Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behavior consultant will identify your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety treatment strategy. This includes medications such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet owners can also make use of a peaceful and tranquil space at home where their anxious dogs can go to.
Medication
Some dogs need medication to manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog requires short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavioral modification and training and not as a substitute for training.
Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are often prescribed for chronic treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins working, and regular supervision by your doctor may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of drugs can take as long as four weeks to show results and the vet must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are fast-acting and are best when they are administered prior to an anxious event.
In addition to prescription medications and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment modalities that can help ease anxiety for certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is among the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin can also be utilized by pet owners to help with managing anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting these options.
Small Door makes use of an array of behavior modification as well as changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when needed. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, making repetitions of training more "sticky".
In most cases, the first step is to determine and eliminate the root of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can help you with this process and suggest ways to avoid the factors that trigger anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies may be straightforward, such as establishing routines or providing your dog with plenty of exercise to release those accumulated energy. Some strategies are more intricate such as desensitization and counterconditioning. However, in the end, a good veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the causes of their behavior changes, they can learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective methods of training for your dog and may even recommend that you work with an experienced trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same symptoms similar to dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. These include destructive behavior and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness chewing and barking. It is also normal for them to be aggressive toward people and other pets within their homes This is why it is crucial to create a behavior plan in conjunction with your veterinarian and enlist the services of an experienced dog trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term treatment and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Drugs can help reduce the dog's emotional reaction and help them become more open to training as well as providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm, is a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situationsal anxiety, including noise fears. It may take as long as four weeks to see an improvement in your health. Your vet will also want you to schedule regular blood tests and behavior evaluations.
A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress in dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as can music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that puts constant pressure on the dog's chest similar to the swaddling blanket for a newborn. This will allow them to feel less anxious when they are traveling, hearing noises, being separated from their pet or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
Several natural techniques can calm dogs that are anxious. They include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
Crate training is a great method to calm dogs suffering from separation anxiety and give them their own space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which can promote relaxation in both cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had satisfaction with pheromone products which mimic the soothing scents cat and dog owners naturally emit. They are available in collar diffuser and spray versions.
Another option is to use an herbal remedy to calm your dog such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprinkled into the water of a dog or directly in their mouths. These herbal remedies can often be as effective, or even better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Physical exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It can be as simple as a long walk, or as intense as playing a game of fetch but anything that stretches your dog will keep them calm and less likely to display anxious behavior. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds active. This will allow them to focus on something other than their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental stimulation they need.
For older dogs that need to be calmer, or for dogs with a health condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit to an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For anxiety treatment resources with an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help to realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good shape and functioning normally.
In some severe cases, medication is the best option for relieving anxiety in dogs. However, most of the time there are alternatives to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and much less expensive than prescription medications. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be difficult for pet owners and their pets but they can be dangerous for dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression and even self-mutilation, such as pulling fur or compulsive licking. These are serious problems that need to be addressed with the help of an animal veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a certified behaviorist will work with you to develop an effective treatment strategy.
There are many medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will determine the best option according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The medication should be maintained when positive results are seen for a period of two months. It is crucial to adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
In addition to prescribing anxiety medications your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can provide suggestions on how to decrease stress and anxiety in your dog, for example, getting enough exercise by playing games, or 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 conditions that can increase the stress levels. Contact your veterinarian immediately when you notice an alteration in your dog's behavior, especially when the anxiety appears to be provoked by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to an illness that is medical in nature and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.