One of the things we love most about dogs is their natural cheerfulness. However, there are times when dogs, just like humans, experience fear, anxiety or nervousness. Dog tranquilizers are one way to deal with the unwanted condition. In this article, we will explain to you what may be causing stress to your pet and how you can help them.
What is the source of stress for dogs?
There are many different things that can cause stress for your pet. Some dogs experience anxiety when traveling, visiting the doctor, or being away from their caregiver. For others, the sound of fireworks or thunderstorms may be stressful. Often the situation that causes stress is the arrival of another pet, which reorganizes the dog’s existing life. If your pet’s anxiety is too frequent or persistent, it is important to determine the source of the anxiety and implement appropriate measures as soon as possible to reduce the negative condition and improve your pet’s quality of life.
Common symptoms of stress
Stress in dogs does not always manifest itself clearly, so observe your pet to properly interpret its condition. If your dog is stressed, you may notice a combination of the following symptoms:
- – tense muscles,
- – trembling,
- – panting,
- – ears pulled back,
- – eyes wide open,
- – uncontrolled urination,
- – limping,
- – trying to hide in a safe place,
- – running away,
- – destroying furniture and walls.
What types of sedative medications are available?
The best way to treat anxiety in dogs is to teach them to stay calm by exposing them to stressful stimuli, rewarding them for doing well, and gradually increasing the intensity of exposure to the stressors. There are times, however, when a dog becomes stressed even with the mildest of triggers. In such a situation, tranquilizer medications for dogs to alleviate anxiety can be effective. There are both over-the-counter medications on the market for mild anxiety, as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications for moderate to severe stress. What types of tranquilizers can we distinguish between?
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms with the side effect of sedation. It is available over-the-counter and can be effective when transporting your dog in a car because it relieves symptoms of motion sickness.
Acepromazine
Acepromazine is commonly used as an anesthetic injection during surgery. It can be given to your dog orally 20-60 minutes before a stressful situation, such as a doctor’s appointment or a car trip. Its effect is relatively weak, so it will not be effective for your pet’s long-term anxiety. Its side effect is low blood pressure, so it is discouraged in dogs with heart problems.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is a drug commonly used to control anxiety attacks, sedate or treat pain. Considered safe for pets.
Trazodone
Trazodone has potent sedative and anxiety-relieving effects. Like acepromazine, it can cause low blood pressure, so it is discouraged for dogs with certain medical conditions.
Medications for long-term anxiety issues
Some dogs require daily sedative medications. Such medications typically contain fluoxetine, clomipramine, and amitriptyline. The most common side effects of their use include upset stomach, heart rhythm disturbances, and hyperactivity, so they should be used with extreme caution.
Consult your veterinarian before using any of the medications listed.
Natural calming formulas
Natural stress-reducing products are also available in the market in the form of tablets, powders, drops, gels or sprays. They are based primarily on herbs with calming and tranquilizing properties. One of them is lemon balm, which has a calming, relaxing and sleep-enhancing effect, improving the quality of your dog’s sleep. CBD, or cannabidiol, has a similar effect and is widely used for medicinal purposes. It is used, among other things, in sleep problems, pain relief, inflammation, and as support for the nervous system and in states of anxiety. Another natural ingredient in calming preparations is green tea, which has strong antioxidant properties, helps cope with stress, has relaxing and mood-enhancing properties, and lowers blood pressure. Valerian is also a valued herb, which reduces feelings of tension and anxiety.
Long-term stress has a destructive effect on your dog’s behavior and emotional states, and can cause damage to the nervous system, so keep a close eye on any disturbing symptoms in your dog. Before giving your pet prescription drugs, it’s a good idea to try to reduce its anxiety with natural products. Remember, however, that their effect is not immediate, so if you know that your pet is facing a stressful situation, start administering natural supplements a few days beforehand.
