Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
Your veterinarian will examine the dog to determine the underlying causes and may suggest antianxiety medication. They could include fast-acting, short-duration medications for situational use or longer-acting meds for long-term, daily management.
Make sure that your dog gets adequate exercise and individual attention every day to prevent the build-up of pent up energy that could fuel anxiety. Consider diffusers or pheromone collars that emit hormones similar to those that mothers use to calm their puppies.
Medications
Many prescription medications are used to treat anxiety in dogs. If your dog's anxiety stems from illness or pain, treating these issues may reduce or eliminate the need for medication. Desensitization of the source of your dog's fear is possible by exposing them their trigger over time in a controlled manner until they no longer react negatively.
If your dog is scared to travel in the car, for example you can gradually introduce it to the car by taking them to places where they play or go frequently, while rewarding them with treats. You can then gradually increase the time spent in the car as long as your dog is able to behave well.
The side effects and effects of medications that treat anxiety also vary. Your veterinarian can help you find the right medication for your pet. They will also be able suggest alternatives that are not pharmaceutical, such as tranquilizers, pheromone collars, and Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription pet product that helps reduce anxiety in pets by stimulating the vagus nerve, which sends a signal brain to calm down.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which hinder the reabsorption and release serotonin in the brain are a popular choice. They can take up to four weeks to take effect however they are effective in treating anxiety that is chronic. Tricyclic antidepressants, like amtriptyline and Clomipramine (Clomicalm) are also used to reduce anxiety by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and acetylcholine, that affect mood.
Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2-adrenoceptor antagonist that is approved to treat anxiety caused by situations, like noise phobias and Aversions. It reduces the activity in specific brain regions and decreasing the body's response to stress. It is most effective if administered in the first signs of anxiety, or prior to the trigger sound event.
Natural calming products like chamomile have been proven to reduce anxiety and are available over-the-counter. However, the purity, quality and effectiveness of these products can vary significantly between different manufacturers and brands It is therefore important to look for an established brand with top-quality ingredients.
Behavior Modification
The treatment for anxiety in dogs typically starts with behavior modification. This can include training and desensitization methods that help a pet feel more comfortable when confronted with anxiety triggers. Some anxiety disorders respond better to counterconditioning, which entails pairing a negative stimulus and a high-value reinforcement. Each situation is unique. It's important that any training methods be guided by a third-party certified canine behavior consultant or a veterinary behaviorist to ensure correct method and safety.
Dogs benefit from medication to alleviate anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors regulate neurotransmitter levels in order to reduce anxiety and promote peace. Benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam can provide a short-term relief from panic attacks and severe anxiety. Certain dogs are calmed by herbal remedies like CBD oil and melatonin. A veterinarian should be sought out if you have been prescribed a medication to ensure the correct dosage and management of side effects.
Environmental management is an important component of treating anxiety in dogs. Separation anxiety may be treated by limiting interactions between owner and dog when the owner is working or away or at work; using a machine to block out outside sounds when owners are out and also educating owners about how they can divert their dogs' attention when the dogs exhibit anxious behaviors such as chewing or digging. Crates are not recommended unless they are absolutely necessary to ensure safety. Dogs who are anxious may see them as punishment.
In general, behavioral treatment can be paired with medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment overall. It takes time for medication to take effect and doesn't directly address the root cause of the behavior. This is why it is recommended that a medication be started prior to or concurrent with the modification of behavior to decrease the frequency of anxiety-inducing events while the dog is learning how to cope with them. This allows the dog's focus to be on modifying their behavior, which can increase the odds of success. Once the dog has mastered how to manage their anxiety, medications can be gradually eliminated or weaned, depending on the effectiveness of the medication and how effective it is.
Training
Are your dogs scared by thunder or fireworks? Do they run away or run away in fear? Do they rub their body or furniture to soothe themselves? Are they prone to panic attacks? If your dog exhibits these behavior they could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can lead to a host of problems, including aggression, destructive behavior, and self-mutilation. To prevent the condition from becoming dangerous, it is important to identify and treat it.
Treatments for anxiety may include a combination of behavioral modification and prescription medications. Your veterinarian will suggest an appropriate treatment plan dependent on the reason and degree of anxiety. Certain dogs experience generalized anxiety while others experience specific phobias or context-specific fears like being left alone in a home or in a vehicle or handling grooming/handling situations. There are also dogs with obsessive compulsive disorder, characterized by repetitive behaviors like flank sucking (acral licking), spinning or tail chasing or biting themselves (obsession).
Behavior modification for anxiety will typically focus on desensitization and counterconditioning. These methods pair your dog's anxiety trigger with high-value reinforcement, which helps him learn to associate it with positive experiences. It takes patience and perseverance to help your dog become accustomed to the triggers that cause anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medication can be beneficial in certain instances, particularly when the dog's behavior is severe. The most commonly used medications are those that fall into the tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Both types boost serotonin and norepinephrine which regulate alertness, mood, and stress-related responses. The SSRIs increase brain levels quickly and provide immediate relief from anxiety, while the TCAs take several weeks to achieve their maximum effect.
Every dog is unique, so it is impossible to eliminate anxiety completely. By providing a safe environment, a supportive one, and working closely with your vet or dog behaviorist, it's possible to reduce your pet's stress and anxiety. It takes time but the reward is well worth it.
Exercise
Anxiety can be a normal human emotion. However it can trigger destructive behavior in dogs and even depression. Dogs may be anxious for various reasons, such as being left in a quiet space or hearing loud noises such as fireworks or thunder. Dogs may also be nervous about strangers or unfamiliar situations. Some dogs may even display a constant anxiety state known as generalized anxieties disorder (GAD).
Exercise is a great way to ease anxiety in dogs and help them remain calm. When you exercise your dog's body releases positive hormones known as endorphins that make them feel relaxed and at ease. Regular exercise on a consistent routine can help keep these positive hormones flowing throughout the day and prevent anxiety from developing.
Increasing physical activity can also reduce stress levels for your dog by lowering their heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. You can encourage your dog to be more active by taking them for regular walks or playing with them at the dog park or backyard. You could also consider adding an exercise routine that is planned for your dog's daily routine like agility classes or obedience classes.
In addition to the physical exercise that can reduce anxiety and other physical activities, you can also employ mental stimulation to help your dog overcome their anxiety. By involving your dog in stimulating activities such as puzzles, toys that give treats, or training sessions, you can help them to redirect their attention away from anxiety-inducing stimulus and promote a sense of achievement.
Some pet owners also try using calming music or white noise to help with anxiety in their dogs. These techniques can be used in conjunction with other methods for treating anxiety, and can be particularly beneficial in helping your dog relax when they are experiencing a specific trigger, such as the sound of thunder or a loud party.
In the end, you and your vet will decide the best treatment for anxiety for your dog. Depending on the unique needs of your dog, they might recommend long-acting medication or short-term relief. They may also recommend behavioral treatments and other methods that can be used in conjunction to provide a comprehensive treatment for your dog’s anxiety and stress.