Our furry friends bring immeasurable joy and companionship into our lives. However, just like humans, dogs can experience behavioural issues that may affect their well-being and the harmony of our homes. In some cases, behaviour medication for dogs can be a helpful tool as part of a multi-modal approach consisting of medication, environmental management, and a behaviour modification program to address issues and improve their quality of life.
Lindsey Cloutier, DVM, CPDT-KA article in CattleDog Publishing explains medication for dogs, including when it’s necessary, how it works, and what to expect when using it. Pets4Life Dog Training has adapted Cloutier’s article for dogs.
Why behaviour medication for dogs, and what is the goal?
The goal is to help them cope with stress and improve their learning potential. This allows your dog to feel safer, making management, training, and behavior modification more effective.
A veterinarian or a veterinary behaviourist will prescribe medication for three main reasons:
- decrease the intensity of your pet’s reactions;
- decrease the frequency with which they occur;
- decrease the recovery time from an episode.
To teach your pet new things, they need to be comfortable enough to learn. In dogs that are fearful and anxious, medication helps make learning possible.
With medication, the goal is not to sedate your dog or change their personality. If it does, a discussion with your veterinarian/veterinary behaviourist may be needed to find a more suitable medication.
Which types of medications are used?
Medications used to treat behavioural conditions typically fall into two broad categories:
Daily medications are often used when triggers are either unavoidable, unpredictable, or common in their life. Typically given once or twice a day, these medications can take four to six weeks to be effective. This is referred to as the loading period. After that, doses may need to be adjusted, or medications changed.
Rapid-acting medications are used prior to a stressful event or when initially starting a daily medication. Rapid-acting medications are useful because they only take 30 minutes to two hours to take effect. This allows pets prompt relief when these types of events are predictable or when extra support is needed quickly.
How safe is behaviour medication for dogs?
While no medication comes without risks, they are usually tolerated well, and long-term side effects are uncommon. A decrease in appetite is the most common side effect, although some may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or drowsiness. In rare instances, a pet may have increased anxiety or agitation. In these cases, your veterinarian/veterinary behaviourist may adjust the medications or dosage.
Will medication “Fix” your dog?
As part of a complete treatment plan, medications can reduce the severity, frequency, and intensity of behavior but do not guarantee a cure. Management, training, and behaviour modification are often still needed.
When can my dog stop medication?
While some dogs may be successfully weaned off medications, others may need continued treatment. Often, behavioural conditions are managed but not cured.
Conclusion
Behaviour medication for dogs can be a valuable tool in addressing behavioral issues, improving your dog’s quality of life, and maintaining a harmonious relationship within your home. However, it is essential to approach the use of medication with care, guided by professional advice from a veterinary behaviourist or veterinarian with a special interest in dog behaviour, and supplemented with behavioural training and support. Your veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist will help you determine what is best for you and your pet.
