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Medications For Anxiety Treatment Dogs The majority of medications are given as part of a behavioral modification plan. Clomipramine and fluoxetine that belong to the anxiolytic azaperone family work by increasing levels of chemical messengers within the nervous system. Other medications block the reabsorption hormone serotonin. This makes dogs feel more relaxed. They also inhibit the release of a stress hormone known as cortisol. Amitriptyline Many dog owners have found that medications can reduce their pet's anxiety or fear-based behaviors. They are usually prescribed and can be taken either on a long-term or short-term schedule. Medications are not always the first choice however, and may be used in combination with other methods, such as behavioral modification. The prescription of medications is for dogs suffering from a variety of anxiety-related behaviors, such as self-mutilation, aversion to licking (including pulling fur out) and aggression. Tricyclic antidepressants are commonly known as such and function by preventing serotonin reuptake specific brain regions. The most frequently prescribed drugs include clomipramine fluoxetine as well as sertraline. These SSRIs can reduce anxiety in pets, however they must be taken each day for several weeks to determine their effectiveness. Nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness are common adverse effects. These medications are not recommended for dogs who are nursing or pregnant. Diazepam (Valium) – Effective in treating severe situational anxiety It is available in pills and works by reducing activity in certain parts of the central nervous system. It is best administered prior to the anxiety triggering event. Clomipramine, also known as Clomicalm is commonly prescribed to treat separation anxiety. It also helps regulate sleep patterns. It is effective in alleviating anxiety related to situations, such as noise phobias or fears and should be administered at the earliest signs of anxiety, or prior to the trigger stimulus. Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac) – FDA-approved for separation anxiety, this medication is effective in reducing compulsive behavior such as over-grooming and aggression and also helps control urinary tract issues like urine spraying and pica. It is usually prescribed in pill form. However, veterinarians may prescribe other formulations, such as chewables or liquid medications. Alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam(Klonopin) are also available in the benzodiazepine drug family. Both are sedatives and can calm dogs. They also act quickly and reduce the activity in specific parts of the central nervous system. They should be administered as fast as possible after the first sign of anxiety. They are usually administered with food to prevent stomach upset. Buspirone For dogs suffering from anxiety that isn't responding to behavioral modifications or environmental changes medication may be needed. There are a variety of alternatives available, including antidepressants, sedatives and other prescription medications. These medications can be taken by themselves or in conjunction with other treatments. The aim is to determine the medication that is most suitable for your dog's needs and provides relief for them. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help to ensure that there are greater levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce fear and anxiety, in the brain. SSRIs are Prozac and Sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants also increase serotonin in the brain. These medications are used to treat depression and may take a few weeks before they show any effect. TCAs are prescribed to treat dog anxiety. Examples include amitriptyline clomipramine and clomipramine. Buspirone is a second alternative for treating anxiety. It is an anxiolytic, meaning it can help alleviate feelings of anxiety through binding to the receptors in your pet's brain which receive serotonin. It does not have the adverse effects of TCAs or SSRIs like sedation or muscle relaxation. This medication is given to dogs twice or three times a day, and is often used in conjunction with positive behavioral modification programs to ensure that therapy is successful. Giving your dog this medication with food can reduce the chance of stomach adverse reactions. Your vet will determine the right dosage of each medication to suit your pet's individual situation and needs. Certain medications, like SSRIs, may take up two months to take an effect. Others, such as benzodiazepines, act much faster. A doctor may also suggest a compounded form of the drug when it is not feasible to safely administer it in pill form. The earlier you recognize anxiety in your dog, the quicker you can establish the treatment plan that will relieve its symptoms. The longer your pet suffers from anxiety, the more difficult it is to treat, and can lead serious health issues. Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors A veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs as part of the treatment plan for your dog. These medications, which are often referred to as anxiolytics or antidepressants affect mood by altering neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine in the brain. They are either short-acting or long-acting such as fluoxetine. Some drugs are used to treat a specific anxiety trigger such as fireworks on the Fourth of July or a vet visit while others can be used daily to combat chronic anxiety issues like separation anxiety or anxiety over noise. The medication is available in capsule, pill or chewable tablet form. The reaction and tolerance of your dog's response to medications will differ. It is recommended to test a variety of medications until you find one that is most effective for him. Acepromazine (a tranquilizer) is a potent short-acting medication that reduces activity in the central nervous system by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as adrenaline. It is associated with serious adverse effects such as confusion and low blood sugar levels, so it is generally prescribed only in an emergency, like a car accident or medical emergency. The most popular long-acting anxiolytics are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as fluoxetine and sertraline. These medications help dogs with generalized anxiety such as noise phobias, compulsive behaviors such as self-mutilation and licking as well as self-mutilation. Fluoxetine or clomipramine is usually used in conjunction with a behavior modification program to increase the effectiveness. Short-acting anxiolytics comprise benzodiazepines, like alprazolam which can be used quickly and effectively to calm dogs in specific situations of anxiety such as thunderstorm phobia or going to the vet. These medications have a strong sedative effect, so they are also employed to relax dogs prior to surgery or other procedures. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only when absolutely necessary. It is crucial to consult your vet or a veterinary behaviorist before stopping anti-anxiety medication and especially if you notice improvement in your dog's. In the ideal scenario, as your dog learns new ways of coping and is less dependent on medication and less dependent on medication, the need for medication will decrease. However, dogs with severe or chronic anxiety disorders may require a lifetime treatment to improve their lives. Tricyclic Antidepressants There are many medications that can be used short- or long-term to manage dog anxiety. Some medications, such as SSRIs are effective in treating most dogs with anxiety. Others, such as benzodiazepine are beneficial for specific fears or phobias. Natural products, like CBD oil, pheromones and aromatherapy, can be useful. Your veterinarian will be able decide the best medication (or combination of medications) for your dog's requirements. Antianxiety medications can reduce your pet's fear and stress by altering the way the brain makes chemicals that influence mood. Some are long-acting and meant to be taken every day, while others are quick-acting and may be given at the time of a triggering event such as car rides or Fourth of July fireworks. SSRIs boost the levels of serotonin, and norepinephrine in the nervous system. These chemical messengers affect the stress response and mood. Examples of SSRIs include sertraline and fluoxetine. Trazodone is a fast-acting drug that reduces the reabsorption of serotonin and blocks its receptors, thereby providing anxiolytic and sedative effects. It is frequently used in conjunction with SSRIs and can be used to treat anxiety in specific circumstances or as a part of a daily medication regimen. It is not associated with any adverse effects and is well-accepted by dogs. Tricyclic antidepressants block reabsorption of neurotransmitters acetylcholine as well as norepineph which affect mood and alertness. Amitriptyline or Clomipramine are two TCAs that can be used to treat dogs with anxiety. These medications usually take one to four weeks to reach full effectiveness and should not be taken off abruptly. The use of medication can be a valuable component in treating anxiety in your dog, but they should be utilized in conjunction with training and behavior modification to get the most effective results. They aren't an effective treatment for anxiety and they will only work in the event that the dog is exposed to the things that trigger anxiety in a secure and controlled environment. Certain dogs suffer from anxiety based on generalized fear, which can be triggered by anything including loud noises, unfamiliar animals or people and being left in a quiet place for prolonged periods of time, traveling in the car or going to the vet's office. Some dogs are anxious based on specific situations like thunderstorms, or going to the dog park.