Treating Dog Anxiety Meds

Dog Anxiety Meds

In the past, many dog owners bought pheromone spray and Lycra jumpsuits to help their dogs relax, but prescription anxiety medications are now a major seller. According to one survey, Google searches for pet anxiety have tripled over the past decade and veterinary behaviorists are booked months in advance.

Despite their gentle nature, dogs can be sensitive to noise and unfamiliar surroundings, making them easy to overstimulate, and overreact in fearful situations. Some dog anxiety meds suffer from specific phobias, which are context-specific fears, such as going to the veterinarian or car travel, while others are prone to general anxiety. Obsessive compulsive disorder can also be a cause of excessive anxiety, with dogs exhibiting compulsions such as tail chasing or licking themselves (acral licking).

While some forms of anxiety can be treated with training and preventive strategies, for some dogs, it is necessary to use medication. There are several types of prescription anti-anxiety drugs, with the most common being selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), and anxiolytics. SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin, leaving more available in the brain to regulate mood and stress response, while TCAs inhibit norepinephrine and acetylcholine, chemicals that influence attention and alertness. Anxiolytics are a class of drugs that act as sedatives, and include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax).

Prescribed medications should only be given under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A vet should be able to assess your dog for any medical causes of anxiety and, if needed, recommend a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. In extreme cases, dogs may need to be hospitalized until the anxiety can be managed with treatment.

Aside from drugs, there are natural alternatives to treating anxiety. One method is to give a dog a safe space to retreat to, such as a dog bed or crate. Another is to pair a scary thing with something the dog loves, like their owner or playtime. For example, if your dog is afraid of travelling in the car, try giving them lots of treats and affection as you drive, and gradually build up how close to the car they can go before becoming scared.

Many times, severe anxiety can lead to inappropriate elimination, where the dog urinates or defecates in places they shouldn't. This is a fight or flight response, and makes sense in the face of danger, but can be extremely frustrating in the case of thunderstorms or visitors at the door.

The best way to prevent underlying causes of anxiety is to understand your dog's triggers and learn how to recognize signs of distress, such as panting or pacing. This will help you plan ahead and avoid potentially stressful situations.

Some dogs have a lowered threshold for pain, which is why it is important to rule out any health issues as the root of the problem. It is also essential to provide plenty of exercise and one-on-one attention daily to keep a dog feeling happy and loved. Pent up energy and feelings of neglect can breed anxiety.