It’s been a long day and you’re looking forward to coming home and relaxing with your dog. Unfortunately, you walk in the door and find a scene of canine destruction. The trash is upside down and garbage is decorating your home, the couch cushions have been murdered and in the midst of the mess you find a very bashful dog who is overjoyed to see you, despite the obvious embarrassment.
If this situation sounds familiar, your dog may be suffering from anxiety. Canine anxiety is a common problem for many dogs, and can manifest in many ways. These usually include destructive behavior, noise phobias, inability to be left alone, whining, and a constant need to be with the pet parent. Dogs with anxiety do not enjoy normal doggie activities like going outside by themselves, riding in cars, or doing anything without their human companion.
Anxiety in Dogs: Common Causes
Anxiety in dogs has various causes. Studies have shown that there can be a genetic component, so dogs with anxious parents may have the condition due to their family’s DNA. Many other dogs develop anxiety when they are puppies, either due to being taken away from their mothers too early, or from treatment by well-meaning pet parents that actually creates the anxiety at a young age.
When puppies are 12 weeks or younger, they are developing their security with the world around them. In some cases, pet parents who pay tons of attention to their puppies at this age may be causing future issues if this level of attention then begins to dwindle as the puppy ages. As the puppy develops, they expect this level of attention; when that need is not met, they begin to feel anxious and the destructive behavior can surface.
How to Treat Anxiety in Dogs
There are many options for helping dogs with anxiety. If your pet has become destructive at home, or has symptoms that are affecting their quality of life, intervention should occur to help the dog and pet parent have a less stressful and more harmonious life.
Every anxiety treatment should include a Behavioral Modification Plan (BMP). This is often created by a collaboration between a pet parent and a canine trainer or behaviorist. A BMP should be based on the individual animal’s needs and symptoms of anxiety. A BMP often focuses on changes the pet parent can make in the home to help their dog combat their anxiety. For example, the BMP may work on strategies to “ignore” the dog before leaving and when coming home to decrease the dog’s need for that attention.
Most BMPs are combined with behavioral medications to increase the likelihood of success. There are several anxiety medications available. Examples include fluoxetine, clomipramine, DAP and solliquin. Veterinarians can work with pet parents and behaviorists to find a medication that suits the pet, their health status, and the goals of the BMP.
Fluoxetine (aka Prozac) is commonly used. Fluoxetine works by increasing serotonin levels in the dog. This increase can help create a sense of calm and decrease anxiety. Fluoxetine is often a first choice for veterinarians as side effects are limited. Clomipramine has the same mechanism of action as fluoxetine, but can cause lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It can still be a good option, but is often a second choice for veterinarians due to the increased side effects.
Other products like Solliquin and DAP and not considered pharmaceutical. DAP is a natural pheromone secreted by dogs. DAP collars and a liquid that can be diffused are both available. Solliquin is oral and contains naturally derived ingredients like L-theanine and whey protein, which can calm dogs down as well.
Anxiety can be complex, and each dog should be evaluated to find triggers and determine their needs. Medications can be helpful, and your veterinarian can help you select one that is safe for your pet. Treatment for anxiety can be very successful, so don’t abandon hope.