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Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment plan. This includes 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 anxious dogs can retreat.

Medication

Some dogs require medication to help manage anxiety and fear-based 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 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 such as sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat anxiety-related chronic disorder, separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, including excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication starts working and regular monitoring by your doctor could be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific fears. This class of drugs can take anywhere from four to six weeks to show results and the doctor must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered just before an anxious event.

In addition to prescription medicines and supplements, there are natural remedies and treatment options that can ease anxiety for certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription travel anxiety treatment wrap, is just one of the many products that help calm dogs. Some pet owners also use massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to help manage anxiety treatment natural. However, there is only a small amount of scientific evidence supporting these options.

At Small Door We prefer a mix of behavior modification, changes to the environment, natural therapies, and medications when needed for some dogs. The use of medication can enhance the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, making training repetitions more "sticky".

In the majority of cases, your first step is to identify and eliminate the cause of anxiety. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process, and can suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies are easy like making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Some strategies are more complex, such as desensitization or counterconditioning. A good vet and canine behaviorist work together in the end to develop an effective treatment plan for your pet.

Training

Behavior modification is the most effective tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the triggers for their behavior changes and they learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best methods to train your dog, and might recommend you work with an experienced dog trainer.

If your dog has separation anxiety, it will exhibit many of the same symptoms similar to dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior such as urinating or fecesing in the house, pacing and restlessness, barking and chewing things. It is also common for them to be hostile towards other pets and those living within their homes. This is the reason you should consult with your veterinarian to develop the right behavior plan and employ an animal trainer.

Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term treatment and is often used with other treatment methods. Drugs can help reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and help them become more receptive to training as well as providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Some of the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) that is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo), which is specifically designed to alleviate situations of anxiety, such as noise phobias and fears. It could take up to four weeks to see the therapeutic benefits. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests and behavior assessments.

There are a variety of natural remedies that can also help alleviate anxiety in dogs. They are more comfortable by adding structure and consistency to the environment as well as music and massage. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that exerts constant pressure to the chest of your dog, similar to the swaddling blanket for a baby. This will allow them to feel less anxious when they are travelling, hearing noises, being separated from their pet, or meeting strangers.

Natural Therapy

Many natural methods can help calm an anxious dog. This includes herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment.

For dogs suffering from anxiety over separation, crate-training can be an effective tool to calm them and provide them with a secure space. Music that soothes can also increase serotonin and help promote relaxation in cats and dogs. Certain pet owners have had success using pheromones that resemble the relaxing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. They are available as the form of a collar diffuser or spray.

Another option is to apply an herbal remedy that is calming, such as Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be dropped in a dog's water or directly into their mouths. Often these herbal remedies will perform as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.

Exercise is an excellent way to decrease stress. It can be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog can help keep him relaxed and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds engaged. This will give them something to focus on, apart from their stress triggers and give them the mental exertion that they crave.

For older dogs who need to be calmer or for dogs suffering from a medical condition that makes them feel more stressed, a visit with a veterinarian may be helpful. For example dogs with discs that have slipped may benefit from chiropractic care which can help to realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape and functioning properly.

In extreme cases medications may be the best solution to alleviate a dog's anxiousness. However, in the majority of cases, there are other ways to calm a dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription drugs. Speak to your vet about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavior problems can be difficult for pets and their owners but they can be harmful for the dog. Some of the most serious symptoms of anxiety can cause self-mutilation or aggression. This can include pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious issues that require the help of veterinarian. A trained animal behaviorist who is knowledgeable about behavior can assist you with the development of a treatment strategy. Certain medications may be required.

Many medications are available to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Your vet will determine the best one according to your dog's individual health condition and reaction to the medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The medication should be continued when positive results are seen for a period of 2 months. It is important that you follow your vet's prescription for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.

Antidepressants, anxiolytics and benzodiazepines are all medications that relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medications that have a short-acting effect that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are longer-acting medications that ease anxiety and stress over time.

In addition to prescribing anxiety medications your veterinarian might recommend non-pharmaceutical remedies, such as soothing supplements, pheromones or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can provide tips on how to treat anxiety without medication you can you treat anxiety without medication reduce anxiety and stress in your dog, such as having enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure space.

Many factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including arthritis pain, or other health conditions that increase overall stress levels. Therefore, it is essential to consult your vet right away if your dog's behavior changes, and especially when it appears that their anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your vet will determine if their anxiety is caused by an issue with their health and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist, if necessary.