Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and create an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These include medication such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.
Pet parents can also benefit from a quiet and peaceful space at home where their pets can be calm and peaceful.
Medication
Some dogs require medication to help manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The vet will determine if your dog needs long-term or short-term medication and recommend the best choice. Medication should only be used in conjunction with not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
natural ways to treat anxiety , tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers are all medications used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety as well as separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. It may take several weeks before the medication starts working, and regular supervision by your veterinarian might be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication can take anywhere from four to six weeks to show results and the doctor must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an anxious event.
There are also natural products that can help some dogs to feel less anxious. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that aid in calming dogs. Some pet owners also use massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to help manage anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting these options.
At Small Door, we prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies and medication as needed for certain dogs. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain and making repetitions of training more "sticky".
In the majority of cases, the first step is to determine and eliminate the root of anxiety. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can aid in this process, and recommend strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies may be easy, such as creating a routine or providing your dog with lots of exercise to flush out their energy. Other strategies are more involved such as counterconditioning and desensitization. A good veterinarian and canine behaviorist work together to come up with an effective treatment plan for your pet.
Training
Behavioral modification is the most effective method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time, but once you find the causes of their behavior and they learn to relax and enjoy life. Your vet can advise you on the most effective training techniques for your dog. They might even suggest that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog has separation anxiety, they is likely to exhibit the same symptoms like dogs suffering from other forms of anxiety. They can be destructive such as urinating or fecesing in the house, pacing and restlessness chewing on things and barking. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards the pets and other people at home and that's why it is crucial to create a behavior plan in conjunction with your veterinarian and enlist the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term therapy and is often used with other methods of treatment. The use of medication can lessen the dog's emotional reaction and help them become more open to training while also providing relief from 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 situationsal anxiety such as noise phobias. It could take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to be observed and it is essential to give the medication as directed by your vet, and to schedule regular blood work and behavior evaluations.
A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress in dogs. They can feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the environment as well as massage and music. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming t-shirt or coat, which applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to a swaddling cloth on infants, and helps them to feel less stressed about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.
Natural Therapy
There are a variety of natural techniques that can aid in calming the dog who is anxious. They include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic treatment.
For dogs who suffer from anxiety over separation, crate-training can be an effective tool to help them relax and provide them with their own secure space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which is a relaxing hormone in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have found success using pheromones that mimic calming scents that can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. These products are available in spray and collar diffuser versions.
You can also make use of a calming herbal remedy like 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. These remedies from nature can be as effective, or even superior to prescription anti-anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great method to lower stress. It could be a simple walk or a more involved game of fetch. Anything that can exhaust your dog will help keep him calm and less likely for him to display anxious behaviors. Try teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds active. This will allow them to focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress and give them the mental exercise that they want.
A visit to a veterinarian can be beneficial for older dogs that need to be more calm or have health issues that cause them to be more stressed. Chiropractic care is beneficial for a dog with discs that are slipping. It can help to align the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy.
In severe cases medication could be the best option to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. In the majority of instances, however, there are more effective and less costly ways to calm a dog who is anxious. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your pup.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pets and their owners but they can be harmful for the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression, and even self-mutilation like pulling fur out or compulsive kissing. These are serious issues that require to be dealt with by vet. Some medication may be necessary and a certified behaviorist can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
There are many medicines available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most effective option based on your dog's unique condition and response to medications. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to begin working. The treatment should be continued after positive results are observed for two months. It is essential to be in line with the prescription of your dog and never stop or alter the dosage without a consultation with your vet.
Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that relieve immediate anxiety symptoms, while anxiolytics are long-acting medications that relieve chronic stress and anxiety.
Your veterinarian may also recommend non-pharmaceutical solutions such as calming supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also guide you on natural ways to decrease stress and anxiety in your pet, including engaging in regular exercise, playing games and spending time in a secure space with your pet.
There are many causes of anxiety in your dog, such as pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that can increase stress levels. See your veterinarian right away if you notice changes in your dog's behaviour particularly when the anxiety appears to be triggered by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is caused by an illness or condition, and will recommend you to an animal behaviorist or trainer if necessary.