Understanding Behavior Medications for Dogs
If you're worried about putting your dog on behavior medication, you're not alone. Many pet owners share concerns about these medications changing their dog's personality or making them overly sedated. These concerns are valid, and it's important to approach this topic with the right information.
When our dogs struggle with anxiety or other behavioral issues, it can be heart-wrenching to see them suffer. While medication is sometimes necessary, it's natural to worry about the potential effects. Rest assured, many medications are designed to help reduce anxiety and improve your dog’s quality of life without taking away their unique personality. In this blog post, we'll explore common behavior medications for dogs, how they work, what they treat, and what to expect, so you can make an informed decision for your furry family member.
What Are Behavior Medications?
Behavior medications for dogs are drugs prescribed by veterinarians to help manage various behavioral issues, such as anxiety, aggression, and compulsive behaviors. These medications can help balance the chemicals in your dog's brain, making it easier for them to cope with stressful situations and reduce problematic behaviors.
How to Know if Your Dog Needs Them
Determining if your dog needs behavior medication can be challenging.
It's essential to consult with your behavior professional or veterinarian to evaluate your dog's behavior and discuss potential treatment options. Ultimately, your vet will determine if medication is the right choice.
Some Signs Your Dog May Need Meds
- Not responding to behavior modification.
- Persistent anxiety or fearfulness.
- Aggression towards people.
- Inability to relax.
Will Behavior Meds change my dog?
It's a common concern that behavior medications will drastically change your dog's personality or make them overly sedated. However, much of what is feared about these medications is a misconception. These medications are designed to help your dog feel more at ease without dulling their unique personality. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Mild Effects: Behavior medications are typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose. This helps to ensure that your dog’s personality remains unchanged while alleviating anxiety or stress.
- Taking the Edge Off: Rather than drastically altering your dog's behavior, these medications take the edge off their anxiety or stress, allowing them to function more comfortably. Your dog can still be themselves, but without the burden of constant anxiety or fear.
- Sedation: While sedation can be a side effect, it’s usually temporary as your dog adjusts to the medication. The goal is not to sedate your dog into inactivity but to help them manage their anxiety in a healthy way.
- Quality of Life: The right medication can significantly enhance your dog’s quality of life by reducing their fear and anxiety. This means they can enjoy their daily activities more fully and engage with their family in a more relaxed manner.
How to Get Behavior Medications for Your Dog
Getting the right behavior medication for your dog is a process that involves careful evaluation and collaboration with your veterinarian. Here’s what that looks like:
1. Book an Appointment with Your Veterinarian
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your vet. During this appointment, you’ll need to provide a detailed description of your dog’s behaviors. Be as specific as possible to help your vet understand the issues at hand. Consider including the following information:
- Frequency and Duration: How often does the behavior occur and how long does it last?
- Triggers: What seems to trigger the behavior? Is it specific situations, people, or environments?
- Severity: How severe is the behavior? Is it causing harm to your dog, other pets, or people?
- Previous Attempts at Modification: Have you tried any training or behavior modification techniques? What were the results?
2. Provide Visual Aids
Visual aids can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian. If possible, take videos of your dog exhibiting the problematic behaviors. This can give your vet a clearer picture of what’s happening and help them make a more accurate diagnosis.
3. Detailed Evaluation by Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough evaluation to understand your dog’s behavior. This might include:
- Physical Examination: To rule out any medical issues that could be contributing to the behavior.
- Observations: Watching your dog’s interactions and responses in different situations.
- Behavioral History: Gathering a comprehensive history of your dog’s behavior patterns.
Your vet will want to be completely sure before writing a prescription. This ensures that the medication prescribed is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
4. Medication as Part of a Behavior Modification Plan
It’s important to understand that medication alone is not a cure-all for behavioral issues. Any medication must be used as part of a larger behavior modification plan. This plan may include:
- Training Sessions: Working with a canine behavior professional to address specific behaviors.
- Consistent Routines: Establishing a routine that provides stability and predictability for your dog.
- Environmental Changes: Adjusting your dog’s environment to reduce stressors.
5. Book a Free Consultation with Me
As an IAABC Canine Behavior Consultant and ABCDT Dog Trainer specializing in Dogs & Babies, I work with moms all over the world. Because this is my specialty, I've seen it all and can help your dog adjust to your baby, toddler, or child. I will work directly with your veterinarian to incorporate Behavioral Medications into your dog's Behavior Modification Plan. My goal is to keep everyone safe while leaving you feeling empowered, supported, and relieved. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, aggression, or any other behavioral issue, I provide the tools, strategies, and ongoing support you need to confidently manage your dog's behavior and create a harmonious home. Together, we can ensure a smooth transition and a safe, loving environment for both your dog and your child.
What Meds Are Available?
Images provided as reference. Appearance will vary based on dosage & manufacturer.
Daily Use Medications
Long-Acting
Fluoxetine
(Prozac®)
Class of Drug: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
How It Works: Increases the levels of serotonin in the brain to help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
What It Treats: Generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behaviors.
How Fast It Acts: This medication needs to be taken daily and typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to see significant improvement.
Common Side Effects: Short-term lethargy, reduced appetite, gastrointestinal upset. Typically resolves within 2 weeks.
Clomipramine
(Clomicalm®)
Class of Drug: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
How It Works: Increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to help regulate mood.
What It Treats: Separation anxiety & associated behaviors.
How Fast It Acts: Requires daily administration and may take several weeks to become effective.
Common Side Effects: Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sedation. Typically resolves within 2 weeks.
Gabapentin
Class of Drug: Anticonvulsant/Analgesic
How It Works: Affects the neurotransmitter GABA to reduce anxiety and pain.
What It Treats: Anxiety, particularly when combined with other medications.
How Fast It Acts: It can be used both situationally and daily, but daily use may be recommended for ongoing issues.
Common Side Effects: Sedation, ataxia (loss of coordination), mild gastrointestinal upset. Typically resolves within 2 weeks.
Situational Medications
Short-Acting
Trazodone
Class of Drug: Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI)
How It Works: Increases serotonin levels to promote calmness and reduce anxiety.
What It Treats: Situational anxiety, such as during vet visits or car rides.
How Fast It Acts: Works within 1 to 2 hours of administration and is used as needed.
Common Side Effects: Sedation, lethargy, ataxia, gastrointestinal upset.
Important Note: Not recommended for dogs who might bite as it lowers bite inhibition. Not recommended with small kids in the home.
Alprazolam
(Xanax®)
Class of Drug: Benzodiazepine
How It Works: Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA to produce a calming effect.
What It Treats: Acute anxiety episodes, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks.
How Fast It Acts: Rapid onset, usually within 30 minutes to an hour, and used situationally.
Common Side Effects: Sedation, ataxia, increased appetite, behavioral changes.
DO NOT STOP ABRUPTLY! Consult your vet for a safe tapering schedule to avoid life threatening withdrawal.
Dexmedetomidine
(Sileo®)
Class of Drug: Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
How It Works: Reduces the release of norepinephrine, a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response.
What It Treats: Situational anxiety, especially noise phobias like fireworks.
How Fast It Acts: Fast-acting, typically taking effect within 30 to 60 minutes and used as needed.
Reduces the release of norepinephrine, a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response.
Common Side Effects: Sedation, vomiting, pale gums, bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Acepromazine (ACE®)
Class of Drug: Phenothiazine Tranquilizer
How It Works: Suppresses the central nervous system to produce a sedative effect.*
What It Treats: Often prescribed for anxiety, but new studies show it does not reduce fear and anxiety response.
Common Side Effects: Sedation, hypotension (low blood pressure), aggression, lack of coordination.
WARNING
Recent developments in veterinary science have shown that Acepromazine, often known as ACE, is no longer recommended for treating anxiety in dogs. Contrary to initial understanding, this medication acts like a chemical straightjacket: it sedates dogs so they can't physically respond to stress, but they still experience the underlying fear and anxiety. This worsens their phobias over time. Unfortunately, some vets who are not privy to this new science may still be prescribing it. Studies have shown that ACE doesn't reduce the fear response and can exacerbate anxiety issues in the long run. It's best to avoid ACE and look for more effective, humane options. Always consult with a Duly Licensed Veterinarian to find the best solution for your dog's needs.
Getting behavior medications for your dog involves more than just a prescription. It requires a detailed understanding of your dog’s behaviors, a thorough evaluation by your veterinarian, and a comprehensive behavior modification plan. By working closely with your vet and incorporating medications as part of a larger strategy, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and reduce their anxiety or stress.
For personalized advice and a customized behavior modification plan, book a free phone consultation with me and start your journey towards a happier, more balanced life for your dog.
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IAABC Canine Behavior Consultant
Jaime specializes in helping families harmonize the relationship between their dogs and new babies. With a compassionate, science-based approach, Jaime offers practical advice and training techniques to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends.
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