Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
Your veterinarian will assess your dog for underlying causes and may recommend anti-anxiety medications. They could include fast-acting, short-duration meds for as-needed, situational use or longer-acting meds to manage chronically daily.
You can help your dog avoid anxiety by ensuring you give him enough exercise and attention every day. You may also wish to think about pheromone diffusers and collars which release synthetic hormones similar to those used by mother dogs to soothe their pups.
Medications
There are many prescription medications that can be used to treat anxiety in dogs. However, if your pet's anxiety is due to pain or illness, addressing these issues will often reduce or eliminate the need for medication. In addition, desensitization to the cause of your pet's anxiety can be accomplished by exposing your pet their trigger, gradually and in a controlled manner until they no more react negatively to that trigger.
For instance, if you find that your dog is afraid of travelling in the car you can gradually introduce them to the vehicle over time by taking them to places they regularly go to or play at, giving them treats, and rewarding them for their efforts. You can then gradually increase the time in the car as long as your dog behaves well.
The effects and side-effects of medications used to treat anxiety can also vary. Your veterinarian can assist you to determine the best medication for your pet. They will also be able suggest alternatives that are not pharmaceutical, such as calming supplements, pheromone collars, and Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription product that can help reduce pet's anxiety by stimulating the vagus nerve which transmits a signal to the brain to calm down.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which hinder the reabsorption of and release of serotonin in the brain are a popular choice. They can take up to four weeks to begin working however they are effective in treating anxiety that is chronic. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and Clomipramine (Clomicalm) can also help to reduce anxiety by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as acetylcho which affect mood.
Dexmedetomidine (Sileo) is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist which is approved to ease the effects of anxiety in situations, such as fear of noise or aversion to sound, by reducing activity in specific areas of the brain and decreasing the body's response to stress. It is most effective when given when there is a first sign of anxiety, or prior to the trigger sound event.
Natural calming products, such as chamomile, have been proven to reduce anxiety and are available over-the-counter. The purity, quality, and effectiveness of a product can vary widely between brands and manufacturers. It is essential to choose a product that is made from high-quality ingredients.
Behavior Modification
The treatment of anxiety in dogs usually starts with behavior modification. This could include training and desensitization techniques that help a dog to feel better when confronted with anxiety triggers. Certain anxieties are more receptive to counterconditioning (pairing a negative stimulus with high-value reinforcement) than others, and each situation is individual. It's important that any training techniques be guided by a third-party certified canine behavior consultant or veterinarian behaviorist to ensure proper method and safety.
Dogs may also benefit from medications that treat anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors regulate neurotransmitter levels in order to reduce anxiety and increase calm. The short-term relief needed for anxiety or panic attacks is often offered by benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam. Herbal remedies, like melatonin and CBD oil, are also utilized to help calm behavior in dogs. A vet should be consulted when a medication has been prescribed to ensure the correct dosage and the management of any side effects.
Environmental management is an important component of treating anxiety in dogs. Separation anxiety can be managed by limiting interactions between owner and dog when the owner is working or away or at work; using a machine to muffle the outside noises while owners are out and educating owners on how they can divert their dogs' attention when they exhibit anxious behavior such as chewing or digging. Crates should not be used unless they are absolutely essential to ensure safety. Dogs who are anxious may see them as a form of punishment.
In general, behavioral treatments can be combined with medications to improve the overall effectiveness. The effects of medication take time and doesn't directly address the root cause of the behavior. For this reason, it is advisable that a medication be started prior to or in conjunction with behavior modification in order to decrease the frequency of events that cause anxiety as the dog learns how to handle them. This will allow the dog to concentrate on changing their behavior and can increase the chance of success. Once the dog is able to understand how to manage their anxiety, the medication can be weaned or discontinued, depending on the effectiveness of the medication as well as its efficacy.
Training
Are your dogs spooked by thunder or fireworks? Do they hide or cower in fear? Do they rub their body or furniture to relax themselves? Are they susceptible to panic attacks? If your dog exhibits these behaviors, it may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can trigger various issues, including aggression, destructive behavior, and self-mutilation. To avoid the condition reaching dangerous levels it is crucial to be aware of and treat it.
Anxiety treatment options can consist of a combination of behavioral modification and prescription medications. Your veterinarian will determine the severity and root of anxiety before recommending a treatment. Certain dogs suffer from generalized anxiety while others suffer from specific phobias or fears that are specific to the context, such as being alone in a house or in a car or handling grooming or grooming situations. Obsessive-compulsive dogs are identified by their repetitive behaviors such as licking their Acral region, spinning, chase their tails, or biting themselves (obsession).
Behavior modification for anxiety is typically focused on desensitization, and counterconditioning. These techniques pair your dog’s anxiety trigger with high value reinforcement to help him to associate it with positive experiences. The technique requires patience and persistence, but over time your dog will become more comfortable with their anxiety triggers.
Anti-anxiety medication can be beneficial in certain instances, particularly when the dog's symptoms are severe. The most commonly used medications are in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Both of them increase serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, alertness, and stress-related responses. The SSRIs boost brain activity quickly and provide immediate relief from anxiety, whereas the TCAs take weeks to achieve their maximum effect.
Every dog is different and therefore, it is not possible to completely eliminate anxiety. By providing a secure environment that is supportive and working closely with your vet or a dog behaviorist, it is possible to decrease your dog's anxiety and stress. It's not easy, but the payoff is worth it.
Exercise
Anxiety is an ordinary human emotion but for dogs it can result in destructive behavior and even depression. Dogs can experience anxiety for a wide variety of reasons such as being left in a quiet space and loud sounds like fireworks and thunderstorms, and traveling. Dogs may also be anxious around strangers or situations that are unfamiliar to them. Some dogs exhibit a constant anxiety state known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety in dogs and help them remain at peace. During exercise your dog's body releases feel-good hormones known as endorphins which can make them feel more relaxed and relaxed. Regular exercise on a consistent routine will help keep these happy hormones flowing throughout the day and help prevent anxious behaviors from developing.
Increased physical activity can reduce your dog's level of stress by lowering its heart rate and blood-pressure which decreases the cortisol, a stress hormone. You can encourage your dog to be more active by taking them on regular walks or playing with them in the dog park or in the backyard. You can also incorporate structured exercise to your dog's daily routine for example, obedience classes or agility.
In addition to the physical exercise that can reduce anxiety and other physical activities, you can also employ mental stimulation to help your dog conquer their anxiety. By engaging your dog in stimulating activities such as puzzles, toys that offer treats, and training sessions, you can assist them to redirect their attention away from stimuli that trigger anxiety and create a sense satisfaction.
Some pet owners use white noise or soothing music to soothe their dogs' fears. These techniques can be used with other methods to treat anxiety and help calm your dog down when they experience a specific trigger, such as thunder or loud noises.
Ultimately, you and your vet will decide the best treatment for anxiety for your dog. Based on your dog's individual needs, they might recommend long-acting medication or short-term relief, as well in behavioral interventions and other techniques that can work together to provide comprehensive treatment for your dog's anxiety and stress.