Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviorist will determine the triggers for your dog and formulate an anxiety treatment strategy. These include medications, Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet parents can also opt to set up a peaceful, quiet spot at home for their dogs who are anxious that they can retreat to.
Medication
Some dogs need medication to help manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medications and will recommend the most appropriate option. The use of medication should be in conjunction with behavior modification and training not as a substitute.
Anxiety-related medications include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder, separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, including excessive grooming. They can take a few weeks to show effect and may require frequent surveillance by the vet. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety treatment symptoms. They can also be used to tackle specific phobias and aggression. This drug class can take as long as four weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid action and should be taken prior to an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medications and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment options that can ease anxiety for certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products available to help calm dogs. Acupuncture, massage therapy, and melatonin are being utilized by pet owners to help with anxiety management. However, there is only a small amount of evidence from science to support these methods.
Small Door uses a combination of behavior modifications and changes to the dog’s environment, natural therapy and medication when required. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical signals within your dog’s mind and making training sessions more “sticky”.
In the majority of cases, your first step is to identify and eliminate the underlying cause of anxiety. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can assist in this process and suggest ways to avoid the triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy, such as making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off pent-up energy. Some strategies are more complex such as desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however an experienced veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that is beneficial for your dog.
Training
The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the triggers for their behavior changes it is possible to help them relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective training methods for your dog and may even recommend that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it will display many of the same signs like dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. This includes destructive behavior and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness, barking and chewing things. It’s also common for them be aggressive towards other pets as well as people at home. This is the reason you should work with your vet to develop a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer.
Behavior modification can be highly effective in the short term and is often utilized in combination with other treatment options. Drugs can help reduce the dog’s emotional reaction and help them become more receptive to training while also providing relief from anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a drug that is often prescribed to treat anxiety without medication separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situationsal anxiety such as noise fears. It could take up to four weeks for a therapeutic effect to be observed and it is crucial to give the medication as recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior reevaluations.
Many natural remedies can help reduce anxiety in dogs. They can feel more secure by bringing structure and consistency to the surrounding, as well massage and music. Your vet may be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming coat or t-shirt, which applies constant pressure to the dog’s torso, much like a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming the dog who is anxious. These include herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs that suffer from anxiety over separation, crate-training can be an effective tool to help them relax and provide them with their own safe space. Calming music can also stimulate serotonin and promote relaxation in a dog or cat. Certain pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. They are available in collar diffuser and spray versions.
You can also try a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies can be sprayed into the water of your dog or directly into their mouths. The majority of these remedies work as well, or even better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It can be a simple stroll or a more involving game of fetch. Anything that exhausts your dog helps to keep him relaxed and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds engaged. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers, and provide them with mental stimulation they need.
For older dogs who need to be calmer or for those with a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit with an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For instance, a dog who has an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care that will help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good condition and functioning normally.
In extreme cases medications may be the best solution to alleviate a dog’s anxiousness. In the majority of instances, however, there are safer and cheaper ways to calm dogs that are anxious. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these natural remedies to determine what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pet owners and their pets but they can be dangerous for the dog. Some of the more serious signs of anxiety could cause self treatment for anxiety-mutilation or aggression. This includes pulling out fur or biting. These are serious problems that require the help of veterinarian. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you in establishing the best treatment strategy. Some medications might be needed.
There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most effective option according to your dog’s individual condition and response to medications. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be continued after the positive results are noted for two months. It is crucial to follow your vet’s prescription for your dog and never change or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all relieve anxiety symptoms immediately.
Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions such as relaxation products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on the best ways to decrease vagus nerve anxiety treatment and stress in your pet, including getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.
Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including pain caused by arthritis or other health conditions that increase stress levels. Contact your veterinarian immediately whenever you notice a change in your dog’s behaviour and especially if the anxiety seems to be caused by pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether the anxiety is caused by an illness that is medical in nature and recommend you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.