Anxiety Meds for Dogs

Dogs may suffer from anxiety from a number of issues including loneliness, loud noises, or strangers. Barking, hiding, licking, pacing, or soiling in the house can be signs of anxiety. Speak with a veterinarian to determine whether you can remove or reduce the source of your dog's stress or develop relaxation techniques to help the animal cope. Training and behavior modification efforts can help to some extent, but some dogs respond best to medication.

  1. Acepromazine

    • Acepromazine is a tranquilizer often used during surgery, but it can also relax dogs that become excited during specific stress-inducing events like fireworks or storms. It is sold in tablet form and is fairly inexpensive, but should not be given to dogs with liver, heart, or seizure disorders, according to Vetinfo.com.

    Alprazolam

    • Also known as Xanax, Alprazolam is a tranquilizer that suppresses certain brain activity and can treat anxiety. One dose can ease a pet's stress within one or two hours, according to VeterinaryPartner.com. This medication should not be used on pets that are pregnant or nursing, or have kidney or liver damage. Discontinuing the drug abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms in your dog. Always supervise a pet after administering the first dose to be sure there are no adverse behavioral reactions such as increased aggression.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • This type of medication prevents chemical imbalances in the brain. The drugs must be administered regularly and may require several weeks before the effect is noticeable. Side effects can include constipation, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, lethargy, loss of appetite, and nausea. There are two choices in this family of medication. Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil, is prescribed for dogs suffering from noise and separation anxiety. Provide extra water for your pet when using this medication to prevent urinary tract infections. Clomipramine is sold under the brand names Anafranil or Clomicalm. It can treat noise and separation anxiety, but is also used for obsessive-compulsive behaviors and aggression. Do not treat your pet with herbal remedies while administering these anti-depressants without consulting your vet.

    Fluoxetine

    • Fluoxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) that suppresses the brain chemical Serotonin. It is sold under the brand names Reconcile or Prozac and treats dogs with depression, panic, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Side effects include sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and weight loss. Never give fluoxetine to a dog that has liver or kidney disease, diabetes, seizure disorders, or is pregnant. Consult with a vet if your pet is taking pain medication.

    Allergy Medications

    • Hydroxyzine Pamoate, sold as Vistaril, is an allergy medication for pets. Because it relaxes the central nervous system, it can also be used as a sedative for anxious dogs. Side effects include blurred vision, confusion, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant or nursing dogs, or those animals with kidney or liver disease should not take this medication.

    Herbal Remedies

    • Some pet owners use homeopathic remedies to calm their dogs' distress. Herbal products such as PetAlive PetCalm offer a natural approach to animal anxiety, and can be given prior to stress-inducing events such as car rides or visits from strangers, according to Dog-Health-Guide.org.