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Anxiety Treatment For Dogs A veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog's triggers and create an anxiety treatment strategy. These could include medication such as collars, pheromone diffusers, and pheromone (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation. Pet parents can also use a quiet and peaceful space at home where their anxious dogs can go to. Medication Some dogs require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short- or long-term medications and recommend the best choice. Medication should be used in conjunction with behavioral modification and training not as a substitute. Medications used for anxiety management 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 or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins functioning, and regular monitoring by your veterinarian might be required. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific phobias. This class of drugs can take anywhere from four to six weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must be able to monitor it regularly. Anxiolytics like alprazolam have a rapid effect and should be administered just before an anxious event. In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment options that can ease anxiety for some dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products available to aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture, and melatonin are also being utilized by pet owners to aid in anxiety management. There is only limited evidence from science to support these options. At Small Door we prefer a mix of behavioral modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies, and medication as needed for certain dogs. Medication can boost the positive effects of behavior modification and dog training by balancing chemical messengers within your dog's brain and making training repetitions more “sticky”. In the majority of instances, identifying and removing the root of the anxiety is the most crucial step. A good veterinarian or canine behaviorist can assist in this process, and can suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies can be straightforward, such as establishing routines or providing your dog with plenty of exercise to release those accumulated energies. Some strategies are more complex such as desensitization and counterconditioning. A good vet and a canine behaviorist will work together to come up with an effective treatment plan for your pet. Training The most important tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you have identified the reasons behind the behavior change the dog will be able to relax and be happy. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective training methods for your dog. They might even suggest working with an experienced trainer. If your dog has separation anxiety, they is likely to exhibit the same signs as dogs who suffer from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior such as urinating or fecesing in the home, pacing and agitation chewing and barking. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards other pets and those living within their homes. This is the reason you should work with your vet to create a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer. Behavior modification is highly effective for short-term therapy and is often combined with other methods of treatment. The use of medication can reduce the dog's negative emotional response and make them more receptive towards training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm), which is especially beneficial for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) which is specifically designed to alleviate the anxiety associated with situations such as noise fears and fears. It can take up to four weeks for the therapeutic effect to show and it is essential to administer the medication according to the guidelines prescribed by your vet and to schedule regular blood tests and behavior evaluations. A variety of natural remedies can help reduce stress levels for dogs. Adding consistency and structure to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, as can pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your vet might be able to suggest a specific aromatherapy scent which is most beneficial for your pet. Another option is to put on a calming coat or t-shirt that apply constant pressure to the dog's body, much like an swaddling cloth for a baby, and helps them to feel less stressed about travel, noise or separation from strangers. Natural Therapy There are a variety of natural techniques that can be used to calm the dog who is anxious. These include herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. Crate training is a successful method to calm dogs suffering from separation anxiety and provide them with their own space. Relaxing music can also boost serotonin and help promote relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success with pheromones that resemble the relaxing scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. These products are available as spray diffusers for collars and collars, as well as versions. You can also make use of a calming herbal remedy 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 mouths. These remedies can be as effective or even more effective than prescription anti anxiety drugs. Exercise is a great method of reducing stress. It can be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that exhausts your dog will help keep him calm and less likely for him to display anxiety-related behaviors. Mental stimulation is also important, so consider engaging your dog in new tricks. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and give them the mental stimulation they need. A visit to the veterinarian could be beneficial for dogs that need to be calmer or those with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. For instance, a dog who has a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic care that can help realign the spine and help keep the nerves and muscles in good condition and functioning properly. In some severe cases, medication is the best choice for alleviating a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however there are less expensive and safer methods to calm an anxious dog. Consult your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to discover what works for your dog. Veterinary Care Anxiety-related behavior issues can be challenging for pets and pet owners, but they can also cause danger to dogs. Some of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can result in self-mutilation and aggression. This can include pulling out fur or biting. These are serious problems that require the assistance of vet. Certain medications may be required and a certified behaviorist can assist you to formulate an effective treatment strategy. There are a variety of medications available to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most effective option depending on your dog's specific condition and reaction to medication. It typically takes between four and six weeks for the medication to be effective. The medication should be maintained after positive results are observed for a period of two months. It is important to be congruous with the dosage prescribed to your dog and never stop or change the dosage without consulting with your veterinarian. Anxiolytics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are all medications that relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are longer-acting medications that relieve anxiety and stress over time. Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies like calming products or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you advice on how to reduce anxiety and stress in your dog, including having enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a secure place. Several factors can contribute to your dog's anxiety, including pain from arthritis or other health conditions that increase overall stress levels. See your veterinarian right away if you notice an alteration in your dog's behavior and especially when the anxiety appears to be provoked by pain. Your veterinarian will determine if the anxiety is due to a medical condition and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.