Managing a dog’s anxiety can be a significant challenge for devoted pet parents. When behavioral issues arise, such as separation anxiety, it’s natural to seek effective solutions. The journey often begins with a consultation with your veterinarian, who can provide guidance on the best course of action, including treatment and medication options. After your vet has confirmed your dog is in good health, they can offer tailored recommendations for addressing anxiety.
Often, a holistic approach is most effective for treating dog anxiety. This typically involves collaboration with a veterinary behaviorist or a certified dog trainer. As part of a comprehensive behavior modification plan, your veterinarian may also suggest specific medications for dog anxiety. This article will delve into what these medications are, how they function, and the common options available for discussion with your vet.
How Dog Anxiety Medications Work
It’s crucial to understand that anxiety medications for dogs are most effective when used in conjunction with behavior-modification protocols. While medication can help your dog feel calmer, behavior modification techniques work to reshape their emotional responses to anxiety-inducing triggers. This helps them learn to be less fearful and more relaxed overall. Relying on medication alone is generally not sufficient to resolve anxiety in dogs, making behavioral strategies essential.
Canine anxiety can manifest in various ways, leading to a range of available medications designed for both short-term and long-term use. Common behavioral problems in dogs include:
- Fear
- Stress
- Impulsivity
- Obsessive behaviors (e.g., spinning, tail chasing)
- Panic disorders
- Aversions to specific stimuli or experiences (e.g., wet grass, grooming, car rides)
It’s important to reiterate that regardless of the medication prescribed, there are no quick fixes for dog anxiety. Partnering with a certified behaviorist or trainer offers the best path to resolving your dog’s anxiety-related behaviors.
For conditions requiring long-term medical management, it may take four to six weeks before the medication’s full effectiveness is apparent. Treatment typically needs to continue for at least two months after a positive response is observed.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Some dogs can eventually be weaned off their anxiety medications as they learn coping mechanisms through behavioral therapy. However, others may require 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 can be beneficial.
If your dog’s sensitivity to triggers is mild, discuss management and desensitization options with your vet. Introducing a travel crate for car journeys, using a white noise machine during storms, or implementing positive reinforcement training to counter-condition fear responses can aid your dog.
Dogs on medication for six months or longer should undergo yearly checkups, including blood work, and periodic behavioral re-evaluations to ensure their treatment plan remains optimal.
Common Anxiety Medications for Dogs
Currently, Clomicalm, Reconcile, and Sileo are the only FDA-approved medications for dogs. Other medications recommended by veterinarians are often 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 can only be done by a veterinarian with direct knowledge of your dog when no other appropriate medications are available.
These medications may not always be available in the correct dosage for dogs, necessitating compounding by a specialty pharmacy into flavored chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, or transdermal formulations. Compounded medications are also ideal for dogs who dislike taking capsules.
Here are some of the most commonly prescribed dog anxiety medications:
1. Alprazolam (Xanax)
Used in dogs for: phobias, fear, panic disorders
Alprazolam is frequently prescribed for dogs experiencing anxiety during thunderstorms, as well as for situational anxieties like road trips and vet visits. As a benzodiazepine sedative, it depresses activity in certain parts of the central nervous system. This short-acting medication takes effect quickly and can be administered up to four times daily. Alprazolam is most effective when given at the earliest sign of anxiety, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before exposure to the trigger. If used long-term, it should not be stopped abruptly; always consult your vet when weaning your dog off medication.
Potential side effects may include grogginess and loss of balance.
2. Amitriptyline
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, reactivity, anxious aggression, generalized anxious tendencies
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the nervous system, which influence mood. It should not be given to pets with diabetes or epilepsy. This medication can take one to four weeks to become effective and is typically given twice daily with food. Dogs on amitriptyline for more than a week or two should be tapered off under veterinary guidance.
Potential side effects include lethargy, sedation, holding urine, and dilated pupils.
3. Buspirone
Used in dogs for: phobias, generalized anxiety
Buspirone is an azapirone class anxiety-reducing medication that requires continuous use to be effective, making it unsuitable for situational anxieties like thunderstorm phobias. It appears to activate serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, acting as a mild anti-anxiety agent. 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, with or without food.
Potential side effects may include loss of appetite.
4. Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
Used in dogs for: separation anxiety, repetitive disorders
Clomipramine, known by the brand name Clomicalm, is an FDA-approved treatment for separation anxiety in dogs. As a tricyclic antidepressant, it increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels, affecting mood. Clomipramine can take four to six weeks for a therapeutic effect, and up to two months to determine its benefit. It is given once or twice daily and should not be stopped abruptly. Clomicalm can be taken with or without food.
Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.
5. Dexmedetomidine (Sileo)
Used in dogs for: situational anxiety, noise phobias, aversions
Sileo is the first FDA-approved medication for noise aversion-induced fear and anxiety in dogs. As an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, it depresses brain activity, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Sileo works best when administered 30–60 minutes before a triggering noise event or at the first sign of anxiety. It is dispensed as an oromucosal gel that is absorbed through the mouth lining. Wear gloves when administering.
Potential side effects include drowsiness, vomiting, weakness, loss of balance, sedation, head tremor, and inappropriate urination.
6. Diazepam
Used in dogs for: situational anxiety, panic disorders, noise aversion, phobia
Diazepam should ideally be given 30–60 minutes before an anxiety-provoking event, or at the earliest sign of anxiety. As a short-acting benzodiazepine sedative, it depresses central nervous system activity, taking effect quickly. Long-term use requires a gradual weaning process 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, commonly prescribed as Reconcile, is FDA-approved for separation anxiety and other behavioral issues like repetitive behaviors and aggression. It belongs to the SSRI class, increasing serotonin levels in the brain to regulate mood and reduce anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. Fluoxetine is 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.
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 given before an anxiety-inducing event or at the first sign of anxiety. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use is not recommended. It works by promoting GABA activity, which has 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 and anxiety-related behaviors, fear of noises
Paroxetine is an SSRI that increases brain serotonin levels. It can take four to six weeks to become effective and is given once daily. Gradual tapering is necessary if the dog has been on it long-term.
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 disorders, thunderstorm phobia, compulsive behaviors, fear-based aggression
Sertraline is an SSRI that increases serotonin levels in the brain, aiding mood regulation and reducing anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. Like other SSRIs, it can take four to six weeks for full effect and should be given daily. Dogs on medication for two months or longer require a gradual tapering process.
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 context of your dog’s anxiety, your veterinarian might suggest over-the-counter options. Discuss with your vet if dog calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or compression garments like Thundershirts are suitable for your pet.
Dog Anxiety Medications FAQs
What is the best drug for anxiety in dogs?
Anxiety treatment typically begins with a vet visit to discuss concerns and rule out medical causes. Your vet may recommend working with a trainer or behaviorist before starting medications, and will help determine the most appropriate choice for your dog if medication is needed.
How can I calm my anxious dog down?
Identifying the trigger for your dog’s anxiety—whether it’s a medical condition, pain, separation, or thunderstorms—is key. Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and best treatment approach, which may include working with a professional, creating a safe space, increasing exercise, using calming aids, and possibly medication.
Can you train anxiety out of a dog?
Working with a behaviorist or trainer can significantly help reduce your dog’s anxiety by teaching them coping mechanisms and redirecting anxious behaviors.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for anxiety?
Benadryl is primarily an antihistamine used for allergies. While it may have mild sedative effects, it’s generally not very helpful for dogs with anxiety.
Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?
Melatonin can help some dogs relax, but consulting your veterinarian is essential to determine the best treatment plan for your dog’s anxiety.