Dogs can experience anxiety over separation from their owners or other pets, being in the car and even from thunderstorms. Some dogs are anxious all of the time; according to vet Dr. Katherine Hillestad, the following breeds are particularly prone to anxiety: Great Danes, German short-haired pointers, German shepherds, bull terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Dalmatians, Bouvier de Flanders, salukis, Cairn terriers, basset hounds and soft-coated Wheaton terriers. A number of medications are available to help prevent your dog from becoming anxious. Always consult with your vet before beginning any kind of treatment for your pets.
-
Prepare For and Meet with Your Vet
-
Take notes about your dog's anxiety and behavior to share with your vet. Make a list of behavioral techniques you have tried to calm your dog and any alternative or herbal medicines you have tried. Become familiar with the three major anti-anxiety medications for dogs listed below so that you can discuss them with your vet.
Three Common Medications
-
Clomipramine is an anti-anxiety drug used in treating canine anxiety. It is frequently used for obsessive behaviors, such as paw-licking, tail-chasing and scratching. It is also prescribed for separation anxiety. Clomipramine can be used in conjunction with behavior modification.
Fluoxetine is an anti-depressant that helps anxious dogs. It is can also be used to treat aggression in pets and is prescribed for pets with more violent or self-destructive behaviors due to anxiety, such as chewing their own skin raw, destroying furniture or attacking other pets. Fluoxetine can take up to four weeks to have an effect on your pet.
Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety drug that works in a short period of time and is often prescribed with Fluoxetine until the latter kicks in. After the Fluoxetine has begun to work, the vet will make a plan for tapering off use of the Alprazolam.
Follow-up and Ongoing Treatment
-
If your vet gives you a prescription for your dog, follow the dosing instructions exactly. Keep the medication in a dry, safe location away from children and pets. Keep track of your dog's behavior over the first six weeks of medication and contact your vet if you dog seems to be in distress. Consult your vet after six weeks to discuss ongoing or additional drug or behavioral therapy.
-