Anxiety Treatment For Dogs
Your veterinarian will assess your dog for any underlying causes and may suggest anti-anxiety medicines. They can be fast-acting, shorter-duration meds that are used for situational, as-needed usage or longer-acting medication for daily management.
You can help your dog to avoid anxiety by ensuring that they get adequate exercise and attention each day. You might also consider pheromone diffusers or collars which release synthetic hormones that are similar to those used by mothers dogs to soothe their puppies.
Medicines
Many prescription medicines can be used to treat anxiety in dogs. However, if your dog's anxiety is caused by pain or illness, addressing these issues can often help reduce or eliminate the need for medication. The process of reducing the trigger that causes your dog's fear is possible by exposing them to their trigger over time in a controlled way until they no longer react negatively.
For instance, if your dog is afraid of travelling in the car, you can slowly introduce them to the car over time, by taking them to places they frequently visit or play at, while offering them treats and rewarding them for their efforts. Then, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the car, so long as they are able to behave themselves.
The effects and adverse side-effects of medications used to treat anxiety can also differ. Your vet can help you determine the best medication for your pet. They will also be able to suggest alternatives that are not pharmaceutical, such as tranquilizers such as pheromone collars and Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription product that can help reduce anxiety in pets by stimulating the vagus nerve which sends a signal to the brain to relax.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a popular choice, as they block the reabsorption of the chemical messenger serotonin, leaving more available in the brain. These can take up to four weeks before they begin to work however they are generally effective for chronic anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants like amtriptyline and Clomipramine (Clomicalm), also work to manage anxiety, by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and acetylcholine, that affect mood.
Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2-adrenoceptor antagonist that is approved for the treatment of situational anxiety such as noise phobias and Aversions. It reduces the activity of certain brain regions and decreasing the body's response to stress. It is most effective if administered in the first signs of anxiety, or before 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 can differ greatly between manufacturers and brands. It is essential to choose a product that has top-quality ingredients.
Behavior Modification
The treatment of anxiety in dogs typically begins with behavior modification. This may include training and desensitization techniques that allow dogs to feel better in the face of anxiety triggers. Certain anxiety disorders respond better to counterconditioning. This involves the use of a negative stimulus with high-value reinforcement. Each situation is unique. It is essential that any training techniques be supervised by a third party certified canine behavior consultant or a veterinary behaviorist to ensure correct method and safety.
Dogs also benefit from medications that alleviate anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors regulate neurotransmitter levels in order to reduce anxiety and promote calm. The short-term relief needed for panic attacks or severe anxiety is often provided by benzodiazepines, like diazepam and lorazepam. Herbal remedies, including melatonin and CBD oil, are also used to aid in calming behavior in dogs. If a medication is prescribed, a veterinarian must be consulted to ensure proper dosage and management of side effects.
The environment is also an important element in the treatment of anxiety in dogs. Separation anxiety can be addressed by limiting interaction between dog and owner when the owner is at work or away or at work; using a machine to block out outside sounds when owners are out and also educating owners about how to redirect their dogs' attention if the dogs exhibit anxious behaviors such as chewing or digging. Crates are generally not used when it is absolutely necessary for safety, as crates can be considered by dogs with anxiety as punishment for their actions.
In general, behavioral treatments can be combined with medication to improve the overall effectiveness. However, medications take time to be effective and are not able to directly address the underlying cause of the behavior. It is therefore recommended that medication is started before or concurrently with behavior modification to decrease the frequency and intensity of anxiety-provoking situations as the dog learns how to handle the situation. This will allow the dog to concentrate on changing their behavior and increase the chances of success. Once the dog is able to understand how to manage their anxiety, the medication can be gradually eliminated or weaned, depending on the effectiveness of the medication as well as its efficacy.
Training
Are your dogs spooked by fireworks or thunder? Do they hide or cower in fear? Do they rub their body or furniture to soothe themselves? Are they susceptible to panic attacks? If your dog exhibits these behaviors they could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can cause numerous issues such as aggression, destructive behavior, and self-mutilation. To avoid the condition getting to dangerous levels it is crucial to recognize and treat it.
Treatments for anxiety can comprise a combination of behavior modification and prescription medication. Your veterinarian will determine the severity and the cause of anxiety before recommending a treatment. Certain dogs suffer from generalized anxiety, while others have specific phobias or fears that are specific to the context like being alone in a home or in a vehicle or handling grooming/handling situations. There are also dogs suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. It is characterized by repetitive behavior such as flank sucking (acral licking) or spinning, tail chasing or biting themselves (obsession).
Behavior modification to reduce anxiety is typically focused on desensitization, and counterconditioning. These techniques match your dog's anxiety trigger with high-value reinforcement to help him learn to associate it with positive experiences. I Am Psychiatry takes patience and persistence to get your dog used to their anxiety triggers.
Anti-anxiety medication can be beneficial in some cases, especially when the dog's symptoms are severe. The most common medications are those that fall into the class of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Both types boost serotonin and norepinephrine that regulate mood, alertness, and stress response. The SSRIs work quickly to increase brain activity and provide immediate relief from anxiety, while the TCAs are long-acting and can take several weeks to achieve peak effect.
It's difficult to eliminate anxiety completely, and every dog is unique. However by providing a secure and supportive environment and working closely with your vet or a trained dog behaviorist, you can dramatically reduce the anxiety of your pet and provide them the tools needed to cope. It's not easy but the reward is worth it.
Exercise
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but for dogs, it could lead to destructive behaviors and even depression. Dogs may be anxious for numerous reasons, including being left alone, or hearing loud noises like fireworks or thunder. Dogs may also feel anxious about fear of new surroundings or strangers and some may experience an unending anxiety state known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Exercise is a great way to reduce anxiety in dogs and keep them at peace. While exercising your dog's body releases positive hormones known as endorphins which can make them feel relaxed and relaxed. Regular exercise on a regular routine can help keep these positive hormones running throughout the day and help prevent anxious behaviors from developing.
A greater amount of physical activity can lower your dog's level of stress by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, which reduces the cortisol stress hormone. In order to get your dog moving around more frequently can be as simple as taking them on regular walks or playing with them in the backyard or dog park. You can also consider adding an exercise routine that is structured to your dog's daily schedule, such as obedience classes or agility training.
Your dog can be helped overcome anxiety by using mental stimulation, in addition to physical exercise. Engaging your dog in stimulating activities like puzzles, treats-dispensing toys, and even training sessions that test their brains can help them redirect their attention away from anxiety-inducing stimuli and promote a feeling of satisfaction.
Some pet owners employ white noise or calming music to ease their dogs' fears. These methods can be paired with other ways to treat anxiety and aid in calming your dog when they experience a specific trigger like thunder or loud sounds.
Ultimately you and your vet will decide which anxiety treatment is the best for your dog. Depending on the unique requirements of your dog, they might recommend long-acting medication or short-term relief. They may also suggest behavior-related interventions and other strategies that can work in conjunction to provide a complete treatment for your dog’s anxiety and stress.