Will Anxiety Treatment For Dogs Always Rule The World?
Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
A veterinarian or canine behaviour consultant will determine your dog's triggers and create a treatment plan for anxiety. These could include medication or collars with pheromone diffusers (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 retreat.
Medication
Certain dogs require medication to help manage fear-based and anxiety-related behavior. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog requires short- or long-term medication and prescribe the best option. Medication should only be used in conjunction with not as a substitute for behavior modification and training.
Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all medications used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are frequently prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior, such as excessive grooming. It can take several weeks before the medication starts functioning, and regular monitoring by your doctor might be required. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific phobias. This drug class can take anywhere from four to six weeks to produce effects, and the veterinarian must keep track of it frequently. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are quick in action and are best given prior to an event that causes anxiety.
There are also natural products that can aid dogs in feeling less anxious. These include the calming effects of pheromones, calming supplements, and anxiety wraps, like the new non-prescription Calmer Canine. Some pet owners also use massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture to manage anxiety. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting these options.
At Small Door We prefer to use a combination of behavior modification, changes in the environment, natural therapies and medications as required for certain dogs. Medicine can enhance the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain, making repetitions of training more "sticky".
In most cases, the first step is to determine and eliminate the root of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can aid in this process and suggest ways to avoid your dog's triggers. Some of these strategies could be simple, like creating routines or giving your dog lots of exercise to release those accumulated energy. Some strategies are more complex, such as desensitization or counterconditioning. In the end a good vet and a canine behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that works for your dog.
Training
Behavioral modification is a powerful tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. Once you recognize the reasons behind their behavior and your dog is able to learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective methods of training for your dog and may even recommend that you work with a professional trainer.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they'll exhibit the same behavior patterns as dogs suffering from other types of anxiety such as destructive behavior, urinating and defecating in the house, pacing anxiety, barking, and chewing on things. It is also normal for them to be hostile towards other pets and people within their homes. This is the reason you should consult with your vet to develop a behavior plan and hire an animal trainer.
Behavior modification is extremely effective for short-term treatment and is often combined with other treatment methods. Medication can help reduce a dog’s negative emotional response which allows them to be more open to training while alleviating their anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm, is a medication that is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situational anxiety, such as noise phobias. It can take four weeks to see the therapeutic benefits. Your vet will suggest regular blood tests and behavior assessments.
A number of natural treatments can also help alleviate anxiety in dogs. They can feel more secure by adding structure and consistency to the surrounding as well as massage and music. Your veterinarian may be able recommend an aromatherapy scent that is most beneficial to your pet. Wear a calming t-shirt, or coat that puts constant pressure to your chest of the dog like the swaddling blanket for babies. This will help them feel less anxious when traveling, hearing sounds or being separated from their pet or meeting strangers.
Natural Therapy
A variety of natural methods can soothe an anxious dog. These include herbal supplements, music aromatherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, crate training can be an effective tool to help them relax and give them a secure space. Calming music can also stimulate serotonin and help promote relaxation in a dog or cat. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones that mimic the calming scents that cats and dogs naturally emit. They are available as collar diffuser and spray versions.
You can also use a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy, or Bach Flower Essences. These are diluted herbal remedies that you can drop in the water of your pet or directly into their mouths. Iam Psychiatry can often be as effective, or even more effective than prescription anti anxiety drugs.
Exercise is a great way to lower stress. It could be as simple as a long walk or as complex as a game of fetch, however anything that exhausts your dog will keep them relaxed and less likely to display anxious behaviors. Consider teaching your dog new techniques to keep their minds stimulated. This will allow them focus on something other than the triggers that cause stress, and provide them with mental exercise they crave.
For dogs of a certain age who require to be more calm or dogs suffering from a medical condition that makes them more stressed, a visit with 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 help keep the nerves and muscles in good shape and functioning properly.
In certain cases, medication is the best choice for alleviating a dog's anxiety. However, most of the time there are other options to calm a dog that are less risky and less expensive than prescription medications. Talk to your veterinarian about trying one (or more) of these natural remedies to determine what works best for your dog.
Veterinary Care
Anxiety-related behaviors can be a challenge for pet owners and their pets, but can be harmful for dogs. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression, and even self-mutilation such as pulling out fur or compulsive biting. These are serious issues that need to be dealt with by an animal veterinarian. Some medications might be required and a trained behaviorist can assist you to formulate a treatment strategy.
There are many medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most effective 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 medication should be continued when positive results are seen for a period of 2 months. It is important that you adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog and never change or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.
Medications to relieve anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications that alleviate anxiety-related symptoms immediately and anxiolytics are longer-acting medication that help relieve chronic stress and anxiety.
Your veterinarian could also suggest non-pharmaceutical remedies such as relaxation supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on ways to decrease anxiety and stress in your pet, including getting adequate exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm environment with your pet.
There are many factors that can trigger anxiety in your dog, such as pain caused by arthritis or other health issues that raise stress levels. Consult your vet immediately whenever you notice a change in your dog's behavior, especially in cases where the anxiety may be caused by pain. Your veterinarian will determine whether the cause of their anxiety is an issue with their health and refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if required.
