Antianxiety Medications for Dogs

Anti-anxiety medications are generally part of a larger treatment for anxious dogs, which includes training and behavior modification. Various causes for anxiety in dogs include panic disorders, phobias, separation anxiety and negative past experiences. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, "The development of non-addictive non-sedating medications to relieve anxiety (called anxiolytic drugs) has been an important area of pharmacology in the last 20 years." This means that dog owners and veterinarians have a wide variety of choices when trying to find a medication to reduce anxiety in dogs.

Acepromazine

Acepromazine is a phenothiazine drug, which means it works as a tranquilizer and has some anti-psychotic actions. It is more commonly used as a tranquilizer than as an anti-anxiety medication. It can be given orally or as an injection. Each dose lasts between six to eight hours. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, boxers are reportedly more sensitive to acepromazine than other breeds, but there is no scientific evidence that proves this belief. Brand names for acepromazine include PromAce and Aceproject.

Alprazolam

Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax. It is not approved by the FDA for use in animals, but may still be prescribed legally by vets with a special DEA license as an extra-label drug. Alprazolam is considered a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, as are clorazepate and diazepam. Of all anti-anxiety drugs, "benzodiazepines have the widest range of effects, significantly reducing anxiety in all situations and all animal models of anxiety," according to Jon Bowen and Sarah Heath in their book "Behaviour Problems in Small Animals." Side effects include sedation or over-excitement.

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and is believed to affect serotonin levels in the brain. Tricyclic antidepressant can cause anti-cholinergic side effects, which means that it affects the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in problems urinating, dry mouth (shown as frequently licking lips or increased water consumption), increased or abnormal heart rate, constipation and increased eye pressure. Other side effects include increased excitability, sedation, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, weakness or pale gums caused by anemia and bone marrow suppression and low platelets, which increase bleeding and bruising. Amitriptyline should not be used with monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as seligiline or amitraz, this includes flea treatments including collars such as Preventic, Mitaban dip and Promeris. It is frequently prescribed under the brand name Elavil.

Clomipramine

Clomipramine is one of only two drugs approved by the FDA to treat separation anxiety in dogs (fluoxetine is the other drug). It is a tricyclic antidepressant, which is believed to affect serotonin levels in the brain. Clomipramine can cause anticholinergic side effects, which means it affects the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in problems urinating, increased heart rate, intestinal trouble and increased eye pressure. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, increased appetite, weight gain, lethargy, dry mouth and sedation. Brand names include Clomicalm (for animals) and Anafranil (for people).

Diazepam

Diazepam is considered a benzodiazepine tranquilizer (see Alprazolam above for more information) and is more commonly known under the brand name Valium. It is believed to reduce the serotonin and acetylcholine levels in the brain. The drug can have a stronger then expected result when used with other medications such as cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole and propranolol. It should also not be used with amitraz dips (used to treat mange) or ivermectin treatments (used to kill parasites). Side effects include sedation or over-excitement.

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), more commonly known by its brand name Prozac or Reconcile. It is one of only two drugs approved by the FDA to treat separation anxiety in dogs (clomipramine is the other). It works by increasing serotonin in the brain. About one in five dogs taking fluoxetine will experience weight loss due to a decrease in appetite or nausea. Fluoxetine should not be used with monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as seligiline or amitraz, this includes flea treatments including collars such as Preventic, Mitaban dip and Promeris.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith Rx Info Sheets
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center Animal Pharmacy Center
• Pet Place Prescription Drugs

Resources

• Causes of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs and Cats