What to know about anxiety medications for dogs

If your pet shows behavioral or anxiety symptoms, your vet will perform a thorough examination and order tests. This will include blood work and urinalysis to check whether an underlying medication condition may be causing symptoms.

If they do not find a physical cause for your pet’s symptoms, they may discuss medications that can treat dog anxiety. They may prescribe anxiety medication in combination with a behavior modification plan with a licensed dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

Medication can help reduce the immediate symptoms of anxiety, while behavioral therapy helps your dog build healthy habits to cope with stressful situations. The goal is to eventually taper your dog off the medication or find the lowest effective dose.

What are medications for dog anxiety?

Medications for dog anxiety are similar to those used for treating human anxiety. They include drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

These medications help change how certain chemicals interact or are released in your dog’s brain, reducing their anxiety.

Some medications for dog anxiety may include:

• gabapentin (Neurontin, Aclonium)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro)
• lorazepam (Ativan, Intensol)
• alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam, Alprazolam Intensol)
• diazepam (Valium)
• buspirone (BuSpar, Bustab)
• clomipramine (Clomicalm)

Your vet can discuss which options are right for your dog’s individual symptoms, along with the benefits and risks of each.

If you need help covering the cost of medications for your pets, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or learn more about Optum Perks for pets here.

Can I use my Optum Perks discount card to pay for dog anxiety medications?

Yes! Optum Perks offers discounts for your whole family, including your pets. You can compare prices for your dog’s anxiety medications at major retailers and local pharmacies.

Check current discounts for dog anxiety medications at pharmacies near you.

How do medications help treat dog anxiety?

Medications can help treat your dog’s anxiety by increasing their levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. This can help improve your dog’s mood, relieving their anxiety and reducing symptoms like fear, stress, or aggression.

Several medications are available for both long- and short-term dog anxiety treatment.

The medications for dog anxiety typically take time before showing any symptoms of improvement. In many cases, long-term treatments may take a month or longer before your dog starts benefiting from the medical treatment.

When you’re expecting a stressful event, such as a thunderstorm or fireworks, vets may prescribe a combination of antidepressants to help your dog cope.

What are the side effects of dog anxiety medications?

Side effects of anxiety medications for dogs are generally not serious. While they may be troublesome, they typically do not cause significant harm to your pet.

Side effects of dog anxiety medications may include:

• producing more saliva than usual
• vomiting
• gagging
• diarrhea
• sluggishness
• staggered walking and lack of coordination

In some cases, the medications may cause your dog to act impulsive or hyperactive but without displaying any symptoms of aggression.

If your dog experiences side effects from anxiety medication or any other symptoms that concern you, talk with your vet. They may be able to adjust your dog’s dosage or suggest a different treatment.

What are the symptoms of dog anxiety?

Dog anxiety symptoms can include:

• excessive barking
• pacing
• restlessness
• peeing or pooping in the house
• panting
• drooling
• aggression
• depression
• destructive behavior
• repetitive or compulsive behaviors

Dogs may feel particularly anxious and display their symptoms when left alone. This is because separation anxiety can cause them severe distress, triggering fear and anxiety.

A 2014 study found that about 20% of dogs experience canine separation anxiety. If left untreated, this can cause emotional and financial distress to the family, such as the need to hire a dog sitter. In extreme cases, it may lead to families having to choose to give up their dog.

Loud noises, like fireworks, may trigger anxiety in dogs. A 2016 study found that 39.2% of participating dogs had noise sensitivity, experiencing distress when exposed to particular levels of noise.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they have anxiety. Your vet can evaluate your dog’s symptoms and other factors to make an accurate diagnosis and plan effective treatment.

Are there over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for dog anxiety?

Some OTC treatments that may help your dog’s anxiety include dimenhydrinate (Benadryl, Dramamine) and melatonin. These medications can help your dog relax and reduce their anxiety.

However, it’s always a good idea to speak with a vet before giving any OTC medications to your dog. Vets can advise on the safety and dosages of these drugs for your dog.

What are some natural ways to calm dog anxiety?

There are several natural ways to calm dog anxiety, including:

• CBD oil, which can help your dog’s anxiety by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain
• alpha-casozepine and L-theanine supplements can relieve anxiety and reduce stress in dogs
• a calm vest, which compresses your dog’s abdomen to create a feeling similar to a hug
• massages and puzzle toys, which can help distract your dog from stress triggers
• pheromone therapy

Dog training strategies may also help your pet learn how to manage their anxiety, making them gradually more comfortable in stressful situations.

Treating your dog’s anxiety can prevent the onset of other health complications, such as chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases or dysfunctions in its immune system. Appropriate anxiety treatment can increase your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy.

New research in dog anxiety treatment

Researchers are also studying the benefits of other alternative treatments, including certain nutritional supplements and pheromone therapy.

Research from 2023 notes that including certain supplements — such as antioxidants, probiotics, and anxiolytic agents — in your pet’s diet can alleviate certain systemic changes linked with pet stress. However, you should always speak with a vet before giving your dog supplements.

Using an electric diffuser filled with certain pheromones can help relieve anxiety in your dog when they are home alone. A paper from 2014 stated that about 83% of dogs exposed to pheromones showed improvement or elimination of their anxiety.

Summary

Medications can help treat symptoms of anxiety in dogs. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of your dog’s anxiety symptoms — which may include excessive barking, pacing, and restlessness — and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Anxiety medications for dogs can cause some side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and sluggishness. Talk with your vet if your dog experiences any side effects when taking anxiety drugs.