Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will identify your dog's triggers and create an treating anxiety without medication treatment strategy. This includes medications such as Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers for pheromones.

Pet owners may also decide to have a calm and quiet area at home for their dogs who are anxious that they can retreat to.

Medication

Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based behavior. The vet will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medications and recommend the best choice. Medication is only 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 release inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, as well as anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are often prescribed for chronic treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming. They may take some time to show results and may require frequent surveillance by the vet. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This class of drugs can take up to four weeks to show results and the vet must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics, such as alprazolam, have a quick action and should be taken prior to an event that causes anxiety.

In addition to prescription drugs and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment modalities meds that treat depression and anxiety can help ease anxiety for certain dogs. These include tranquilizing supplements, pheromones and anxiety wraps, such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Certain pet owners also employ massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture for managing anxiety. There is a limited amount of evidence from science to support these methods.

At Small Door We prefer to employ a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for certain dogs. Medication supercharges the positive results of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical signals in your dog's brain and making the repetitions of training "stick" faster.

For most cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most important thing to do. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can aid in this process and provide suggestions to prevent the triggers that cause anticipatory anxiety treatment in your dog. Some of these strategies are simple, such as making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Some are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist work together to come up with an effective treatment plan for your pet.

Training

The most effective method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. Once you identify the triggers behind the behavior change, your dog can learn to relax again and be happy. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They may even suggest working with an experienced 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, stress barking, and chewing on objects. It is also normal for them to be aggressive toward pets and people in their home This is why it is essential to put a behavior plan in conjunction with your veterinarian and enlist the help of a seasoned dog trainer.

Behavior modification is highly efficient for short-term treatment and is often combined with other methods of treatment. Drugs can help decrease the negative emotional reaction of dogs, allowing them to be more receptive towards training while alleviating their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate situations of anxiety, such as noise fear and fears. It may take as long as up to four weeks before you see an improvement in your health. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.

Several natural treatments can help reduce stress in dogs. By bringing consistency and structure to their surroundings can help them feel more secure, and this includes pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial to your pet. Another option is to use a calming t-shirt or coat that applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to a swaddling cloth on a baby, and helps them to feel less stressed about travel, noise, separation, or strangers.

Natural Therapy

Several natural techniques can calm dogs that are anxious. This includes music, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.

For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, crate training is a good option how to treat anxiety naturally soothe them and provide them with their own secure space. Relaxing music can also boost serotonin and promote relaxation in cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have experienced satisfaction with pheromone products that imitate the calming scents dogs and cats naturally exude. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.

You can also try a calming herbal solution like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are herbal remedies that have been diluted and can be sprayed into the water of your dog directly or directly into their mouth. Most often, these remedies perform as well or better than prescription anti-treating anxiety disorders drugs.

Exercise is a great method to decrease stress. It can be as simple as a long walk, or as complex as a game of fetch, but anything that stretches your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new tricks to keep their minds stimulated. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and will give them the mental exertion that they crave.

For dogs of a certain age who require to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit to a veterinarian may be helpful. For instance dogs with an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic treatment that can help realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles healthy and functioning normally.

In certain cases medications are the best option for relieving a dog's anxiety. In most cases, however, there are safer and cheaper methods to calm dogs that are anxious. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to find what works best for your pup.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavior problems can be challenging for pets and pet owners However, they can be harmful to the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can cause aggression and self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or a habitual licking. These are serious issues that require the assistance of a veterinarian. Some medications might be required and a certified behaviorist can assist you to create a treatment for panic and anxiety attacks plan.

There are a variety of medications available to relieve anxiety symptoms. Your vet will determine 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 continued after positive results are observed for a period of 2 months. It is important that you adhere to the prescription of your vet for your dog and never change or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

The medications to reduce anxiety include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and anxiolytics all reduce anxiety symptoms quickly.

Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies such as calming products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on natural ways to decrease anxiety and stress for your pet, which includes exercising regularly, playing games and spending time in a safe environment with your pet.

Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including arthritis-related pain or other health issues that raise stress levels. It is therefore important to consult your vet right away if your dog's behavior changes, and especially when it appears that their anxiety is triggered by pain or discomfort. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is caused by a medical condition and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.