Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or a canine behaviorist will determine the triggers for your dog and formulate an anxiety treatment strategy. This could include medications such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) as well as regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents may also choose to have a calm, quiet spot at home for their anxious dogs that they can retreat to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to manage anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The vet will determine if your dog requires short- or long-term medication and will recommend the most appropriate option. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training and not as a substitute for training.
Anxiolytics, tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers are all used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat anxiety that is chronic, separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show their effects and may require periodic examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants like Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication can take as long as four weeks to produce effects and the vet must monitor it frequently. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered just before an anxious event.
In addition to prescription medicines and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment methods that can help ease anxiety for some dogs. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps, such as the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin can also be used by some pet owners to aid with anxiety management. There isn't much scientific evidence to support these options.
At Small Door We prefer a mix of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for certain dogs. Medication supercharges the positive results of behavior modification and training by balancing the chemical messengers in the brain of your dog and making training repetitions "stick" faster.
In the majority of cases, identifying and removing the underlying cause is the most important thing to do. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process and suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies are easy like creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Other strategies are more involved such as desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist collaborate in the end to develop an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
The most crucial tool to help your dog overcome their anxiety. Once you identify the reasons behind the behavior change the dog will be able to relax and take pleasure in life. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best methods to train your dog, and might recommend you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they'll exhibit many of the same behaviors as dogs with other types of anxiety, such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing anxiety barking, and chewing on things. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards other pets and the people living at home. This is why you should work with your vet to develop the right behavior plan and employ a dog trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term therapy and is often incorporated into other methods of treatment. The use of medication can lessen the negative emotional response of dogs and help them become more receptive to training, while providing relief from their anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a drug which is frequently prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medication that is used to treat situationsal anxiety such as noise phobias. It may take as long as up to four weeks before you see an improvement in your health. anxiety attack treatment will also suggest regular blood tests and behavioral assessments.
There are a variety of natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. They will feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the environment, as well massage and music. Your vet may be able to recommend an 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 body similar to the swaddling blanket on a baby, and helps them to feel less stressed about travel, noise, separation, or strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can help calm an anxious dog. This includes herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs suffering from anxiety about separation, crate training is a good option to soothe them and provide them with a secure space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which promotes relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have found success using pheromones that imitate the calming scents can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. These products are available as spray diffusers for collars and collars, as well as versions.
Another option is to apply a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal remedies that can be dropped in the water of a dog, or directly in their mouth. These remedies from nature can be as effective or even better than prescription anti anxiety medications.
Physical exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It could be as simple as a long stroll or as intense as playing fetch, however anything that exhausts your dog will keep them calm and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds stimulated. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise they crave.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for older dogs that require to be more calm or those with health issues that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for a dog with an injured disk. It can help to align the spine and keep the muscles and nerves healthy.
In the most severe instances medications may be the best option to ease the dog's anxiety. However, in the majority of cases there are alternatives to calm a dog that are safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pet owners as well as their pets however, they can also be dangerous to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression and even self-mutilation. This could include pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious problems that require the help of a veterinarian. Some medication may be necessary and a trained behaviorist can assist you to formulate an effective treatment strategy.
There are many medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most effective option according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be continued when positive results are seen for two months. It is essential to be in line with the prescription of your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your vet.
Treatments for anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants all help relieve anxiety symptoms instantly.
Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions such as calming supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on natural ways to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet, which includes getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm environment with your dog.
There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, including arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that increase stress levels. Contact your veterinarian immediately when you notice a change in your dog's behavior and especially if the anxiety seems to be triggered by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to a medical condition and recommend you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.