Do your dogs get upset when you leave them alone? Maybe they howl or bark or even destroy furniture while you’re away. Do loud noises, such as fireworks, cause your pup to run away in fear? These are all signs your beloved pet could be experiencing a form of anxiety. Dogs experience anxiety the same way that humans can. “Dogs typically experience one of three main types of anxiety: general fear such as noise sensitivity or a fear of strangers, separation anxiety, and stress due to aging and health concerns,” says Danielle Bernal, BVSc, MRCVS, a Massachusetts-based veterinary professional with WHIMZEES Daily Dental Treats. When it comes to treating dog anxiety, there is a lot to consider including implementing changes to your pet’s environment, providing plenty of opportunity for play and exercise, removal of triggering stimuli and even medication in more extreme cases.
Description
Cerenia is the first and only FDA-approved medication prescribed by veterinarians for dogs to help treat and help prevent vomiting caused by motion sickness. Each tablet is scored, allowing for easy and accurate dosing. As many as 1 in 5 dogs suffer from canine motion sickness, so whether you are taking your furry friend to the vet or going on a road trip together, Cerenia tablets are the number one choice among veterinarians to help stop your pal from feeling sick.
In our brains, chemicals called neurotransmitters send messages between nerve cells, affecting the way we function – both physically and psychologically. Certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are associated with mood. Anti-anxiety medications boost the levels of these different neurotransmitters either by increasing their production and release from neurons and/or blocking them from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells – resulting in an overall happier, less anxious feeling for the dog.
Features of Anxiety Meds For Dogs
Medication isn’t a cure for separation anxiety there is no “magic pill” that will take your dog’s stress away. Instead, prescription drugs are a tool that can help decrease a dog’s physical response to stress, which is what leads to behavioral issues, such as barking, destructiveness, and even self-harm. Research and anecdotal evidence have shown that for successful and long-term results, medication should always be used in conjunction with behavior modification and training. Although behavior modification and training can be highly effective when used alone, some dogs make better progress, faster, with the support of medication. Stress can short-circuit a dog’s potential to learn new ways to respond. Anti-anxiety medication helps calm their negative emotional response, so they’re more receptive to training while reducing their risk of regression.
Signs of anxiety in dogs
Dogs can’t tell their owners in words if they are feeling stressed and anxious, but there are some signs to watch for in the form of troubling or even aggressive behaviors. According to Michelle Burch, DVM, from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, some of these behaviors may include:
- Excessive barking, howling, or whining
- Pacing
- Shaking
- Yawning
- Drooling
- Licking
- Changes in pupil dilation
- Changes in ear position
- Changes in body posture
- Shedding suddenly
- Panting
- Sudden urination or defecation
- Avoidance
- Trying to hide or escape
- Destructive behavior
Types of Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Here are the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat dog anxiety.
Jump to a specific medication:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Amitriptyline
Buspirone
Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
Diazepam (Valium)
Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Prices of Anxiety Meds For Dogs
$15.92 – $47.92