Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These include medications, Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.

Pet owners may also decide to set up a peaceful, quiet spot at home for their dogs who are anxious that they can retreat to.

Medication

Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or fear-based behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and prescribe the best option. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction with not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.

The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine can be prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, including excessive grooming. It may take several weeks for the medication to start functioning, and regular monitoring by your doctor could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or Clomipramine are also used to treat generalized anxiety and can be used to treat specific phobias and aggression. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks to show effects and requires constant surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are quick in effect and should be administered prior to an event that causes anxiety.

In addition to prescription drugs, there are natural products and treatment methods that can help ease sleep anxiety treatment for certain breeds of dogs. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps, such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Massage therapy, Treat Anxiety acupuncture, and melatonin are being employed by some pet owners to help with managing anxiety. There isn't much scientific evidence to support these choices.

At Small Door, we prefer to use a combination of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for some dogs. Medication enhances the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain, and making training repetitions "stick" faster.

In the majority of cases, your first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process and offer suggestions to eliminate causes that can cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these methods are easy and include creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off pent-up energy. Others are more involved, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. However, in the end an experienced vet and a canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that is effective for your dog.

Training

The ability to modify behavior is a powerful tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. Once you recognize the triggers of the behavior change and your dog is able to learn to relax and be happy. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the best methods for training your dog and may suggest you consult an expert dog trainer.

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety such as destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing restlessness barking, and chewing on objects. It is also normal for them to be aggressive towards other pets as well as those living within their homes. This is the reason you should work with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate behavior plan and then hire an animal trainer.

Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term therapy and is often incorporated into other treatment methods. Drugs can help decrease a dog’s negative emotional response and make them more open to training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm is a medicine that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a drug that is used to treat situational anxiety, including noise fears. It can take up four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be observed, and it is important to give the medication as recommended by your vet and to schedule regular blood work and behavior evaluations.

Many natural treatment for anxiety treatments can reduce stress in dogs. They will feel more secure by bringing structure and consistency to the environment, as well music and massage. Your vet might be able to suggest a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial to your pet. Another option is to use a calming t-shirt or coat that apply constant pressure to the dog's body, much like a swaddling cloth on babies, and can help to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation from strangers.

Natural Therapy

A number of natural techniques can aid in calming an anxious dog. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic care.

Crate training is a great way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and allow them their own space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which can promote relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have had success using Pheromones that are similar to the soothing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.

You can also make use of a calming herbal solution like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are herbal remedies that have been diluted and you can sprinkle into the water of your dog directly or directly into their mouths. Most often, these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.

Physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be as easy as a long stroll or as involved as a game of fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will keep them relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. Try teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds stimulated. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and will provide them with the mental exercise they desire.

For older dogs that need to be more calm or dogs suffering from a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit with a veterinarian could be beneficial. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help to align the spine and keep the muscles and nerves healthy.

In the most severe instances, medication may be the best option to calm a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are less expensive and safer ways to calm a dog who is anxious. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to determine what works for your dog.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behaviors can be difficult for pet owners and their pets but they can be harmful for dogs. Some of the most serious symptoms of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling fur out or biting. These are serious problems that need to be treated with the help of a veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a certified behaviorist will work with you to create a treatment plan.

There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the specific condition of your dog and the reaction it has to medication. It typically takes between four and six weeks for the medication to take effect. The medication should be maintained when positive results are seen for a period of 2 months. It is essential to adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog and never change or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.

Antidepressants, anxiolytics and benzodiazepines are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms and anxiolytics are longer-acting medication that help relieve anxiety and stress that is a constant source of.

Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions such as relaxation products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your pet, including getting adequate exercise, playing games and spending time in a safe environment with your dog.

There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, for example, arthritis-related pain or other health issues that can increase stress levels. It is important to see your veterinarian right away whenever your dog's behavior is changing or changes, particularly if it appears that their anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether the anxiety is due to a medical condition and recommend you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.