Anti-Anxiety Medication for Dogs - 3 Benefits!

[@rarshrallow]

OMG I love you and I love this video, yes yes yes, I was anti anti anxiety meds for the longest time refusing because of one bad experience with some meds that didn't jive with my dog. But one day a friend told me "your dog has no quality of life BECAUSE he is too anxious to enjoy it" and I went to 3 dog trainers and they all said the same thing... put him on meds, so reluctantly called my vet who confirmed that we should have him on something and BOY it makes a difference I wish I had tried much much earlier he is still my Skamp but is so much more of a dog. He actually does dog stuff now instead of standing at alert all the time. He is currently sleeping next to me and not watching my every move to make sure I don't leave him for more than 2 seconds. To anyone who sees this if your vet or behaviorist has recommended medication and their quality of life is suffering do it. It may take some time for you two to find the right meds and dose but it is so worth seeing your dog enjoy life to its fullest extend. That is my TED talk.

[@EverythingDog]

Megan, thank you so much for posting this about your dog and your anxiety/medication experience. You said it: "...so much more of a dog and is doing dog things!" I wish everyone could see how their dog suffers with anxiety. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Xodeladelamore]

What kind of medicine

[@alejandrapachano5196]

Hello, I have a one and a half year old dachshund, and since I have had him at home since he was two months old, he barks at everything, he gets scared and reacts to any stimulus, sound, person, dog, everything... He has already been in two training processes, one with positive reinforcement and rewards, but when he is with these stimuli he does not pay attention to any of the rewards because he is barking loudly and intensely, so it did not work. Then I had him in rational training (they use a "training" collar, which seems more like a choke to me) and his behavior on the street improved a little, but he still barks at everything he sees on the street (people, children, sounds of noise). cars and motorcycles, a person sneezing, etc.) and also barks in the apartment due to sounds from the neighbors or noises coming from the street. I got a dr. veterinary ethologist and now she is accompanying me in the process, my dog ​​is being medicated with Fluoxetine and Topiramate to calm the anxiety, and the ethologist explains to me that it is a type of disorder associated with sensory processing, which causes him to vocalize when faced with any stimulus. I hope it works to improve your quality of life (and ours too). Have you had similar cases in dachshunds or other breeds? What can you tell me about this? Greetings and thanks for the video.

[@alejandrapachano5196]

They also prescribed trazodone as S.O.S in special cases, for example, going out in the car (because he also reacts with barking to everything he sees on the street), for visits to the vet, trips... it is given one or two hours before, and the effect lasts approximately 5 hours.

[@EverythingDog]

Sounds like you are on the right path. It's important to calm his nervous system as well as his brain and antianxiety meds can certainly help to calm his brain as well as help him to be more resilient. All the best.

[@KiaraMitchellx]

Lovely video, thanks for the information. I have a 1 year old Old English Bulldogge and as a pup she was very calm, didn't play much but loved to wander and investigate. We walked her and made sure she was exposed to the environments and then at around 6 months her behaviour completely changed and she has been the most difficult dog ever since. I have had a trainer teach me the techniques but she is so focused and stressed on other dogs, traffic, birds, loud noises, anything that blows in the wind. Sometimes it seems she's going crazy at nothing. I have been using hemp oil since December and it helped a little but she definitely does not have a good quality of life. Walks are 10 minutes at most as any longer is just sensory overload and she can't handle it. Some day's the garden overwhelms her. It's gotten to the point where I'm now going to book a vets appointment and get her checked. I wasn't keen on giving her medication but both our lives are confined to the house, the garden and along the street and back.

[@EverythingDog]

Hello Kiara, Im not sure what the trainers have shown you, but there is no "technique" for fear. You can't train it away. Id love for you to think back to her first 6 months and think about anything that scared her from her perspective, not from yours. We often don't think scary things are a big deal to our dog, but they are. And yes, they will remember it. We are also very desensitized to our world, the sights sounds etc and you poor baby is over-sensitized. Take care of yourself and walk without her so you can enjoy yourself. Then take her outside and pay attention to EVERYTHING she FOCUSES ON and tell her what it is. Use a calm, "game show host" voice or Mr. Rogers voice. Ex: Oh puppy (her name) that is a leaf blowing, it's just a leaf, point to it and let her know, you see it and it's ok. Don't drag her to it. If you can pick it up and say it's a leaf, do that as well. Don't force her to do anything she doesn't want to do. Do this to everything she alerts to and keep the sessions SHORT. 5 minutes to start, then back in the house. Give it a month or 2 before judging whether it is helping or not. Journal each day, what you labeled, her reaction etc. Data is the only you'll know for sure if she's getting better or not. We label everything for our babies (I do this constantly with my 1 yr old grandson) We do this to help them make sense of the world, of the sights and sounds he is hearing. Doing this for our dogs can be very powerful for them. And you will be communicating with your dog and to your dog that "I see you. I see what you see and it's ok" Let me know how it goes in 2 months.

[@loveisiah8]

I have a 8 year old yorkshire terrier male. We just started to give him medication to help with his aggression. I hope this helps him 🙏🙏

[@EverythingDog]

Lillian, you've taken a great step to helping him. Remember, it's never just one thing that will help. It's a combination of management, motivation and acceptance. All the best to you and your dog.

[@julianawhiddon7703]

I have a large 5 month old American Pitbull/Pitbull who is showing a lot of aggression. She is hyperactive, plays ruff with the larger dogs, but respects them. They put her in her place real quick. She has severe food addressing and goes after my smaller dog when she isn't first to be fed. What kind of anxiety medication would be good for her. We had her on a kind that seemed to work well when she was younger, but gave her the runs

[@EverythingDog]

Hi Juliana, Im not a veterinarian and can not Rx meds. I would suggest training a feeding routine which requires her to be calm, sitting in a specific place or in her crate or tethered to something and calm. Resource guarding as you have described it can be easily managed, by providing your girl with some clear boundaries.

[@jodiemeschke6889]

Thank you for sharing. Our Aussie is experiencing extreme anxiety, and after professional training, and a complete exam to rule out any physically issues our vet recommended fluoxetine. We are hoping this will help him. We are also adding lots of exercise and mental stimulation to his daily schedule. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻

[@EverythingDog]

Jodie, this sounds like a great plan. Meds alone aren't enough, meeting his genetic needs, enrichement etc can all be very helpful. All the best.

[@carolynsedille8888]

My rescue dog is a he not a she. Sorry for the confusion. I have two rescue cats too and sometimes I get confused. 😜

[@KayleenKrystal]

I have an Australian shepherd, he is about one and a half and he is constantly pacing and panting and biting at our hands to try and get attention. I work an 8 hour day like any other person I get home, he gets a walk in the morning before work and walk after work, goes to the dog park to run around for a little bit, we play fetch, I do treat and trick training time but he still seems to have so much anxiety and energy pent up. I do sporadically give him trazodone when we go out to other people's houses, and it seems to help a lot I really like it but I think it is just the guilt that I feel because he is such a working and active read, I don't want to feel like I'm giving him medicine just because I can't provide him with the amount of activity that he might need to spend his energy. I've never had a working breed before so I don't want to feel like I'm giving him medication just because I'm not putting in enough for work if that makes sense.

[@EverythingDog]

Kayleen, you are on the correct path. Meds should not be used simply because a dog owner can not meet their dog's genetic needs. Your dog not only has a need for a lot of large muscle movement but also to herd things. Herding dogs are very Type A, they like to take control and be in charge. You will need to change your habits, your routine, your behavior in order to better help your dog. She can't do it alone, she needs your help. How can you help to meet her genetic needs? What can you do differently. Her behavior is a symptom of her emotional state and you can not medicate her DNA away!

[@eamonlucic447]

Why not pay for a dog walker to come take her out during the day?

[@ashleypixie3781]

I came here after another video telling me I was wrong for my dog being on anti anxiety medication. After doing all the training I can. My dog has ptsd after incidents that she was in. And due unseen circumstances that I'm no longer able to work from home to have her by my side.... Shes really self destructive when she's left alone and has been know to destroy things in her path. I want her to be comfortable and not having to find a dog sitter for a 10 minute trip... It's exhausting... It really is...

[@EverythingDog]

Hi Ashley, PTSD in dogs is real. Any traumatic event can really impact them emotionally. Too much anxiety can really reduce a dog's quality of life, so good for you for doing what you think is best. And yes, it is exhausting. You may need to find a Veterinary behaviorst to help with the meds. Good luck.

[@shanealafriel7146]

I have a 10 year old staffy who's a rescue she was great for years but as she's gotten older she's regressed alot and now is aggressive to other dogs including her pack mate. I've only just starting out journey with anti anxiety tablets wish us luck she's structured and in a great routine she's walked twice daily but her anxiety is just preventing her from enjoying things again xx

[@EverythingDog]

Be patient, it takes time

[@PatriciaSolismua]

omg your example of the super sonic hearing is what my dog is going through and he just started prozac and I feel like its now worse. I feel like now anything really gets me anxious. I know it can't work that fast its only been a few days.

[@EverythingDog]

Keep a journal of everything, meaning behaviors that your dog is demonstrating so you'll have solid data and not just how you feel about it. Then go back to your vet if needed.

[@meeshell2267]

Did it get better?

[@PatriciaSolismua]

@@meeshell2267 I took him off it, he was not him and I just decided to not give it to him anymore.

[@bernicebowers3978]

We used Prozac to teach commands with our Shorkie, but it didn’t seem to help much. Is there something for a dog that is reactive to tv commercials, needing to poop, tiredness, transitions of any kind, new toys…?

[@EverythingDog]

Bernice, Prozac is an antianxiety med, so if your dog isn't anxious it won't work and even if he/she is anxious, it won't work on all dogs, just like meds don't work with all people. Sounds like you little is needs help with emotional regulation, if all these things upset him, he's emotionally dysregulated. Join our Free Webinar here and learn how you can work with us. Click here: denisemazzola.com/dog-aggression-webinar-o

[@EverythingDog]

Bernice, Prozac is an antianxiety med, so if your dog isn't anxious it won't work and even if he/she is anxious, it won't work on all dogs, just like meds don't work with all people. Sounds like you little is needs help with emotional regulation, if all these things upset him, he's emotionally dysregulated. Join our Free Webinar here and learn how you can work with us. Click here: denisemazzola.com/dog-aggression-webinar-o

[@angelahill8437]

Will I ever get my dog with anxiety to greet people?

[@EverythingDog]

That is a very complicated question. Without knowing anything about your dog, I would ask you Why does your dog need to greet people?

[@angelahill8437]

@@EverythingDog she goes to work with me everyday

[@EverythingDog]

@@angelahill8437 you'd have to give me a much more indepth picture of what is happening or book an Ask Me Anything here: everythingdog.as.me/

[@trishaszucs7065]

How much trazodone would you recommend for a 40kg doberman who suffers extreme car anxiety, barking, whining, pacing, panting

[@trishaszucs7065]

He also has Addisons disease and is on pred and Zycortal

[@EverythingDog]

Hey, great question for your veterinarian. Im not a veterarian and can not advise. Good luck.

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Does this help with separation anxiety? My dog gets very distressed if he is left alone (if I go to a store bike ride etc.) he is very calm otherwise. I don’t want him to bother my neighbors

[@EverythingDog]

Honestly, Im not 100%. I would speak to a Veterinary Behaviorist to see if there is a specific med for Sep Anxiety.

[@michaelknight7002]

Hi I cannot groom my dog he gets really aggressive and he his getting worse as he his getting older he his a 8 year old cocker spaniel do you think meds will help

[@EverythingDog]

Hi Michael, yes meds could help, but Id first want to know if he's in pain or uncomfortable. Id talk to your vet first. Us grooming a dog isn't a really natural thing for them to experience, ie, no dog was bred to love grooming like they were bred to kill rats. Does that make sense. Id also pair grooming with a super yummy treat, chicken, cooked meatball, cheese etc. And Id groom for 1 minute then stop for the day and do a minute the next day. he may also have a very negative assciation with being groomed and he may have lost his trust in you. Have you ever had a bad experience at the dentist? Dr.? If you have, youd probably NOT want to go back EVER! Try to look at this situation from your dog's perspective.

[@debbiecarden3338]

Our vet wants me to give my 3 ish red heeler trazodone for his next visit. 11/2 night before and 1 1/2 2 hours before visit. 100mg tab 49 pound dog. I am nervous about side effects. What are your thoughts?

[@EverythingDog]

Hey Debbie, remember I am NOT a vet. Here is what I know. Trazadone can help calm the dog, but it has no lasting effect. I don't see the point in giving him any the night before as my understanding is it has an effect about 2 hours after taking it, and then it will wear off. If it provides the dog with a BETTER vet visit, with Less trauma for the dog, Im all for it. You may want to give him a dose DAYS before the visit so you can actually see if he is more relaxed and when it takes effect etc so you'll have some data on the day of the visit. Good luck.

[@ashleypixie3781]

My dog is on as needed trazodone. 1 and a half the night before and 1 and a half 2 hours prior to a stressful event. She's a little loopy, but didn't seem to be uncomfortable she mostly slept but she's an over all a lazy dog until we leave and she becomes this crazy screaming, whining, self destructive, and destroys everything in her path. She has ptsd from incidents.

[@carolynsedille8888]

I have an almost 5 year old rescue dog. They say part pointer and lab. She is very lovable but I would say she and our family are suffering with her anxiety. When I adopted her he was four months old. I worked with her and he learned all the commands within two weeks. He now barks at everything. I can’t have company over because he barks the entire time. I have to keep him in the kitchen with a gate when someone does come over. She just wants people that come over which is very rare, a little attention but they are out off by him. My son has had outbursts and emotional problems. My dog always protects me and I think this could be why he is always on guard. I have been given Prozac by his vet a month ago but never gave it. I was reluctant to put him on anything. I started him on it yesterday after our piano tuner came over. I literally had to sit with him for over three hours to comfort him. He barked almost the whole time. He had moments where he calmed down but anytime the person moved he barked. I hope putting him on medication was the right thing to do. He deserves to be happy and actually go for a walk without pulling me severely. Great video. Thank you.

[@EverythingDog]

Carolyn, Keep a journal of when you started the meds and how much. Your dog should be on 50% of maximum dose allowed by weight, NOT THE FULL DOSE. Check with your vet and ask what is the maximum dose available based on his weight. Many dogs do great with a lower dose, but there is now way to know if he's started on the full amount. And his body needs time to adjust and that is easier to do with a lower dose. Record any and all changes you notice, it's the only way to know if the meds are helping. You won't see a dramatic change, but subtle changes. When guests come over (or repair people) Keep the dog in an "off Duty" area (term by Kim Brophey) He must be 7-10 away from people. Dog's have a personal space bubble of 7-10 feet. He MUST see them. A baby gates works great for this or a tether with an exercise pen around it. Give him a MINIMUM of 5 VERY YUMMY chewies, such as a Large, braided bully stick, stuffed kong, Yak Chew, Bone etc. Your job is to 200% ignore him when he starts to bark and he will. Your goal is to communicate that all is well. Ive invited these people into my home. You will do this by ignoring him, no talking to him, no comforting him - NOTHING. When he realizes that his barking isn't working any more, ie you are not paying any attention, he'll start to look around and chew on something. Our dog's brains are Hard-Wired so do what works. When barking, screaming etc doesn't work AND you've provided him with something else to do, he'll do it. He could bark for 10 minute +/- the first time, do not give in.

[@bagheerasharma4548]

My three year old Labrador retriever dog is aggressive behaviour some time and some time when i touched her she attacked on me bite me hardly what i do please tell because i love her so much

[@EverythingDog]

So sorry to hear this. I would have a complete blood work-up done to rule out pain (lyme disease can cause pain) thyroid issues etc. If that is clear, you'll need a behavior modification plan and maybe behavior meds. Meds work best with training and not sit, down come when called, behavior modification training. Happy to help. We can work virtually: Everythingdog.as.me/VirtualInitialConsultation

[@Moe412_]

I have a 8 month old beagle that have the worse symptoms on every level of anxiety and aggressive behavior. Is it possible that I can put him on medication so training and him to learn can be more easy? I mean training and everything isn’t working at all.

[@EverythingDog]

Mxe, there is a place for meds for some dogs, but first I would check to be sure you are meeting your beagle's genetic needs. Does he get out daily for long woods walks where he can fill his nose with scents? Although beagles are small, they are not docile lazy dogs. They have genetic needs that need to be met. Remember how people all over the world were going crazy on Covid Lockdown? Imagine how your dog is feeling if he/she is on an unintended lockdown, meaning he/she is not getting out for at least an hour woods walk, NOT A SIDEWALK! Its not the same.

[@pokongavavia921]

What happens if I get him slowly off the tablets

[@EverythingDog]

Hey Poko, Id need a LOT more information to answer your question. What tablets? Dosage? Why is your dog on them, how long, etc, etc. You should wean him/her according to your veterinarians recommendation.

[@bettyrowe3848]

Do you have a talk on muzzled on dogs

[@EverythingDog]

Yes we do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKCtc3ilpdRlhq8 We also have a course: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKCtc3ilpdRlhq8

[@thebushchechen]

Looking at comments it seems to be a pattern of terriers getting bad anxiety, my girls anxiety is so crippling she shakes and throws up then that causes more anxiety poor thing but I found a good result with diazepam she’s like a normal dogo I don’t have to carry her or her walk on my feet shes happy and social :) but be very careful ppl . Do your research big time

[@thebushchechen]

:) good vid

[@EverythingDog]

Thanks!

[@jessmuscroft3696]

What medication would you recommend

[@EverythingDog]

Hey Jess, Im not a veterinarian. I would ask for an antidepressant, or SSI reuptake (I think that is correct) something that will gradually build up in the dogs system. Id stay away from meds that are for episodes, not short lasting.

[@julianawhiddon7703]

Food agression

[@DollyAkish]

I was skeptical about CBD at first, but my dog is now less nervous, thanks to dog treats from #midnightcbd

[@EverythingDog]

So glad to hear this Dolly! Glad your dog is able to relax a bit.

[@hew1263]

I think the more important issue here is WHY are dogs needing these medications in the first place? This seems like a new trend, along with ACL operations. I suspect it’s the fallout from over-vaccination - so many side effects from this when research shows they are usually immune for life from their puppy shots. It’s all about the $$.

[@EverythingDog]

Agreed. I wonder this myself. There are many reasons dogs can suffer from anxiety. Some is breeding, some is that many owners do not recognize that their dog has genetic needs. Things the dog has been bred to do for THOUSANDS OF YEARS. And some is the out-of-control use of shock collars and other aversive training methods. All these things create anxiety. If the dog is already anxious, shy or low confidence, boom, there is even more anxiety.

[@Michelle-go5nv]

Or you can have a Rescue....very sick because not vaccinated, spayed....and abused...locked in a cage for 9 hours in 1 hour out. Don't place need because a vaccine. People watching this are in need of guidance... Not because their dog has a problem with the Kennel Cough shot.

[@abcdef-cf9zv]

Hey, we have a sensitive dog: Aussie/Poodle cross that was involved in a car accident. The vehicle hit black ice, flipped and deployed the airbags. The vehicle was a write off and the dog a wreck for longer travel. We have done all of the swaddling, pheromones and blah, blah. Prescription drugs might not be ideal but save the day for the dog

[@jean-baptistedupont5967]

The only "pet" that needs to be drugged-up and sedated to not be aggressive, potentially dangerous, unbearable, and out of control. Sounds like something I need immediately.