Dealing with a dog exhibiting anxiety or behavioral disorders can be distressing for both the pet and their owner. Conditions like separation anxiety can be particularly challenging, leaving many pet parents searching for effective solutions. While the array of treatment and medication options can seem overwhelming, understanding how these medications work and when they are most effective is key. Your veterinarian is the primary resource for guiding you through this process, ensuring your dog receives the most appropriate care.
Treatment plans for canine anxiety often involve a multi-faceted approach, frequently including the expertise of a veterinary behaviorist or a certified dog trainer. These professionals collaborate with your veterinarian to develop a behavior modification plan. In conjunction with these strategies, your vet may also prescribe medication to help manage your dog’s anxiety. This guide will explore the different types of anxiety medications available for dogs, how they function, and what options you can discuss with your veterinarian. For more information on managing your dog’s anxiety, consulting with your vet is the first and most crucial step. It’s essential to seek professional veterinary advice to determine the best course of action for your individual pet’s needs.
How Dog Anxiety Medications Work
Anti-anxiety medications are designed to help your dog feel calmer, but they are most effective when paired with behavior-modification protocols. These techniques help your dog reframe their emotional responses to anxiety-inducing triggers or events, fostering a greater sense of relaxation and reducing fear over time. Medication alone typically does not resolve anxiety in dogs; therefore, behavior modification is a necessary component of any comprehensive treatment plan.
Canine anxiety can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of available medications, suitable for both short-term and long-term use. Common behavioral issues in dogs that may indicate anxiety include:
- Fear
- Stress
- Impulsivity
- Obsessive behaviors (e.g., spinning, tail chasing)
- Panic disorders
- Aversions to specific stimuli (e.g., grooming, car rides, veterinary visits)
Regardless of the prescribed medication, resolving anxiety in dogs is rarely a quick fix. Working closely with a certified behaviorist or trainer offers the best path toward effectively addressing your dog’s anxiety-related behaviors. For conditions requiring long-term medical intervention, it may take four to six weeks to fully assess the medication’s effectiveness, with treatment often continuing for at least two months after a positive response is observed.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Some dogs may eventually be weaned off their anti-anxiety medications as they learn to manage their anxiety through behavioral therapy. However, others may require ongoing, long-term treatment. For dogs experiencing anxiety or stress triggered by specific circumstances, such as car rides, veterinary visits, or thunderstorms, short-term medications that act quickly and have a limited duration of effect can be beneficial. If your dog’s sensitivity to these triggers is mild, discuss management and desensitization options with your vet. These might include introducing a travel crate for car rides, using a white noise machine during storms, or implementing positive reinforcement training to counter condition fear responses.
Dogs on medication for six months or longer should undergo yearly checkups, including blood work and periodic re-evaluations of their behavior, to ensure their treatment plan remains optimal.
Common Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Currently, Clomicalm, Reconcile, and Sileo are the only FDA-approved medications specifically for use in dogs. Other medications that veterinarians may recommend are human medications used off-label. Off-label use means a medication is used in a way or for a species not specified on its label. This is permissible only when a veterinarian has direct knowledge of the dog and when no other appropriate medications exist for the dog’s specific condition. These medications might require compounding by a specialty pharmacy to achieve the correct dosage strength for dogs, available in flavored chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, or transdermal formulations. Compounded medications are particularly useful for dogs who struggle to take capsules or require a different delivery method.
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 belongs to the benzodiazepine class of sedatives, which reduce activity in the central nervous system. This short-acting medication takes effect quickly and can be administered up to four times daily. It is most effective when given 30 to 60 minutes before exposure to a trigger. If used long-term, it should not be stopped abruptly; always consult your vet when weaning your dog off this medication. Potential side effects include grogginess and loss of balance.
2. Amitriptyline
- Used in dogs for: Separation anxiety, reactivity, anxious aggression, or generalized anxiety.
- Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that affect mood. It should not be given to pets with diabetes or epilepsy. This medication typically takes one to four weeks to become effective and is usually given twice daily with food. Dogs on amitriptyline for more than a week or two should be tapered off gradually under veterinary guidance. Potential side effects include lethargy, sedation, urinary retention, and dilated pupils.
3. Buspirone
- Used in dogs for: Phobias, generalized anxiety.
- Buspirone, an azapirone class medication, requires consistent use to be effective, making it less suitable for situational anxieties like thunderstorm phobias. It is thought to work by activating serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. This medication can take up to six weeks to show effects and may need to be administered two to three times daily. It is typically dispensed as tablets and can be given with or without food. Potential side effects include loss of appetite.
4. Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
- Used in dogs for: Separation anxiety, repetitive disorders.
- Clomipramine, available as the FDA-approved brand name Clomicalm, is a tricyclic antidepressant that elevates serotonin and norepinephrine levels. It can take four to six weeks for a therapeutic effect, and up to two months to determine its full benefit. Clomipramine is given once or twice daily and should not be stopped abruptly. It can be administered with or without food. Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and decreased appetite. For further information on Clomipramine, consult your veterinarian.
5. Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
- Used in dogs for: Situational anxiety, noise phobias, aversions.
- Sileo is the first FDA-approved medication for noise aversion in dogs. It functions as an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation by depressing activity in certain brain regions. It is most effective when administered 30–60 minutes before a triggering noise event or at the first sign of anxiety. Sileo is a transmucosal gel administered between the cheek and gums; waterproof gloves should be worn during administration. Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, weakness, loss of balance, sedation, head tremors, and inappropriate urination.
6. Diazepam
- Used in dogs for: Situational anxiety, panic disorders, noise aversion, phobias.
- Diazepam should ideally be given 30–60 minutes before an anticipated anxiety-inducing event, or at the earliest sign of anxiety. As a short-acting benzodiazepine, it quickly depresses central nervous system activity. Long-term use requires gradual discontinuation under veterinary supervision. 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, known by the brand name Reconcile (FDA-approved for separation anxiety in dogs), is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and can reduce anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. It is typically given once daily and may take four to six weeks to show noticeable improvements. Potential side effects include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, muscle tremors, diarrhea, restlessness, and excessive vocalization. You can find more information about Fluoxetine through your veterinarian.
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 administered before an anticipated anxiety-provoking event or at the first sign of anxiety. Long-term use necessitates a gradual weaning process under veterinary guidance. It works by promoting GABA activity, which inhibits excitatory nerve signals, leading to a calming effect. 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, noise phobias.
- Paroxetine is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain. It can take four to six weeks to become effective and is given once daily. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use should be avoided; consult your vet for tapering advice. 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, thunderstorm phobia, compulsive behaviors, fear-based aggression.
- Sertraline is an SSRI that boosts serotonin levels, aiding in mood regulation and reducing anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. Like other SSRIs, it requires four to six weeks to reach its full effect and should be administered daily. Dogs on sertraline for two months or longer should not stop the medication abruptly; veterinary guidance is essential for tapering. Potential side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, sedation, and urine holding.
Alternatives To Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Depending on the severity and nature of your dog’s anxiety, your veterinarian might suggest over-the-counter options. These can include dog calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or compression garments like Thundershirts. Always consult your vet to determine if these alternatives are suitable for your pet. Exploring options like dog calming treats can offer additional support for your dog’s well-being.
Dog Anxiety Medications FAQs
What is the best drug for anxiety in dogs?
The best medication for a dog’s anxiety is determined through a thorough veterinary examination to rule out medical causes and understand the specific triggers. Often, medication is prescribed in conjunction with behavioral training. Your vet will guide you in selecting the most appropriate medication based on your dog’s individual needs and condition.
How can I calm my anxious dog down?
Calming an anxious dog involves identifying the root cause, whether it’s medical, pain-related, separation distress, or environmental triggers like thunderstorms. Discussing your dog’s anxiety with your veterinarian is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. This may involve 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, guided by a qualified professional, can significantly help dogs manage and reduce their anxiety. Training focuses on redirecting anxious behaviors and teaching coping mechanisms, which can dramatically decrease a dog’s stress levels.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety?
Benadryl, primarily an antihistamine for allergies, may have mild sedative effects but is generally not considered very effective for treating canine anxiety. Its primary use is for allergic reactions. Consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.
Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?
Melatonin can help some dogs relax and may be useful for managing anxiety. However, to establish the most effective treatment plan for your dog’s specific anxiety, consulting with your veterinarian is essential.
