Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will determine your dog's triggers and create a treatment plan for anxiety. This includes medications such as pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.
Pet parents can also benefit from a peaceful and tranquil space at home where their anxious dogs can retreat.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The vet will determine if your dog needs medication for long-term or short-term use and recommend the most appropriate choice. The medication is intended to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavior modification or training.
The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety as well as separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It may take several weeks before the medication starts working and regular monitoring by your vet may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and clomipramine also treat generalized anxiety, and can be used to treat specific fears and aggression. This drug class can take up to four weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are fast-acting and are best when administered just before an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription drugs, there are natural products and treatment modalities that can ease anxiety for some dogs. These include tranquilizing supplements, pheromones and anxiety wraps, like the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture for managing anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these options.
Small Door utilizes an array of behavior modification, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy and medications when needed. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical signals within your dog's mind and making training sessions more "sticky".
For most cases, identifying and eliminating the root of the anxiety is the most important thing to do. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process, and recommend ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are easy and include creating a routine and providing your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Others are more involved, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. A good vet and canine behaviorist work together to create a treatment program that works for your pet.
Training
Behavior modification is the most crucial method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the reasons behind their behavior, they can learn to relax and have fun again. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective methods for training your dog, and might recommend that you work with an experienced dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will 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 and barking. They may also chew on things. It is also normal for them to be hostile towards other pets and the people living in their home. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to develop a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term therapy and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Drugs can help decrease the negative emotional reaction of dogs which allows them to be more receptive towards training while decreasing their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine is also known as Clomicalm, is a medication that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situational anxiety, including noise fear. It could take up to up to four weeks before you see a therapeutic benefit. Your vet will suggest regular blood tests as well as behavior evaluations.
A number of natural treatments can also alleviate anxiety in dogs. They can feel more secure by adding structure and consistency to the environment, as well music and massage. Your veterinarian may be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Another option is an enveloping coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's torso, much like the swaddling blanket on a baby, and helps them to feel less stressed about noise, travel or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
Several natural techniques can calm an anxious dog. They include music, herbal supplements aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
For dogs that suffer from anxiety about separation, crate training is a good option to soothe them and give them a secure space. Music that soothes stimulates serotonin which is a relaxing hormone in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones that resemble the relaxing scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
You can also use a calming herbal solution like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouth. Often these herbal remedies will perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. It could be as simple as a long walk or as intense as playing fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxiety-related behaviors. Also, mental stimulation is important so you should think about working with your dog on new techniques. 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 a veterinarian can be beneficial for dogs that require to be more calm or have health issues that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care can be beneficial for dogs suffering from discs that are slipping. It can realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In severe cases, medication may be the best option to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. In most cases, however, there are less expensive and safer methods to calm an anxious dog. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be challenging for pets and pet owners However, they can be dangerous to the dog. Some of the more serious signs of anxiety could cause aggression and even self-mutilation. This could include pulling out fur or biting. These are serious problems that need to be addressed with the help of an animal veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a trained behaviorist can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
There are many medicines available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the best one depending on your dog's specific condition and reaction to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to be effective. The medication should be maintained when positive results are seen for a period of 2 months. It is essential to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or alter the dosage without a consultation with your veterinarian.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all medicines that help to reduce anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time and anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve chronic stress and anxiety.
In addition to prescribing medications for anxiety your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions like calming supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on ways to decrease stress and anxiety in your pet, such as engaging in regular exercise, playing games and spending time in a secure environment with your pet.
Several factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as pain from arthritis or other health conditions that increase stress levels overall. natural ways to treat anxiety is important to speak with your vet right away if your dog's behavior changes, and especially in the event that it appears the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is caused by a medical condition and refer you to a trainer or behaviorist if needed.