Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and develop a treatment plan for anxiety. This could include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet owners can also make use of a quiet and peaceful space at home where their pets can be calm and peaceful.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short-term or long-term medication, and prescribe the best option. Medication is only to be used in conjunction and not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all that are used to treat anxiety. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors such as excessive grooming. It may take several weeks before the medication starts functioning, and regular monitoring by your doctor might be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or clomipramine also treat generalized anxiety and can be used to address specific fears and aggression. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks for the effects to be evident and requires regular surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are rapid in their action and are most effective when given just before an anxiety-provoking event.
There are also natural products that aid dogs in feeling less anxious. 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 for managing anxiety. However, there is limited treatment of anxiety from science to support these methods.
Small Door makes use of the combination of behavior changes, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medication when needed. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical signals within your dog's brain, making repetitions of training more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the underlying cause of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can assist in this process, and recommend methods to stay clear of your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies may be simple, like creating a routine or providing your dog with lots of exercise to flush out their energies. Some strategies are more complex like desensitization or counterconditioning. In the end, however, a good veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will work together to create a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is the most effective tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you recognize the triggers behind their behavior changes the dog will be able to relax and take pleasure in life. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective training techniques for your dog and may recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they is likely to exhibit the same symptoms similar to dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior, urinating or defecating inside the house, pacing and restlessness, barking and chewing things. It is also normal for them to be hostile towards other pets and people at home. This is the reason you should consult with your veterinarian to develop the right behavior plan and employ an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is highly efficient in the short-term and is often utilized in combination with other treatment options. The use of medication can reduce the negative emotional reaction of dogs and make them more open to training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm is a medicine which is frequently prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situational anxiety, including noise fear. It can take up to four weeks before you see a therapeutic benefit. Your vet will also suggest regular blood tests as well as behavior evaluations.
Several natural treatments can help reduce a dog's stress. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as well as music, pheromone sprays and massage. Your vet might be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming t-shirt or coat that apply constant pressure to the dog's body similar to a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can be used to calm dogs that are anxious. They include music, herbal supplements aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from anxiety about separation, crate training can be an effective tool to calm them and provide them with their own safe space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin and help promote relaxation in a cat or dog. Certain pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
Another option is to apply an herbal remedy to calm your dog such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be sprayed into a dog's water or directly in their mouth. These remedies from nature can be just as effective or superior to prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Exercise is a great way to lower stress. It can be as simple as a long stroll or as intense as playing fetch, however anything that exhausts your dog will help to keep them relaxed and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. You can teach your dog new tricks to keep their minds stimulated. This will help them to focus on something other than their stress-inducing triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise that they want.
A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for older dogs who require to be calmer, or dogs with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. For instance, a dog who has discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic care which can help to realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning properly.
In certain instances medication is the best choice for alleviating a dog's anxiety. In the majority of 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 see what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pets and their owners but they can also be dangerous for dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression and self-mutilation, such as pulling out fur or a recurrent biting. These are serious issues that require the assistance of veterinarian. A professional trained in animal behavior can assist you in establishing the best treatment strategy. Certain medications may be required.
There are many medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the best option according to your dog's individual condition and response to medications. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to be effective. The medication should be continued after positive results are observed for a period of two months. It is essential to adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like relaxing products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a calm environment with your dog.
There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, for example, arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that raise stress levels. It is important to consult your vet right away whenever your dog's behavior is changing, and especially in the event that it appears anxiety is caused by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether their anxiety is rooted in an issue with their health and recommend a trainer or an animal behaviorist, if necessary.