situational anxiety like noise phobias and fears. It can take four weeks to see the therapeutic benefits. Your veterinarian will want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can also help ease a dog's anxiety. They are more comfortable by adding structure and consistency to the surrounding, as well music and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that exerts constant pressure to your chest of the dog like a swaddling blanket for a baby. This will allow them to feel less anxious when they are travelling, hearing noises, being separated from their owner, or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
Several natural techniques can calm dogs that are anxious. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs suffering from anxiety over separation, crate-training is a good option to soothe them and provide them with their own secure space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which promotes relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have had success with Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available in collar diffusers and sprays.
Another option is to utilize a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprayed into a dog's water or directly into their mouth. Most often, these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be a short walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog can help keep him calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally, so consider engaging your dog in new tricks. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and will give them the mental exercise they desire.
best treatment for anxiety may be beneficial for dogs that require to be more calm, or dogs with health conditions that make them more stressed. For example, a dog who has an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care that can help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles healthy and functioning normally.
In the most severe instances, medication may be the best option to ease the dog's anxiety. But in most cases there are other options to calm a dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription drugs. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior problems can be challenging for pets and pet owners however, they can also be harmful to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and self-mutilation, such as pulling fur or a habitual licking. These are serious issues that require the help of a veterinarian. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you with the development of an appropriate treatment plan. Some medication may be required.
There are a variety of medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most effective option depending on your dog's specific condition and reaction to medication. Medications typically take between four and six weeks before the effects become clear and should be continued for two months after an improvement is noticed. It is crucial to follow your vet's prescription for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Treatments for anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical solutions such as calming products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can provide suggestions on how to decrease stress and anxiety in your dog, including having enough exercise playing games, as well as spending time with him in a secure place.
There are many factors that can cause anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain or other health issues that increase stress levels overall. Consult your vet immediately whenever you notice a change in your dog's behavior particularly when the anxiety appears to be triggered by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is caused by an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if needed.