Dog anxiety is a common and often distressing condition for both pets and their owners. Dealing with behavioral disorders, especially those as debilitating as separation anxiety, can be overwhelming. This guide aims to provide a clear overview of dog anxiety medications, how they work, and the various options available for discussion with your veterinarian.
The Role of Behavior Modification and Medication
It’s crucial to understand that anxiety medications for dogs are most effective when combined with behavior modification protocols. While medication can help your dog feel calmer, behavior modification techniques are essential for remodeling their emotional responses to anxiety-inducing triggers. This approach helps dogs learn to be less fearful and more relaxed in general. Medication alone is rarely a complete solution, making behavior modification a necessary component of any treatment plan.
Canine anxiety can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of behavioral problems, including:
- Fear
- Stress
- Impulsivity
- Obsessive behaviors (e.g., spinning, tail chasing)
- Panic disorders
- Aversions to specific stimuli or experiences (e.g., grooming, car rides)
Regardless of the medication prescribed, there are no quick fixes for dog anxiety. Collaborating with a certified behaviorist or trainer is the most effective way to address your dog’s anxiety-related behaviors. For conditions requiring long-term medical treatment, it may take four to six weeks to see the full effects of the medication, and treatment should continue for at least two months after a positive response is observed.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Anxiety Medications
Some dogs can eventually be weaned off anxiety medications as they learn coping mechanisms through behavioral therapy. Others, however, may require long-term treatment. For dogs experiencing anxiety triggered by specific circumstances, such as car rides, veterinary visits, or thunderstorms, short-term medications that act quickly and have a short duration of effect can be beneficial. For milder sensitivities, your veterinarian might suggest management and desensitization options alongside medication. These could include introducing a travel crate for car journeys, using a white noise machine during storms, or employing positive reinforcement training to counter-condition fear responses.
Dogs on medication for extended periods (six months or longer) should undergo yearly checkups, including blood work, and periodic behavior re-evaluations to ensure their treatment plan remains optimal.
Commonly Prescribed Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Currently, Clomicalm, Reconcile, and Sileo are the only FDA-approved medications specifically for use in dogs. Other medications your veterinarian may recommend are human medications used off-label. Off-label use is permissible when a veterinarian has direct knowledge of the dog and when no other suitable medications are available. These medications may need to be compounded by a specialty pharmacy into flavored chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, or transdermal formulations, especially if the appropriate dosage strength for dogs is unavailable or if the dog dislikes taking capsules.
Here’s an overview of commonly prescribed dog anxiety medications:
1. Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Used for: Phobias, fear, panic disorders.
- Mechanism: A short-acting benzodiazepine sedative that depresses central nervous system activity.
- Usage: Effective for situational anxiety like thunderstorms, road trips, and vet visits. Best given 30-60 minutes before exposure to the trigger. Can be used up to four times daily. Do not stop abruptly if used long-term; consult your vet.
- Potential Side Effects: Grogginess, loss of balance.
2. Amitriptyline
- Used for: Separation anxiety, reactivity, anxious aggression, generalized anxiety.
- Mechanism: A tricyclic antidepressant that increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Not suitable for dogs with diabetes or epilepsy.
- Usage: Takes 1-4 weeks to become effective. Generally given twice daily with food. Taper off if used for more than a week or two.
- Potential Side Effects: Lethargy, sedation, urine holding, dilated pupils.
3. Buspirone
- Used for: Phobias, generalized anxiety.
- Mechanism: An azapirone class medication that activates serotonin and dopamine receptors. Requires continuous use.
- Usage: Takes up to six weeks to be effective. May be given two to three times daily. Dispensed as tablets, with or without food.
- Potential Side Effects: Loss of appetite.
4. Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
- Used for: Separation anxiety, repetitive disorders.
- Mechanism: A tricyclic antidepressant that increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
- Usage: FDA-approved brand name is Clomicalm. Takes 4-6 weeks for therapeutic effect, up to two months to assess benefit. Given once or twice daily. Do not stop abruptly. Can be given with or without food.
- Potential Side Effects: Drowsiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, dry mouth, decreased appetite.
5. Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
- Used for: Situational anxiety, noise phobias, aversions.
- Mechanism: An alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
- Usage: FDA-approved for noise aversion. Works best when given 30-60 minutes before a triggering event or at the first sign of anxiety. Administered as an oromucosal gel between the cheek and gums. Wear gloves during administration.
- Potential Side Effects: Drowsiness, vomiting, weakness, loss of balance, sedation, head tremor, inappropriate urination.
6. Diazepam
- Used for: Situational anxiety, panic disorders, noise aversion, phobias.
- Mechanism: A short-acting benzodiazepine sedative.
- Usage: Best given 30-60 minutes before a known anxiety-inducing event, or at the first sign of anxiety. Should not be stopped abruptly if used long-term.
- Potential Side Effects: Grogginess, sedation, loss of balance, increased appetite, agitation, aggression.
7. Fluoxetine (Reconcile or Prozac)
- Used for: Separation anxiety, fear, aggression, compulsive behaviors, impulsivity.
- Mechanism: A selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain.
- Usage: FDA-approved brand name Reconcile for separation anxiety. Also used for other anxiety and behavior issues. Given once daily, takes 4-6 weeks for noticeable improvement.
- Potential Side Effects: Lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, muscle tremors, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive vocalization.
8. Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Used for: Situational anxiety, phobias, fear anxiety, panic disorders.
- Mechanism: A short-acting benzodiazepine that promotes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity.
- Usage: Takes effect in about 30 minutes. Best given before an anxiety-inducing event or at the first sign of anxiety. Do not stop abruptly if used long-term.
- Potential Side Effects: Grogginess, sedation, loss of balance, increased appetite, excitement, aggressive behavior.
9. Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Used for: Generalized anxiety, anxious aggression, noise fears.
- Mechanism: An SSRI that increases serotonin levels.
- Usage: Takes 4-6 weeks to take effect. Given once daily. Do not stop abruptly if used long-term.
- Potential Side Effects: Constipation, loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, sedation, lethargy, urine holding.
10. Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Used for: Separation anxiety, anxiety disorders, impulsivity, thunderstorm phobia, compulsive behaviors, fear-based aggression.
- Mechanism: An SSRI that increases serotonin levels.
- Usage: Takes 4-6 weeks for full effect. Given daily. Do not stop abruptly if used for two months or longer.
- Potential Side Effects: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, sedation, urine holding.
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Depending on the severity and cause of your dog’s anxiety, your veterinarian might suggest over-the-counter options such as dog calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or compression garments like Thundershirts.
Dog Anxiety Medications FAQs
What is the best drug for anxiety in dogs?
The best medication depends on the individual dog and the type of anxiety. A veterinarian visit is essential to rule out medical causes and determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include behavior modification and medication.
How can I calm my anxious dog down?
Identify the trigger (medical issues, separation, noise phobias) and consult your veterinarian. Treatment may involve a trainer or behaviorist, creating a safe space, increasing exercise, using calming aids, and potentially medication.
Can you train anxiety out of a dog?
Behavioral training and modification can significantly reduce a dog’s anxiety by teaching them coping mechanisms and redirecting anxious behaviors.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety?
Benadryl is an antihistamine primarily for allergies. While it may have mild sedative effects, it is generally not very effective for significant anxiety in dogs.
Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?
Melatonin can help some dogs relax and may be useful for anxiety. However, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan.
