As a last resort, dog anxiety medication can be handy in helping to lessen the effect of anxiety on a dog, but still needs to be mixed with a behaviour modification training programme to be really effective.
Usually, your vet will prescribe one of the three kinds of anti-anxiety medicines that are looked at below, but in all cases will need to be watched closely as there are potential side-effects you want to look out for which won't help reduce dog anxiety.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine comes from a group of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. They help by raising the level of serotonin produced by the brain, which has a calming effect. The medication can be given in tablet or capsule form and it may take almost a month before you notice improvements.
Studies have shown Clomipramine to have side effects of sickness, diarrhoea, increased thirst, sleepiness or depression and elevation in liver enzymes. It could also have interaction with other medicines, so you must tell your vet about any other medicines your dog is taking. There are other health issues where this drug shouldn't be used or where caution should be taken, which your vet should inform you about.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine comes from the group of drugs known as SSRI, which were initially utilised for humans and has been adopted for animal use. It is mostly prescribed for short term use, although dogs need to be given Fluoxetine for 6 to 8 weeks before it can be determined the medication is not working. Fluoxetine is administered daily and is available as tablets, capsules or in a liquid form.
The key complications are stomach upset, and others include loss of appetite, listlessness, panting, hyperactivity, shaking, restlessness, increased noise and aggression. This drug can have also react with other medicines, so always mention medications and health problems to your vet. An overdose of Fluoxetine may cause a seizure so contact your vet straight away.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a mild tranquilizer from the same class of drugs as Valium and comes in tablet or liquid form. It can be productive given when needed, for example a half hour before a storm or fireworks event. Alprazolam can also be utilised for longer periods of time so that owners can work with the dog on behavioural change, but should be utilized with care as high doses and extended use can cause dependence.
The drug's most typical side-effects are clumsiness and listlessness, and shouldn't be given to dogs with health issues such as glaucoma, liver damage, or to dogs that are pregnant or lactating. It's also known to have interaction with other medicines, so always tell your vet about any other drugs your dog is being given.
Making Decisions About Dog Anxiety Medication
The info given is designed as a guide only to some of the differing kinds of dog anxiety medications available. As there are upsides and downsides to all those mentioned, you have to talk to your vet before deciding what dog anxiety treatment is the best for your dog.
Usually, your vet will prescribe one of the three kinds of anti-anxiety medicines that are looked at below, but in all cases will need to be watched closely as there are potential side-effects you want to look out for which won't help reduce dog anxiety.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine comes from a group of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. They help by raising the level of serotonin produced by the brain, which has a calming effect. The medication can be given in tablet or capsule form and it may take almost a month before you notice improvements.
Studies have shown Clomipramine to have side effects of sickness, diarrhoea, increased thirst, sleepiness or depression and elevation in liver enzymes. It could also have interaction with other medicines, so you must tell your vet about any other medicines your dog is taking. There are other health issues where this drug shouldn't be used or where caution should be taken, which your vet should inform you about.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine comes from the group of drugs known as SSRI, which were initially utilised for humans and has been adopted for animal use. It is mostly prescribed for short term use, although dogs need to be given Fluoxetine for 6 to 8 weeks before it can be determined the medication is not working. Fluoxetine is administered daily and is available as tablets, capsules or in a liquid form.
The key complications are stomach upset, and others include loss of appetite, listlessness, panting, hyperactivity, shaking, restlessness, increased noise and aggression. This drug can have also react with other medicines, so always mention medications and health problems to your vet. An overdose of Fluoxetine may cause a seizure so contact your vet straight away.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a mild tranquilizer from the same class of drugs as Valium and comes in tablet or liquid form. It can be productive given when needed, for example a half hour before a storm or fireworks event. Alprazolam can also be utilised for longer periods of time so that owners can work with the dog on behavioural change, but should be utilized with care as high doses and extended use can cause dependence.
The drug's most typical side-effects are clumsiness and listlessness, and shouldn't be given to dogs with health issues such as glaucoma, liver damage, or to dogs that are pregnant or lactating. It's also known to have interaction with other medicines, so always tell your vet about any other drugs your dog is being given.
Making Decisions About Dog Anxiety Medication
The info given is designed as a guide only to some of the differing kinds of dog anxiety medications available. As there are upsides and downsides to all those mentioned, you have to talk to your vet before deciding what dog anxiety treatment is the best for your dog.
About the Author:
Author Venice Marriott is a writer, dog owner and runs a Dog Anxiety website, which provides help and information for dog owners dealing with the behaviour problems created by dog anxiety. Get more information about the dog anxiety medication when you visit the site.
No comments:
Post a Comment