Treating Dog Anxiety Medications

Dog Anxiety Meds

When a dog exhibits anxious behavior, it’s important to rule out physical reasons first. Pain, itching, and illness can lower a dog’s threshold for anxiety. Once these are ruled out, a veterinarian can prescribe medication and recommend behavioral help.

If your dog exhibits one of the many signs of dog anxiety, such as excessive panting or pacing, whimpering, hiding, and aggression, it’s important to talk to your vet right away. Anxiety can be a symptom of other health conditions, such as heart or lung problems, and they may need to be diagnosed before any treatment can begin.

Most of the time, medications are the best option for treating blind dog anxiety. Anti-anxiety meds work by decreasing a dog’s cortisol levels, helping to calm them down and decrease their stress response. There are a few different prescription options, including alprazolam (Xanax) and melatonin. These are sedatives that can be helpful in the short term, but they should be used with caution. Fortunately, there are also natural products that can help reduce anxiety. Pet parents can ask their vet about the benefits of chamomile or valerian supplements, which are natural relaxants that have shown to be effective in clinical trials.

Using these supplements in conjunction with desensitization and counterconditioning is best. These training methods help a dog learn to associate something that triggers them, such as thunder or a visitor, with positive things, like playtime or treats. It takes a lot of patience and can be more challenging than simply using medication. It’s usually recommended to use a trainer or canine behaviorist for these training techniques, as they will be able to guide you through the process.

Distraction is another way to help your dog overcome anxiety. This method works by dividing the dog’s attention between two things at once, which makes it easier for them to handle both. This can include commands, treats, and even using a favorite toy to distract them during an episode. Using distractions can also make a dog feel less overwhelmed and increase their confidence during an anxiety attack.

In severe cases of anxiety, a dog’s body can react with fight or flight responses, which can lead to inappropriate elimination. This means they’ll urinate or defecate in places they shouldn’t. It’s a common reaction in dogs that are overly stressed or scared, such as during a thunderstorm or when a stranger visits. This behavior can lead to serious health issues and even shorten a dog’s lifespan, so it needs to be treated immediately.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for dog anxiety, and what works today might not work tomorrow. The most important thing is to be open to trying new approaches and committed to consistent progress. With the right support, you can help your dog conquer their anxiety and live a happy, healthy life. To get started, schedule a visit with Dutch. They’ll pair you with a licensed veterinarian to customize an anxiety treatment plan that includes medication and vet-designed behavior modification, starting at $8/month.