Have you ever wondered if your dog needs anxiety medication? Just as humans can suffer from anxiety depression and need professional support, the same is true for dogs. Veterinarian-prescribed anti-anxiety medications can be used to treat a variety of anxiety conditions in dogs, from everyday anxiety to situational anxiety, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. When used correctly under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist, and combined with behavior modification training, anxiety medications can significantly improve an anxious dog’s quality of life. anxiety, and even help them overcome anxiety triggers.
When to use anxiety medication for dogs?
Anxiety is a natural emotion that all humans and dogs face. The problem with dogs is when anxiety begins to negatively affect their lives. Dr. Christopher Shapley, CVA of NorthStar VETS Integrative Medicine Team, explains that any time your dog’s quality of life is affected by anxiety, it’s time to speak with your dog’s veterinarian to discuss treatment options. In many cases, anxiety mediation will be applied to dogs struggling with anxiety. He notes that symptoms to watch for that may indicate your dog is struggling with anxiety include:
- continuous tempo
- destructive behavior
- obsessively chewing or licking
- inappropriate discharge.
Dr. Antje Joslin, veterinarian about Dogtopia, it is important to seek professional help from your veterinarian immediately. She notes that adopting a wait-and-see approach to handling your dog’s anxiety can negatively impact both you and your dog’s life because anxiety doesn’t go away on its own. Additionally, Dr. Shapley advises that if left untreated, dogs living with chronic anxiety can lead to Endocrine and metabolic diseases as well as self-mutilation.
Don’t punish your dog for being scared
Having an anxious dog can be stressful and overwhelming. Remember that your dog is not acting intentionally or misbehaving, he is having a real mental health crisis. If you feel frustrated by your dog’s anxiety, reach out for support. As you can be stressed out raising an anxious dog, it’s important to never punish your dog for its fear or its associated behaviors. Punishment a scared dog doesn’t help change his emotional response to a situation. Instead, punishing fearful dogs can make their fears worse and can lead to other behavioral problems including aggression.
Over-the-counter dog anxiety medication
There are many over-the-counter anti-anxiety supplements and treatments available at pet stores. Sometimes veterinarians and owners decide to try over-the-counter treatments before prescribing them, especially for mild cases of anxiety. Dr. Joslin says some of the supplements she recommends to clients include Solliquin chews, zylkene and composure chews. She also advises that some of her clients find that Adaptil Necklace provided some relief. In general, though, if you have a dog with severe anxiety, over-the-counter medications will not treat or eliminate that anxiety. If you’re considering using an over-the-counter anxiety medication for your dog, it’s still best to do so under your veterinarian’s guidance and supervision.
Anxiety medication options for dogs
For dogs who are struggling with severe anxiety that is debilitating and affecting their lives, your veterinarian may recommend prescription medication. Your veterinarian will likely run blood tests to assess your dog’s health before prescribing an anxiety medication.
Joslin says many of the same psychiatric medications used for humans are often prescribed for dogs. Some anti-anxiety medications for dogs are:
She emphasizes that dog owners should never attempt to self-medicate their dogs with their own psychoactive drugs.
Shapley says other common prescription medications for dogs with anxiety include:
- Fluoxetine
- Alprazolam
- CBD
In the right doses, these medications can help counteract the effects of anxiety, allowing dogs to function through the panic attack and suffering less.
What are the side effects of anxiety medications for dogs?
While anti-anxiety medications can be life-changing and life-saving for some dogs with debilitating anxiety, medications can also have side effects. Shapley explains that common symptoms for dogs prescribed anti-anxiety medications include:
- anorexia
- constipation
- comatose
- vomiting
- diarrhea
There can also be behavioral side effects to anxiety medications. Shapley says that some prescription medications reduce a dog’s bite inhibition and can increase irritability. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior while taking the medication, talk to your vet right away.
Dr. Joslin says that other symptoms including the risk of seizures and possible side effects should always be discussed thoroughly with your veterinarian before your dog starts taking any. anxiety medication. The drug is not a one-size-fits-all drug and it may be necessary to try a variety of medications and dosages for your dog to get the maximum benefit.
Create a care group for dogs with anxiety
Ideally, if you have an anxious dog, your veterinarian and qualified dog trainer will work together to assess the indoor environment and determine the best training and medication plan for your dog. . It is important to have the right professionals support you and your dog.
Anxiety medication is not a magic pill that can fix or cure your dog’s panic attacks. Instead, anxiety medication is about helping get your dog to a place where behavioral and emotional change can take place through positive reinforcement training. Some dogs may require short-term medication, while others will need lifelong medication administration.
Joslin recommends that treating anxiety in dogs is most effective with a multimodal approach. She explains that this can be like prescription medication, working with a veterinarian, certified trainer, and veterinary behaviorist. Together, the team will be able to assess your dog as well as indoor dynamics and other triggers.
Veterinarians are highly specialized veterinarians. These vets are board certified with behavioral expertise and are a huge asset to the team treating dogs with anxiety. Your veterinarian should be able to provide a referral to the nearest veterinary behaviorist or you can seek a referral through the American College of Veterinary Behavior search.
Finding anti-anxiety medication for your dog should not be taken lightly. Medicines should not be given to dogs for normal dog behaviors even if it is not convenient for them. However, if you feel your dog is showing symptoms of anxiety, seek immediate assistance. If left untreated, your dog’s anxiety can get worse.
