12 Companies Leading The Way In Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behavior consultant will pinpoint your dog's triggers and formulate an appropriate treatment plan for anxiety. These may include medications, pheromone diffusers and collars (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil), and regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Pet parents can also benefit from a calm and quiet place at home where their anxious dogs can go to.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to help manage anxiety or fear-based behaviors. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short-term or long-term medications and recommend the most appropriate option. Medication should only be used in conjunction with not as a substitute for behavioral modification and training.
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 that is chronic as well as separation anxiety and compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. It can take several weeks for the medication to start working, and regular supervision by your doctor may be required. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine can also help with generalized anxiety. They can also be used to tackle specific phobias and aggression. This class of drugs takes up to four weeks to show effects and requires regular examination by a veterinarian. Anxiolytics such as alprazolam are quick-acting and are most useful when administered just before an anxiety-provoking event.
In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment options that can help ease anxiety for certain breeds of dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is one of the many products that can aid in calming dogs. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin are being used by some pet owners to aid with anxiety management. However, there is only a small amount of evidence from science to support these methods.
Small Door utilizes a combination of behavior modifications, changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy and medications when needed. 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 and making training sessions more "sticky".
In most instances, identifying and removing the cause of the anxiety is the most crucial step. A canine behaviorist or veterinarian can help you with this process and offer suggestions to eliminate triggers that cause anxiety in your dog. Some of these strategies can be easy, such as creating routines or providing your dog with lots of exercise to burn pent-up energy. Some are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end an experienced veterinarian and a dog behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that works for your dog.
Training
The most crucial tool to aid your dog in overcoming their anxiety. Once you recognize the triggers behind the behavior change, your dog can learn to relax and be happy. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective methods for training your dog, and might recommend you work with a professional dog trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it will exhibit many of the same symptoms like dogs suffering from other types of anxiety. These include destructive behavior and urinating or excreting in the house, pacing and restlessness chewing on things and barking. It is also common for them to be aggressive towards people and other pets within their homes, which is why it is essential to put an appropriate behavior plan with your veterinarian and seek the services of a professional dog trainer.
Behavior modification is highly effective in the short run, and is often used in combination with other treatment methods. The use of medication can reduce a dog’s negative emotional response, allowing them to be more receptive towards training while relieving their anxiety symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs include Clomipramine (Clomicalm) which is particularly helpful for separation anxiety and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is a medication that is specifically designed to ease situations of anxiety, such as noise fears and Aversions. It could take up to approximately four weeks to experience the therapeutic benefits. Your veterinarian will suggest regular blood tests and behavioral evaluations.
Many natural remedies can also help alleviate anxiety in dogs. Incorporating structure and consistency to their surroundings can make them feel more secure, and this includes pheromone sprays, music, and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is an enveloping coat or t-shirt, which applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to the swaddling blanket on infants, and helps to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation from strangers.
Natural Therapy
A number of natural techniques can aid in calming an anxious dog. This includes herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
For dogs who suffer from anxiety about separation, crate training can be a great way to help them relax and provide them with a safe space. Calming music stimulates serotonin, which can promote relaxation in dogs and cats. Some pet owners have had satisfaction with pheromone products which mimic the soothing scents cat and dog owners naturally emit. They are available in the form of a collar diffuser or spray.
You can also try a soothing herbal remedy such as Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that you can drop in the water of your dog or directly into their mouths. These remedies from nature can be as effective, or even better than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
anxiety attack treatment is a great method to decrease stress. It could be as simple as a long stroll or as complex as playing a game of fetch however anything that exhausts your dog will help to keep them calm and less likely to exhibit anxious behavior. Consider teaching your dog new methods to keep their minds engaged. This will help them to concentrate on something different from their stress-inducing triggers and will provide them with the mental stimulation they need.
A veterinarian's visit may be beneficial for dogs that need to be more calm or those with medical conditions that cause them to be more stressed. For example an animal with an injured disc could benefit from chiropractic care which will help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles healthy and functioning properly.
In certain instances medication is the best choice for alleviating anxiety in dogs. But in most cases there are other options to calm a dog that are safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these natural treatments to determine what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behavioral problems can be difficult for pets and pet owners however, they can also be dangerous to the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression and even self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or compulsive licking. These are serious issues that require to be treated with the help of a veterinarian. Certain medications may be required and a trained behaviorist will work with you to create an effective treatment strategy.
There are many medications that can be used to help ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the specific situation of your dog and the reaction it has to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The medication should be continued after the positive results are noted for a period of two months. It is crucial to adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog and do not alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve anxiety and stress that is a constant source of.
In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety your veterinarian might suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments that include tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you suggestions on how to decrease anxiety and stress in your dog, such as having enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a calm area.
Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis-related pain or other health conditions that raise stress levels. It is therefore important to speak with your vet immediately whenever your dog's behavior is changing and, in particular, when it appears that the anxiety is triggered by discomfort or pain. Your vet will determine whether the anxiety is caused by an illness or condition, and will recommend you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.