Dealing with a dog experiencing anxiety can be distressing for both the pet and the owner. Various behavioral disorders, such as separation anxiety, can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life. Fortunately, as pet parents, we have options to help manage these conditions. The first and most crucial step is consulting with your veterinarian, who can provide the best resources and guidance for treating dog anxiety. After a thorough health check, your vet can recommend appropriate treatment plans, which may involve a veterinary behaviorist, a licensed dog trainer, and potentially anxiety medication.
This article will delve into what dog anxiety medications are, how they function, and the common options available for discussion with your vet. It’s important to remember that medication is most effective when combined with behavior modification protocols. While medication can help calm your dog, behavior modification techniques are essential for remodeling their emotional responses to triggers, helping them feel less fearful and more relaxed overall.
How Dog Anxiety Medications Work
Anxiety medications for dogs don’t typically resolve anxiety on their own; they are most effective when used in conjunction with behavioral modification strategies. These medications can help your dog feel calmer, while behavior modification teaches them to manage their emotional responses to triggers, leading to a more relaxed state. Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways, including fear, stress, impulsivity, obsessive behaviors, panic disorders, and aversions to specific stimuli or experiences. Canine anxiety medications are available for both short-term and long-term use, depending on the specific needs of the dog.
It’s crucial to understand that there are no quick fixes for dog anxiety, regardless of the medication prescribed. Collaborating with a certified behaviorist or trainer is the most effective approach to resolving anxiety-related behaviors. For long-term treatment, it may take four to six weeks for the medication to become fully effective, and treatment should continue for at least two months after a positive response is observed.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Some dogs can eventually be weaned off anxiety medications as they learn new coping mechanisms through behavioral therapy. Others may require long-term management. For situations that trigger anxiety, such as car rides, veterinary visits, or thunderstorms, short-term medications that act quickly and have a limited duration may be beneficial. For milder sensitivities, your vet might suggest management and desensitization techniques alongside medication. This could include introducing a travel crate for car journeys, using a white noise machine during storms, or employing positive reinforcement to counter fear responses.
Dogs on medication for six months or longer should have annual check-ups, including blood work, and periodic re-evaluations of their behavior to ensure the treatment plan remains optimal.
Common Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Currently, Clomicalm, Reconcile, and Sileo are the only FDA-approved anxiety medications specifically for dogs. Other medications your veterinarian might recommend are human medications used “off-label,” meaning they are used in a way not specified on the label. This practice is reserved for situations where no other appropriate medications exist and is done under a veterinarian’s direct supervision. Sometimes, these human medications need to be compounded by a specialty pharmacy into a flavored tablet, capsule, or liquid to ensure the correct dosage and palatability for dogs.
Here are some of the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications for dogs:
1. Alprazolam (Xanax)
Used in dogs for: phobias, fear, panic disorders.
Alprazolam is often prescribed for situational anxiety, such as during thunderstorms, road trips, or vet visits. It’s a short-acting benzodiazepine sedative that takes effect quickly and can be administered up to four times daily. It’s most effective when given 30-60 minutes before exposure to a trigger. If used long-term, it should not be stopped abruptly; always consult your vet when tapering off. Potential side effects include grogginess and loss of balance.
2. Amitriptyline
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, reactivity, anxious aggression, or generalized anxiety.
This tricyclic antidepressant works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that influence mood. It’s not suitable for dogs with diabetes or epilepsy. Amitriptyline takes one to four weeks to show effects and is typically given twice daily with food. Dogs on this medication for over a week or two should be gradually weaned off under veterinary guidance. Potential side effects include lethargy, sedation, difficulty urinating, and dilated pupils.
3. Buspirone
Used in dogs for: phobias, generalized anxiety.
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that requires consistent use to be effective, making it less suitable for situational anxieties. It works by activating serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Effects can take up to six weeks to manifest, and it may be given two to three times daily. Potential side effects include loss of appetite.
4. Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, repetitive disorders.
Available as Clomicalm, this FDA-approved medication is a tricyclic antidepressant that increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels. It can take four to six weeks to see therapeutic effects, and up to two months to determine its full benefit. Clomipramine is given once or twice daily and should not be stopped abruptly. Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.
5. Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
Used in dogs for: situational anxiety, noise phobias, aversions.
Sileo is the first FDA-approved medication for noise-aversion-triggered fear and anxiety in dogs. It acts by depressing brain activity, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It’s most effective when administered 30-60 minutes before a noise event or at the first sign of anxiety. Sileo is a transmucosal gel absorbed through the mouth lining. Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, weakness, loss of balance, and sedation.
6. Diazepam
Used in dogs for: situational anxiety, panic disorders, noise aversion, phobias.
Diazepam, a short-acting benzodiazepine, should ideally be given 30-60 minutes before an anxiety-inducing event or at the first sign of anxiety. Like other benzodiazepines, it should not be stopped abruptly if used long-term. Potential side effects include grogginess, sedation, loss of balance, increased appetite, agitation, and aggression.
7. Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac)
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, fear, aggression, compulsive behaviors, impulsivity.
Fluoxetine, available as Reconcile (FDA-approved for separation anxiety), is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, aiding mood regulation and reducing anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. It’s given once daily and can take four to six weeks to show noticeable improvements. Potential side effects include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, muscle tremors, diarrhea, restlessness, and excessive vocalization.
8. Lorazepam (Ativan)
Used in dogs for: situational anxiety, phobias, fear anxiety, panic disorders.
Lorazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that takes effect in about 30 minutes. It should be given before an anticipated anxiety-provoking event or at the first sign of anxiety. Long-term use requires gradual tapering under veterinary supervision. Potential side effects include grogginess, sedation, loss of balance, increased appetite, excitement, and aggressive behavior.
9. Paroxetine (Paxil)
Used in dogs for: generalized anxiety, anxious aggression, anxiety-related behaviors, fear of noises.
Paroxetine is another SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain. It typically takes four to six weeks to become effective and is given once daily. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use should be avoided. Potential side effects include constipation, loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, sedation, lethargy, and urine holding.
10. Sertraline (Zoloft)
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, anxiety disorders, impulsivity disorders, thunderstorm phobia, compulsive behaviors, fear-based aggression.
Sertraline is an SSRI that enhances serotonin levels, helping to regulate mood and reduce anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. It takes four to six weeks for full effect and should be given daily. If discontinuing after two months or longer, gradual tapering is necessary. Potential side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, sedation, and urine holding.
Alternatives To Anxiety Medications for Dogs
In addition to prescription medications, your veterinarian might suggest over-the-counter options for mild anxiety. These can include dog calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or compression garments like Thundershirts. Always discuss these options with your vet to ensure they are appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.
Dog Anxiety Medications FAQs
What is the best drug for anxiety in dogs?
The best medication for a dog’s anxiety depends on the individual dog, the type of anxiety, and the underlying causes. A veterinarian’s diagnosis and recommendation are essential. Often, a combination of medication and behavioral therapy yields the best results.
How can I calm my anxious dog down?
Calming an anxious dog involves identifying the trigger, which could be medical, environmental, or situational. Consulting your veterinarian is key to determining the cause and developing a treatment plan. This might include behavioral modification, creating a safe space, increasing exercise, using calming aids like pheromones or supplements, and potentially medication.
Can you train anxiety out of a dog?
Behavioral training and modification techniques, guided by a professional, can significantly help dogs manage their anxiety. Training can teach dogs coping mechanisms and redirect anxious behaviors, leading to a reduction in stress.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety?
Benadryl is an antihistamine primarily used for allergies. While it may have mild sedative effects, it’s generally not considered a primary treatment for significant anxiety in dogs and is typically not very helpful for dogs with anxiety.
Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?
Melatonin can sometimes help certain dogs relax and cope with anxiety. However, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian to determine the best and safest treatment plan for your dog’s specific anxiety issues.
Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
