Posts Tagged: Pet Anxiety

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Anxiety in Pets

Pets can exhibit a variant of different behavioral conditions. Fear is an adverse emotional state in reaction to a perceived threat or danger. Phobia is a sudden profound or excessive fear response. Anxiety is a diffuse generalized unease. It can be situational or generalized on a daily basis by multiple stimuli.

These behavioral conditions can be the result of a negative experience or could be from a lack of exposure (new situation). Many pets especially those that show anxiety on a regular basis have a genetic component and the brain chemical balance is altered. Anxiety disorders are common and affect about 23 million pets in the US.

Signs

Pets can show a variety of signs of fear including: increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate (panting), sweating, trembling, pacing, urination, defecation and/or anal sac secretion. Behaviorally, a pet will exhibit changes in body language or activity when afraid. Which may include avoiding eye contact, looking away, turning away, licking the lips, yawning, scratching, wet dog shaking, or freezing. More obvious changes in body language may include lowering of the head and body, pinning the ears back closer to the head, widening the eyes, and tucking the tail under the body. The pet may engage in active avoidance responses, such as fleeing or hiding or could show aggressive behaviors.

Anxiety is manifested with similar physiological signs of fear, but they occur with the anticipation of a fear inducing event. Anxiety may manifest in pets through excessive vocalization, destructive or escape behavior, inappropriate elimination (urination, defection, or urine marking), compulsive, stereotypic, or repetitive behaviors like excessive grooming, and panting, pacing, or drooling.

Treatment

If your pet is having problems with fear, phobia or anxiety the first step would be to have them examined by your veterinarian and include some basic laboratory tests such as a chemistry, complete blood count, urinalysis and tick testing to make sure there is no medical reason for their behavior.

Part of the recommended therapy may be to work with a trainer. There are dog trainers that will work with pets with behavioral problem. There are also veterinary behaviorists that have went additional school and just work with pets that have behavioral problems.

Supplement Options

The goal of medications or supplements is to decrease the level of anxiety for the pet and to make their life better. The anxiety will likely not be eliminated and the pet will require continued management.

1. Solliquin- This is a daily chew that contains a combination of natural ingredients that help normalize brain activity. Read more at solliquin.com
2. Calm- This is a daily powder that is a naturally occurring bacteria that helps calm pets.
3. Adaptil (dogs) Feliway (cats)- This is a natural pheromone. It comes in a collar, spray or diffuser. It helps mimic the mother’s natural hormones to calm pets. Adaptil.com
4. Thundershirt- This is a tight-fitting body wrap that applies gentle pressure causing the release of natural calming hormones in the pet’s body. It can be worn as needed or on a daily basis.

There are other natural supplements on the market. Talk to you veterinarian for recommendations. Most natural supplements you need to give at least 4-6 weeks to determine their full effect.

Medication Options

Some pets will only need medications as needed before an event. Some common examples would be for storm or firework phobias.

1. Trazodone-This tablet medication is the most commonly used as-needed anxiety medication for dogs.. It is an oral tablet and  takes about 2-3 hours to effect, so may not be quick enough for storms. It can be given daily or in combination with other behavioral medications. There is a wide range of dosing. Work together with your veterinarian to find the right dose for your pet.
2. Gabapentin is the most commonly used situational anxiety medication for cats.
3. Sileo-This is an oral gel that absorbs into the gums. It is quick acting and can take effect within 30 minutes. It can be redosed during an event up to 5 times. It is most commonly used for thunderstorms or other sudden noises.

Many pets that have general anxiety and have multiple stimulus that triggers them throughout the day benefit from daily medication. It can take 4-8 weeks for medications to have full effect. Some medications doses need to be adjusted. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian when trying to find a medication or medication combination that will best manage your pet’s anxiety.

Most commonly used daily medications: Fluoxetine, Clomipramine, Amitriptyline, Alprazolam.

Other medication options: Gabapentin, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Clonidine, Doxepin

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.