Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behavior consultant will identify your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment strategy. These could include medication such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents can also opt to have a calm or quiet space at home for their dog that is anxious which they can go to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short-term or long-term medications and recommend the most appropriate choice. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction and not as a substitute for behavioral modification or training.
Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all that treat anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks for the medication to start working, and regular supervision by your vet could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or clomipramine also treat generalized anxiety and can be used to tackle particular phobias and aggression. This drug class can take up to four weeks to begin delivering effects and the doctor must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, are quick in effect and should be administered prior to an event that causes anxiety.
In addition to prescription drugs and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment modalities that can ease anxiety for certain dogs. These include tranquilizing supplements, pheromones and anxiety wraps, like the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Some pet owners also utilize massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to help manage anxiety. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these options.
Small Door utilizes the combination of behavior changes, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy and medication when required. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, making training repetitions more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the root of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can help with this process and suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies could be simple, like creating a routine or providing your dog with plenty of exercise to burn pent-up energies. Some strategies are more complex such as desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist collaborate in the end to develop a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior changes and your dog is able to learn to relax and be happy. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best methods for training your dog and may suggest you consult an expert dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it is likely to exhibit the same signs similar to dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. These include destructive behavior such as urinating or fecesing in the home, pacing and agitation, barking and chewing things. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards other pets and the people living in their home. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to develop the right behavior plan and employ a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective in the short term and is often utilized in combination with other treatment methods. Drugs can help reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and allow them to be more receptive to training, while providing relief from their 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 such as noise phobias. It could take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to show, and it is important to give the medication as directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood work and behavior evaluations.
Many natural treatments can reduce stress levels for dogs. They are more comfortable by adding structure and consistency to the environment as well as massage and music. Your vet can recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to use a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso similar to the swaddling blanket on babies, and can help them feel less anxious about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
Several natural techniques can calm an anxious dog. They include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, crate training can be an effective tool to help them relax and provide them with their own safe space. Relaxing treating anxiety disorders can also boost serotonin levels and encourage relaxation in a cat or dog. Certain pet owners have experienced satisfaction with pheromone products which mimic the soothing scents can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. They are available in collar diffusers and sprays.
You can also try a soothing herbal remedy such as Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies can be sprayed into the water of your dog directly or directly into their mouth. The majority of these remedies perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medications.
Physical exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It can be as simple as a long stroll or as complex as playing a game of fetch however anything that exhausts your dog will keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. You can teach your dog new techniques to keep their minds active. This will provide them with something to focus on that is not their stress triggers, and will give them the mental exercise they crave.
A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for older dogs that require to be calmer or those with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. For instance an animal with a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good shape and functioning properly.
In the most severe instances medications may be the best solution to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. But in most cases there are other options to calm a dog that are safer and cheaper than prescription medications. Consult your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pets and their owners but they can be harmful for dogs. Some of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This includes pulling out fur or biting. These are serious issues that require to be dealt with by vet. A behaviorist trained in animal behavior can assist you with the development of the best treatment strategy. Some medications might be needed.
There are many medicines available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the best one based on your dog's unique condition and reaction to medication. The typical dosage is up to six weeks before the effect is clear. It is recommended to continue the treatment for two months following the positive response is seen. It is important to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or alter the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms and anxiolytics are long-acting medications that relieve chronic stress and anxiety.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety, your veterinarian will likely suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on methods to lessen stress and anxiety in your pet, including getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a safe space with your dog.
There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that raise stress levels. See your veterinarian right away when you notice a change in your dog's behavior and especially when the anxiety appears to be provoked by pain. Your vet will be able to determine if the cause of their anxiety is a medical issue and will recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.