anxiety-treatment

Anxiety Treatment For DogsA veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist will pinpoint your dog’s triggers and develop an anxiety treatment plan. These include medication and Pheromone collars (like Comfort Zone and Adaptil) and pheromone diffusion diffusers.Pet parents may also choose to set up a peaceful and quiet area at home for their dogs who are anxious where they can relax.MedicationCertain breeds require medication to control anxiety or fear-based behavior. anxiety treatment strategies will determine whether your dog requires long-term or short-term medication and prescribe the best option. Medication should only be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavioral modification and training.Anxiolytics and tricyclic antidepressants as well as tranquilizers are all drugs used to manage anxiety. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat anxiety that is chronic or separation anxiety, as well as compulsive behavior, which includes excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show effect and may require frequent examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine or amitriptyline can be used to treat generalized anxiety and specific fears. This drug class takes one to four weeks to show effects and requires frequent surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics like alprazolam are very quick-acting and are most useful when administered just prior to an event that causes anxiety.In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment modalities that can reduce anxiety in some dogs. These include calming supplements, pheromones, and anxiety wraps such as the brand new, non-prescription Calmer Canine. Massage therapy, acupuncture and melatonin are being used by some pet owners to aid in managing anxiety. There is only limited scientific evidence to support these methods.Small Door makes use of the combination of behavior changes as well as changes in the dog’s environment, natural therapy, and medication when required. The effects of medication enhance the positive outcomes of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog’s brain, and making repetitions of training “stick” more quickly.In the majority of cases, the first step is to pinpoint and eliminate the root of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can aid in this process, and can suggest strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these strategies are easy and include creating a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off excess energy. Other strategies are more involved such as counterconditioning and desensitization. In the end a good vet and canine behaviorist will work together to devise a treatment strategy that works for your dog.TrainingBehavior modification is a potent tool to aid your dog in overcoming anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the causes of their behavior changes and they learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most effective training techniques for your dog and may even suggest that you work with an experienced trainer.If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors as dogs with other forms of anxiety, including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing restlessness barking, and chewing on objects. It’s also common for them be hostile towards other pets and people in their home. This is why you should work with your vet to create an appropriate behavior plan and then hire an animal trainer.Behavior modification can be highly effective in the short term, and is often used in combination with other treatment options. Medication can reduce the negative emotional response of dogs and make them more receptive to training while also providing relief from anxiety symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a drug which is frequently prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situationsal anxiety, such as noise fears. It can take approximately four weeks to experience the therapeutic benefits. Your vet will also recommend regular blood tests and behavioral assessments.A variety of natural remedies can help reduce a dog’s stress. They are more comfortable by bringing structure and consistency to the environment, as well music and massage. Your veterinarian may recommend an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to use a calming coat or t-shirt, which applies constant pressure to the dog’s body, much like an swaddling cloth for infants, and helps to reduce anxiety about noise, travel, separation, or strangers.Natural TherapyA number of natural techniques can aid in calming an anxious dog. This includes herbal supplements as well as music, aromatherapy, and chiropractic care.For dogs that suffer from anxiety over separation, crate-training is a good option to help them relax and provide them with their own secure space. Calming music can also stimulate serotonin levels and encourage relaxation in a cat or dog. Some pet owners have had success with pheromones that mimic the calming scents dogs and cats naturally emit. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.You can also make use of 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 dog or directly into their mouth. These remedies can be just as effective or superior to prescription anti-anxiety drugs.Exercise is a great way to lower stress. It could be a simple walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog helps to keep him calm and less likely for him to exhibit anxious behavior. Consider teaching your dog new tricks to keep their minds engaged. This will provide them with something to concentrate on that is not their stress triggers and give them the mental exercise they crave.For older dogs who need to be calmer, or for dogs with a health condition that makes them more stressed, a visit with an veterinary specialist could be beneficial. For instance dogs with a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic treatment that will help realign the spine and keep the nerves as well as muscles in good shape and functioning normally.In severe cases medications may be the best solution to alleviate a dog’s anxiousness. However, most of the time there are alternatives to calm an anxious dog that are less risky and much cheaper than prescription medications. Consult your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your pup.Veterinary CareAnxiety-related behavior problems can be a challenge for pets and pet owners However, they can be dangerous to the dog. Certain of the more serious symptoms of anxiety can lead to aggression and even self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or compulsive kissing. These are serious problems that need to be addressed with the help of an animal veterinarian. Some medication may be necessary and a certified behaviorist will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.Many medications are available to relieve anxiety symptoms. Your vet will prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the unique condition of your dog as well as its reaction to the medication. It generally takes between four and six weeks for the medication to be effective. The medication should be continued after positive results are observed for two months. It is crucial to follow your vet’s prescription for your dog, and never alter or stop taking the medication without consulting your vet.Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all medications that relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are medicines that work in a short time which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time, while anxiolytics are long-acting medication that help relieve anxiety and stress that is a constant source of.Your veterinarian might also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions such as relaxation supplements or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian can also advise you on ways to decrease stress and anxiety in your pet, including engaging in regular exercise playing games, and spending time in a calm space with your dog.Many factors can cause anxiety in your dog, including arthritis-related pain, or other health conditions which can increase stress levels. It is therefore important to see your veterinarian immediately whenever your dog’s behavior is changing and, in particular, when it appears that anxiety is caused by pain or discomfort. Your vet will determine if their anxiety is rooted in an illness or medical condition and recommend an animal trainer or behaviorist, if necessary.