For the dog owner, it is a heartbreaking sight: The beloved four-legged friend crouches trembling in the corner and feels panic and intense stress. If such a situation occurs frequently, many dog owners think of sedatives for dogs. But it is not easy to choose the right one from the multitude of resources. What the funds can do and how dog owners can stand aside supportively without pills of the fur nose is examined in this guide article.
Sedatives for dogs – anxiety triggers
Every fur nose is different from their nature – some are calm themselves and master stressful situations with confidence. Then there are the delicately-strung four-legged friends, which can easily be troubled by the hustle and bustle. The socialization in puppyhood plays an immense role for a relaxed being as an adult dog. This is illustrated by the example of a puppy being separated from its mother too early. In this case, there is a good chance that he will be prone to developing phobias later in life.
Basically, it is advisable to expose your own dog to as little hectic activity as possible. Nevertheless, stressful situations in everyday life cannot be avoided. Some examples in which sensitive fur noses react stressed are the following:
- Noise (for example on New Year’s Eve)
- Visit to the vet or groomer
- Thunderstorm
- Car trips
- Separation anxiety when the dog owner leaves home
- Visit (strange people or strange dogs)
Sedatives for dogs – what alternative works?
In many cases, there is no need to take pills, drops, and the like. Therefore, this guide article first goes into how the dog owner can alternatively help the four-legged friend. There are a number of measures that can bring more relaxation in certain situations. In addition, many myths revolve around the topic of how a dog owner behaves correctly with a nervous fur nose.
Don’t add to the fear
It is important that the dog owner does not increase the fear of the four-legged friend through his behavior. This in no way means that a frightened dog should be completely ignored by its owner. Rather, what is meant is excessive petting and persuasion of the dog. For example, if the dog looks for a hiding place full of fear, the owner should respect that.
Create quiet areas
If the fur nose feels fear in their own home, then a place of retreat is important. A cozy dog bed in a quiet part of the apartment is a start.
Damp noises
Of course, loud noise cannot be compensated for with an even louder one. What is meant here is relaxing and quiet music that muffles the noise from outside a little. This can be used to distract from the actual fear trigger. A study by the University of Glasgow has scientifically proven that music has a calming effect on four-legged friends. In addition, it is advisable to darken the apartment in order to reduce visual stimuli from the outside.
When the dog wants to be close
In the event that the four-legged friend comes to his human by itself, physical contact can calm down. In the past, the general rule was: Do not increase the dog’s fear by stroking it. It depends on the way. There is nothing wrong with a few calming gestures and the certainty that the pack leader is standing confidently aside.
Work out
A long drive is pending and the dog owner knows in advance that the dog will suffer from nervousness? This is what happens to many dog owners. A long walk or – if the dog’s health allows it – jogging, cycling, etc. ensure that the dog is more relaxed while driving.
Sedatives for dogs – classic or alternative?
If the calming measures have no effect on the four-legged friend, the use of sedatives for dogs can be considered. There are prescription pills, homeopathic remedies in drop form, soothing collars, and much more. The best sedative can be found individually for every fur nose. Step by step, the next sections will deal with their effects and possible risks and side effects.
Prescription tranquilizers for dogs
As can be guessed, these funds are intense in their effect, since they are not available for sale. Among them, there is a sedative that is still used despite the risks.
Doubtful approach: the drug acepromazine
The sedative with the active ingredient acepromazine is increasingly being criticized. The dog may appear calmer and more relaxed, but the reason is not that he is less afraid. Acepromazine is a sedative and neuroleptic. The dog is immobilized and has no strength to express its nervousness. Inside there is the same fear as without the administration. For an anxious four-legged friend who cannot express his well-being, this must be associated with extreme discomfort.
The correct approach, but not without side effects
Then there are prescription tranquilizers that get to the root of the problem: Benzodiazepines reduce dogs’ feelings of anxiety. Ingestion is associated with some side effects: The dog may have an increased appetite and be less inhibited – which turns out to be problematic in aggressive dogs. Benzodiazepines should not be given under any circumstances if the dog is already feeling panic. Then the remedy can lead to a panic attack.
Pheromones: sprays, collars, and atomizers
Pheromone products can be used for mild to moderate anxiety. This is an artificial replica of a pheromone that a bitch pours out in her teats after birth. The puppies perceive the smell, which triggers a strong feeling of security and security in them. According to manufacturers, the messenger substance also works in adult dogs and is therefore used to calm down.
But a study in which the effect was checked in dogs and cats, refutes a calming effect of the artificially produced pheromones. A summary can be read in the AVMA Journal.
If the dog shows nervous behavior only in certain places, the owner can distribute the calming messenger substance with a spray.
Pheromones in collars are useful when your four-legged friend tends to be anxious both indoors and outdoors.
An atomizer can be suitable for all fur noses who often feel fear in their own home. Here the atomizer is connected to the socket – so the messenger substance can be released into the room.
The power of homeopathy
Although the alternative healing method has not been scientifically proven, homeopathy is becoming increasingly popular in dogs. They are mostly extremely dilute, vegetable or mineral substances. Due to their nature, they have hardly any side effects.
It is best if dog owners seek advice from an experienced animal healer or veterinarian with additional homeopathic training. Because only correctly dosed can they help to reduce stress and consequently to more relaxation?
Emergency drops
Dog tranquilizers are available for emergencies such as New Year’s Eve. Here it is advisable to try the so-called “Rescue Drops” for dogs. Although there is no solid evidence that Bach flowers are effective in dogs, many dog owners swear by the gentle drug. In the case of the emergency drops, individual essences are put together to form a mixture.
The same applies here: In order to achieve an effect, the correct dosage is important. Insecure dog owners can – as with classic homeopathy – seek advice from a veterinary practitioner or an experienced veterinarian.
Side effects vs. effect
Prescription tranquilizers should only be used in extreme emergencies when everything has been tried. Psychotropic drugs are by no means a permanent solution. Benzodiazepines have certain risks and should only be administered after thorough consultation with the veterinarian. With the other remedies, such as herbal sedatives, there are hardly any side effects. Again, there is no convincing evidence to support its effectiveness.
Sedatives for dogs – conclusion
Before dog owners try it with medicine, it is advisable to take other measures first. Be it through your own behavior that takes away the fear of the fur nose or perhaps with specialist literature or a good dog trainer. Mild forms of anxious behavior don’t always need to be fixed. Like us humans, the dog is not perfect. But in some cases, dog tranquilizers can also help. Not to be concealed in the fact that extremely frightened dogs can also pose a danger to themselves and those around them.
