How do you treat anxiety in dogs and cat? Medications can be helpful in treating anxiety and behavioral conditions in dogs and cats. In dogs, the most common behavioral conditions include separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, noise phobias, aggression, and profound fears. Cats most common behavioral conditions include profound fears, aggression, and anxiety.
Prescription Anxiety Meds for Dogs and Cats
When it comes to how to know if a dog or cat has anxiety, there is no specific diagnostic test for behavioral conditions in pets and so diagnosing their condition can be difficult. Anxiety medications for cats and dogs and behavioral modification techniques may be beneficial for your pet. It is best to start treatments early before their condition becomes ongoing or more severe.
How Do You Treat a Dog or Cat with Anxiety
There are a variety of prescription medications available to help treat these types of disorders in pets. Some examples are:
- Gabapentinoids (Gabapentin) for dogs and cats
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – SSRIs (Fluoxetine) for dogs and cats
- Serotonin (5-HT2A) Antagonist/Reuptake Inhibitor (Trazodone) for dogs
- Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist (Sileo®) for dogs
- Tricyclic Antidepressant (Clomicalm®) for dogs
If you feel your pet is experiencing a behavioral condition it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian. They can help you determine the best medication for your pet based on your pet’s needs, medication side effects and any drug interactions that may occur.
Check out the Revival Animal Health pharmacy for your pet’s prescription needs. If you have any questions about pet medication for anxiety call us at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Cats
Is your dog or cat suffering from separation anxiety? Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of separation anxiety in dogs and cats.
What to Expect With a New Puppy: Normal Puppy Behavior FAQs
What is normal puppy behavior? And what are normal puppy behavior problems? Get tips for a puppy that won't stop biting and chewing, a puppy jumping on the counter or other typical puppy behavior issues.
Puppy Socialization Tips: How to Reduce the Risk of Puppy Behavior Problems
Socializing your puppy can help curb destructive puppy behavior problems, aggression, separation anxiety and more. Learn tips on puppy socialization.
How to Use Chew Toys for Behavior Training for Dogs
How do I tell my puppy to stop chewing? Chewing is natural for dogs and puppies. Instead of battling a dog chewing habit, give them an appropriate outlet with a quality dog chew toy.
Written by: Lori S., Pharm D.
Pharmacist in Charge
I grew up on a farm and had once considered becoming a vet. In fact, I still live on a family farm with my husband, three kids and lots of animals. Working at Revival brings together my passion for pharmacy and pets. If there is a prescription product you'd like to see us carry, please don't hesitate to reach out and let our Pharmacy Team know.