Dog Anxiety Medication(9+)
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In this article, we will present the list of most conventional dog anxiety medication, dog anxiety causes, and symptoms.
List of Most Common Dog Anxiety Medication
Various medications are used to treat dog anxiety.
However, the most common dog anxiety medications are Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam, Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac), Amitriptyline, Buspirone, Clomipramine (Clomicalm), and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo).
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam is helpful for moderate to severe anxiety.
It is usually prescribed for the dogs that become anxious during thunderstorms but is used for other types of situational anxiety as well.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and belongs to the group of sedatives.
This drug is a muscle relaxer or a seizure activity suppressor.
Alprazolam is in the form of tablets and can be given with or without food.
Alprazolam can be useful, especially if it is given early (as soon as you notice anxiety symptoms).
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Lorazepam is used for reducing situational anxiety.
It is recommended to give the drug to the dog before every event that causes anxiety.
You can also give lorazepam after noticing the earliest sign of anxiety.
Like alprazolam, lorazepam is also a benzodiazepine from the group of sedatives that affects certain parts of the brain, depressing the activity of the central nervous system.
It can be given to the dog in the form of tablets or liquid, with or without food. Is also possible to give by injection or other ways.
Diazepam
Diazepam is used for relieving situational anxiety.
This drug is given to dogs for different aims but is useful, especially as an anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxant, seizure control drug, or appetite stimulant.
Diazepam is given to dogs as an anti-anxiety drug, for example, to help with panic disorders, such as noise phobia.
It is recommended to give diazepam to the dog as soon as you notice the first signs of anxiety, and every time before an event, that causes anxiety in him.
Diazepam is a member of benzodiazepines and belongs to the group of sedatives.
It can be given to the dog with or without food, in the form of tablets or liquid.
It is also possible to give diazepam by injection or another way.
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Paroxetine is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and behaviors related to anxiety.
Anxiety-related behaviors are different, for example, fear of noises, aggression, or self-mutilation.
Paroxetine belongs to SSRIs, which increases the amount of serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain.
It can be given to the dog with or without food in the form of a tablet or liquid (for oral use).
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Sertraline is used to treat generalized anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors.
It can be prescribed for anxiety-related behaviors, like aggression connected to fear, thunderstorm phobia, and separation anxiety.
You also check the Best Puppy Toys for Separation Anxiety, like Kong’s toy.
Sertraline belongs to the SSRI class of medications and increases the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
It can be prescribed orally as a tablet or liquid and can be given to the dog with or without food.
It may be useful to tape off the dog from sertraline if he has been getting the medication for two months or longer.
Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac)
Fluoxetine is effective for separation anxiety.
Reconcile can be used for other types of anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors as well, such as self-mutilation, aggression, compulsive chewing, or licking skin.
Fluoxetine belongs to the SSRI class of medications and increases the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
This medication can be useful if it is used along with a behavior-modification program.
Fluoxetine can be in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid, and can be used with or without food.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is used to treat separation anxiety or generalized anxiety.
It is a tricyclic antidepressant medication, which increases the levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, raising the mood.
However, it should not be given to dogs with diabetes.
Amitriptyline has a form of tablets and can be given with or without food.
It is recommended to stop giving it to the dog if he has been on the medication for more than 1-2 weeks.
Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.
Buspirone
Buspirone is prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
It is useful for dogs that get anxious in social situations, like interacting with other dogs.
Buspirone is an anxiolytic that belongs to the azaspirodecanedione class of medication.
This medication is useful if it is used regularly, so it is not recommended for situational anxiety.
Buspirone is dispensed in the form of tablets and can be given to dogs with or without food.
Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
Clomipramine is prescribed for situational anxiety and separation anxiety.
It is the first medication prescribed for the separation anxiety in dogs, approved by FDA, and can be used for other types of anxiety as well.
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant medication.
It can show effectiveness after some weeks (up to two months) of use. If, after that period, you do not see any positive change in the dog, you should talk to the doctor and get another medication.
Clomipramine has a form of tablets and can be given with or without food.
Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
Dexmedetomidine is used to treat situational anxiety.
The FDA approved it as a treatment for dogs’ noise aversion.
Dexmedetomidine is an alpha two adrenergic receptor agonist, that depresses the activity of certain parts of the brain, reducing anxiety.
It is useful, especially if it is given before the event that makes the dog anxious, or as soon as there are signs of anxiety.
Sileo is given in the form of a transmucosal gel.
It should not be swallowed but should be absorbed by itself after being applied between the cheek and gums.
It is recommended to use waterproof gloves while using the medication.
The Causes of Dog Anxiety
Merck Veterinary Manual claims that the leading causes of dog anxiety are separation, aging, and fear.
Anxiety connected to the separation
For dogs that have separation anxiety, it is hard and uncomfortable to be home alone or be separated from their family.
As a result, they can bark excessively, tinkle, or excrete in the house, and destroy furniture.
Anxiety connected to aging
Anxiety connected to aging is seen in older dogs.
It can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which reminds about Alzheimer’s disease in people, as it also assumes declining in awareness, memory, perception, and learning. CDS can cause anxiety in dogs.
Anxiety connected to fear
Anxiety can be caused by fear of strange animals and people, items, noise, or specific situations (for example, grass or wooden surfaces, or car rides).
Dog Anxiety Symptoms
Below are some of the main symptoms of dog anxiety:
- Restlessness,
- Aggression,
- Gasping,
- Excessive salivation,
- Pacing,
- Compulsive behavior,
- Excessive barking,
- Urinating in house,
- Destructive behavior.
The most dangerous anxiety symptom is aggression, which can be direct or indirect.
Direct aggression is when the dog is aggressive towards other animals or people.
Indirect aggression happens when a human stands between the dog and the object of his aggression; it can be equally dangerous like direct aggression.
Even if the dog does not harm anyone or anything, he can cause unpleasant situations by excessive barking.
If you’re worried that your dog has started to act anxious, you’re not alone. If you’re looking for the right bed for your little anxious doggo, here are the Best Dog Bed for Small Dogs with Anxiety.
Recommended books and sources
- Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs – Anxiety Composure Relief with Suntheanine – for Dog Stress & Separation Aid in Fireworks, Thunder + Chewing & Barking
- PetHonesty H.Calming Treats for Dogs – All-Natural Soothing Snacks with H. + Valerian Root, Stress & Dog Anxiety Relief – Aids with Thunder, Fireworks, Chewing & Barking
- NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Plus Melatonin 180 Soft Chews 13.9OZ
- ADAPTIL Calm 30 day Refill, helps the dog cope with behavioral issues and life challenges
- Pet Remedy Calming Spray
- HFNE “Dog Depression”
- HFNE “I Hate My Dog (5 Reasons)”
What we recommend for curbing Anxiety
Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety
Online Therapy
- Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.
Anxiety Weighted Blankets
- Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.
Light Therapy
- Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night. An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.
FAQs about the topic “Dog Anxiety Medication.”
What is the best dog anxiety medication?
According to 2019 reviews, there are some best dog anxiety medications involving:
Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser for Dogs;
BarkBox Veterinarian Formulated Dog Calming Supplement;
Adaptil Travel Calming Spray for Dogs;
Bach Rescue Remedy Pet MegaPACK;
VetriScience Composure Pro Chews;
Pet Naturals of Vermont – Calming for Dogs.
How much Benadryl can you give a dog for anxiety?
You can give a dog 1 mg oral Benadryl per pound of body weight.
It is usually given two-three times per day, or as is prescribed by the vet.
Can a vet prescribe anxiety medication?
A vet can prescribe anxiety medication if needed.
Anxiety medication can be prescribed in the form of tablets or liquid.
The most common dog anxiety medication list includes Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam, Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac), Amitriptyline, Buspirone, Clomipramine (Clomicalm), and Dexmedetomidine (Sileo).
What causes dog anxiety?
Dog anxiety can be caused mainly by fear, separation, and aging.
The last can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which assumes declining in awareness, memory, perception, and learning.
Is CBD safe for dogs with anxiety?
CBD is perhaps safe for dogs with anxiety, as it is recommended to give CBD oil to relieve dog anxiety symptoms.
It is a new treatment, and there are still researches done to discover its full potentials and effects.
How do I know if my dog has anxiety?
To know if your dog has anxiety, you should be attentive to see if he shows dog anxiety symptoms like:
Gasping,
Aggression,
Restlessness,
Pacing,
Excessive salivation,
Excessive barking,
Urinating in house,
Compulsive behavior,
Destructive behavior.
Conclusion
Dog anxiety can be caused mainly by aging, fear, or separation.
There are some ways to treat anxiety; however, as our topic is “Dog anxiety medication,” we presented the list of most commonly used dog anxiety medications that can help to relieve stress and anxiety, calming your dog.
Please feel free to comment on the content or ask any questions in the comments section below.
References
Take Control of Your Anxiety Today: Personalized Counseling with BetterHelp
