Anti-Anxiety Medications and Treatment for Dogs

Dogs, like people, can have anxiety attacks and phobias. It really isn't uncommon for dogs to be frightened of thunder for example. Many dogs have separation anxiety while others may react violently to strangers. Most vets prefer not to use medications unless it is absolutely necessary; however it may be the only answer for some dogs.

Canine anxiety disorders are on the rise. Some vets estimate that more than 17 percent of dogs suffer from some level of anxiety and stress. As many as 60 percent of dogs that do have anxiety issues are undiagnosed, or diagnosed improperly according to Medivet.

Breeds Most Likely to Suffer from Anxiety Disorders

Some breeds are naturally more nervous than others and Canine Anxiety Disorder may be more prevalent in these breeds. Breeds that are more likely to be affected are:

• Basset Hound
• Bouvier de Flanders
• Cairn terriers
• Bull Terrier
• Dalmatians
• German Shepherds
• Great Danes
• Jack Russell Terriers

Terriers as a whole are more high strung than many other breeds and thus may be more susceptible.

Dogs exhibit the symptoms of anxiety and stress in many different ways. What seems to be "bad behavior" may actually be severe anxiety.

• Accidents in the house
• Appetite changes
• Barking
• Defecating in the house
• Destructiveness
• Discipline problems
• Fighting
• Habit changes
• Hiding
• Licking
• Pacing
• Personality changes

Your vet will want to examine your pet and run tests to ensure that there is not a physical cause for your dog's behavior. Once it is established that your dog does have an anxiety issue then he may suggest behavior therapy and lifestyle changes to try before he prescribes medication, or in addition to it.

The drugs will usually bring immediate results but long term use is not recommended except in extreme cases. Generally it is better to try to find a way to control the dog's behavior through environmental changes or behavior modifications.

Types of Medication

Medications used to treat canine anxiety and phobias fall into two categories - either Psychotropic or Pheromone.

These will affect serotonin or dopamine levels in your dog's brain in order to control and calm his behavior. Some of the specific medications that your vet may want to use are:

• Acepromazine – a tranquilizer used to treat car sickness and fear based aggression. It is one of the safest of the anti anxiety drugs. However, it can lower blood pressure may be linked with sudden death in Boxers. Be sure you ask your vet about the side effects of this drug in Boxers if it is prescribed for your dog.
• Amitriptyline – An antidepressant that is very effective with dogs that have thunderstorm phobias and issues with loud or sudden noises. It is effective in about 60% of cases.
• Buspirone Hydrochloride – Useful in treating many types of phobias.
• Clomipramine – This is most often used for separation anxiety.
• Diazepam – Used for anxiety and seizures in dogs.
• Fluoxetine – Dogs can exhibit compulsive behavior, too. This medicine is used to treat dogs that are obsessive and/or compulsive.

There are some natural solutions to pet anxiety problems that you may want to try before you put your pet on medications.

• Herbal formulas use natural ingredients to help your dog feel more relaxed. These come in pill, treat, and liquid forms.
• Special coats and wraps are supposed to help your pet feel more secure.
• Pheremone diffusers may help your dog feel calm.
• Books and videos by experts like Cesar Millan may give you ways to change your dog's behaviors without the use of medications.

It is imperative that you follow your veterinarian's instructions to the letter. It may take awhile to find the exact medication and adjust it for your dog's individual needs. Be aware that these medications can be just as addictive to dogs as similar medications are for humans. Give the medications exactly as prescribed and contact your vet if there are any problems or you have any questions. If you miss a dose then contact your vet for instructions on how to proceed.

Never take your pet off his medications abruptly. Discuss all changes with your veterinarian and follow his recommendations.

Canine anti anxiety medications are a helpful tool to deal with a pet that is suffering from psychological problems, phobias, stress, and anxiety. Use it according to your vet's recommendations and in conjunction with behavioral therapy for the best results.

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