Does my dog need anti-anxiety medication?

When a dog is feeling anxious, they let us know in the only way they can: with their body language.

Unfortunately, sometimes that can be interpreted by us as them being ‘naughty’. This includes behaviours such as toileting in the house (or other places they shouldn’t), destructive activities (like chewing, digging or destroying household items) or aggression (such as barking, growling and even biting).

However, dogs can exhibit all the above when they’re feeling highly anxious as well.

Whilst implementing positive training and socialising experiences can help some pups move past their fears, all the treats and training in the world don’t seem to soothe others. You might even find yourself wondering if anti-anxiety medication is an option.

We spoke to Dr Grace Thurtell, a resident in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine at the Sydney Animal Behaviour Service, about when dog anti-anxiety medication might be needed and how to know if it’s the right approach for your pup.

“A dog might need to be put on anti-anxiety medications if they become anxious and distressed during storms, when left alone in new environments or if they become fearful and aggressive around strangers and unfamiliar dogs,” explains Dr Thurtell. “They are perceiving a significant threat in these situations or with these individuals and their response is out of proportion to the trigger.”

While it’s normal for dogs to react with some fear to new situations, environments, animals and people, it becomes problematic when the fear response is unjustified, ongoing or extreme.

“Medications can help them be less anxious and fearful, so that they can recognise there is no real threat and therefore behave more appropriately and live happier, calmer lives.”

When treating a dog’s anxiety, medication may also help make behaviour modification training more effective, bringing the dog to a calmer state so it’s able to learn the normal or appropriate behaviour in an anxiety-provoking situation.¹

Just as humans who suffer from anxiety disorders are often prescribed medication, so too are dogs. If you think your pup might benefit from this approach, the first thing to do is speak to your vet or reach out to an animal behaviourist.

Remember, anti-anxiety meds for dogs are not just for those quirky pooch behaviours that annoy you. They are prescribed for problem behaviours that are medically diagnosed.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if you take this route, training needs to go hand-in-hand with dogs and medication.

“People need to recognise that mental health disorders [in pets] are not something that can be ‘fixed’. But they can be improved so that quality of life is better,” says Dr Thurtell.

“Things may take time to improve. There is no magic pill that will give you a new pet overnight. You need to do some training and behaviour modification and manage their environment to help them cope as much as possible. Don’t expect the medication to do all the work.”

Generally, says Dr Thurtell, “side effects are uncommon, as we start them on low-range doses to minimise issues and then increase the dose once we see they’re coping. If they do occur, side effects can include vomiting and diarrhoea, reduced appetite and lethargy, and will usually pass after one to 2 weeks.”

If you’re worried about the severity of your dog’s anxiety, medication might be an option that’s worth discussing with your vet or an animal behaviourist, to help your pup live its calmest, happiest life.

Don’t be tempted to give your dog anti-anxiety medication prescribed for humans as human doses of medication would not be appropriate and could be harmful. Always consult a vet.