Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog's triggers and develop an anxiety ketamine treatment for anxiety plan. These include medications such as pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and diffusers of pheromone.

Pet owners can also make use of a quiet and peaceful space at home where their anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Certain dogs require medication to deal with anxiety and fear-based behavior. The vet will determine if your dog needs short- or long-term medication and recommend the best choice. The medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training, not as a replacement.

The medications used to treat anxiety include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder as well as separation severe anxiety treatment and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It may take several weeks before the medication starts working and regular monitoring by your doctor may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine or amitriptyline can 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 be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very quick-acting and are most useful when given just prior to an anxious event.

There are also natural anti anxiety treatment products that can aid dogs in feeling less anxious. These include tranquilizing supplements, pheromones and anxiety wraps, such as the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin are also being used by some pet owners to help with anxiety management. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these options.

At Small Door we prefer to use a combination of behavior 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 messengers in your dog's brain and making repetitions of training "stick" faster.

In the majority of cases, identifying and eliminating the underlying cause is the most important step. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can aid in this process, and can suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these methods are easy, such as creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Other strategies are more involved like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however an experienced vet and canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that is beneficial for your dog.

Training

Behavior modification is the most crucial method to help your dog overcome their anxiety. It takes time to identify the triggers for their behavior it is possible to help them relax and have fun again. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective methods of training for your dog. They might even suggest that you work with an experienced trainer.

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors that dogs who suffer from other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing, restlessness, barking, and chewing on things. It is also normal for them to be hostile towards other pets and those living in their home. This is the reason you should work with your vet to develop an appropriate behavior plan and then hire a dog trainer.

Behavior modification is extremely efficient for short-term treatment and is often used with other methods of treatment. Medication can reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and allow them to be more receptive to training while also providing relief from anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to reduce the anxiety associated with situations such as noise phobias and aversions. It may take as long as approximately four weeks to experience a therapeutic benefit. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests and behavioral assessments.

A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress in dogs. They will feel more secure by adding structure and consistency to the environment as well as massage and music. Your veterinarian may be able recommend a specific aromatherapy scent that will be most helpful for your pet. Use a calming t-shirt or coat that applies constant pressure to your chest of your dog like an swaddling blanket designed for a baby. This will allow them to feel less anxious when traveling, hearing noises and being separated from their owner or meeting strangers.

Natural Therapy

A variety of natural methods can soothe dogs that are anxious. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.

Crate training is a successful method to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety and give them their own space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which promotes relaxation in both cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. They are available in collar diffusers and sprays.

Another option is to utilize an herbal remedy to calm your dog such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be dropped in the water of a dog or directly into their mouths. Most often, these remedies work as well, or even better than prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Exercise is a great method to lower stress. It could be a short walk or a more involved game of fetch. Anything that exhausts your dog helps to keep him calm and less likely for him to display anxiety-related behaviors. You can teach your dog new techniques to keep their minds engaged. This will provide them with something to concentrate on, apart from their stress triggers and give them the mental exercise they desire.

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 from a veterinarian may be helpful. For example, a dog who has an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care which can help realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning properly.

In extreme cases medication could be the best option to ease the dog's anxiety. In the majority of cases, however, there are safer and cheaper ways to calm dogs that are anxious. Speak to your vet about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to see what works best for your dog.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavior problems can be difficult for pets and their owners, but can also be dangerous for the dog. Certain of the more serious signs of anxiety could cause self-mutilation or aggression. This includes pulling fur out or biting. These are serious problems that require the help of veterinarian. Some medications might be required, and a trained behaviorist will work with you to formulate a treatment strategy.

There are a variety of medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most effective treatment for anxiety option according to your dog's individual condition and reaction to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The treatment should be continued after the positive results are noted for two months. It is important that you follow your vet's prescription for your dog, and never alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time and anxiolytics are longer-acting medications that relieve anxiety and stress over time.

In addition to prescribing anxiety medications your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can provide suggestions on how to decrease anxiety and stress in your dog, including getting enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure space.

Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that can increase stress levels. It is therefore important to see your veterinarian immediately if your dog's behavior changes and, in particular, in the event that it appears anxiety is caused by pain or discomfort. Your veterinarian will determine whether the cause of their anxiety is an issue with their health and recommend a trainer or an animal behaviorist, if necessary.