Best Anxiety Medications for Dogs: A Pet Owner’s Guide

Dogs can develop anxiety, just like their owners, and it can be stressful for both pet owners and their furry friends. Knowing how to support your dog is essential to their wellbeing, regardless of the trigger—whether it is the noise from thunder, separation anxiety, fear of travel, social environments, or something else entirely. Fortunately, anxious dogs can be greatly calmed by a mix of behavioural training and pet anxiety medication.

In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of dog anxiety, the best options and calming meds for dogs. We also have advice on how to choose between natural and prescription options—with plenty of tips to help you find the best pet behavioural medication for your dog.

Key Triggers & Types of Pet Anxiety

Finding the best dog anxiety medication treatment begins with identifying its underlying root cause. Depending on their age, background, surroundings, and personality, dogs may suffer from a variety of anxiety disorders. Here we explore the top four triggers for anxiety in dogs: 

1. Separation Anxiety - When dogs are left alone or away from their owners, one of the most common forms of anxiety that dogs might experience is separation anxiety. Symptoms include:

• • Excessive barking or howling

  • Destructive behaviour like chewing, digging, scratching at windows or doors

  • Unusual urination or defecating indoors

  • Racing around, pacing or panting excessively when you leave the house

4. Loud Noise Phobia - Loud noises like vacuum cleaners, firework displays, and thunderstorms may frighten a lot of dogs. Trembling, hiding, barking, and escape attempts can be triggered by these experiences.

5. Vehicle & Travel Anxiety - Your dog may exhibit symptoms including drooling, crying, vomiting, or restlessness during car travels. Holidays and veterinary appointments can be unpleasant for both pet and owner if your pet experiences travel anxiety.

6. Social Anxiety - Some dogs get anxious in noisy environments, around strangers, or around other dogs. You might notice them growling, barking excessively, being extremely shy, or attempting to avoid interaction.

Identifying the best dog anxiety medication or behavioural strategy requires first determining your dog's anxiety causes. Talk to your vet about the symptoms you are seeing in your dog to find the best options for managing anxiety. 

Common Anxiety Meds for Dogs

Depending on how severe your dog's symptoms are, you can choose from a variety of calming dog anxiety medications. The following are the most widely recognised for pet behavioural medication:

1. SSRIs & Antidepressants

For dogs with chronic anxiety problems, veterinarians usually recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac). To encourage emotional stability, these medications modify the brain's serotonin levels to ensure your pet is less anxious in specific triggering situations.

• Best for chronic and separation anxiety, compulsive behaviours.

2. Benzodiazepines

Fast-acting medications, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax), are frequently used in sudden events, such as thunderstorms or fireworks.

• Best for situational or sudden triggers that cause anxiety.

3. Clonidine or Trazodone

These medications are often utilised in addition to other prescriptions to treat travel anxiety, noise phobias, and situational anxiety if your pet is in a new environment.

• Best for dogs needing temporary support without heavy sedation.

4. Natural & Calming Aids

Supplements, pheromone diffusers, and comforting chews are examples of over-the-counter solutions that can help with minor anxiety.

L-theanine, Valerian root, camomile, and CBD are optional ingredients that you can use for your pet’s anxiety. Check with your vet on the availability and legality of these solutions (some states have different requirements). 

• Best for milder anxiety symptoms or as a complementary aid alongside behaviour training.

Natural vs Prescription Options for Pet Anxiety Medication

The extent of your dog's symptoms and how they react to various treatments will determine whether you choose prescription pet anxiety medication or more natural solutions.

Natural & Calming Medications - For dogs who occasionally experience stress or anxiety, natural choices may be the best alternative. They can be taken daily or as needed, and they often have fewer negative side effects. Most dogs can safely use natural medications, but each pet's response to treatment will determine how successful they are. You may choose to trial a natural solution before moving onto a prescription pet anxiety medication. 

Pros:

• No prescription required to purchase

• Fewer side effects as it’s a natural solution

• Very easy to administer (chews, sprays & supplements)

Cons:

• For severe anxiety this option may not be strong enough

• Less predictable results so monitoring your pet is crucial

Prescription Dog Anxiety Medications - Prescription medications can often be the best choice for moderate to severe anxiety. Based on your dog's medical history and current state of anxiety, your veterinarian can recommend the best medication, dosage, and course of treatment.

Pros:

• Prescription anxiety medications are clinically proven for their effectiveness

• Can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs

• Ability to treat underlying neurological imbalances

Cons:

• Requires a veterinarian prescription

• May have side effects (drowsiness, tummy upset)

• Periodic check-ups and adjustments may be required to ensure the dosage and frequency of administration are correct

As a pet owner, you may choose to use a mix of natural and prescription treatments to ensure the best possible outcome for your dog. Always talk to your vet before commencing any treatment. 

Vet Tips & Behaviour Training: A Holistic Approach

Pet anxiety is rarely solved by medication alone, whether you use a natural or prescription approach. A comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates both training and medication is advised by veterinarians and animal behaviourists.

1. Start With a Vet Consultation - See your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. They will evaluate your dog's general health, do any essential assessments, and evaluate if dog anxiety medication is suitable.

2. Follow Dosage Instructions Closely - Always follow the suggested dosage, whether using prescription or over-the-counter medications. While underdosing may not help at all, overdosing can also cause adverse effects.

3. Don’t Skip Training - Behaviour modification is essential to complement any anxiety treatment. We recommend the below training tips:

• Desensitisation: Gradually expose your dog to their triggers in a controlled way and monitor their response closely.

• Trigger-conditioning: Teach your dog to associate the trigger with something positive, like treats or play, so they feel less anxiety in that particular situation. 

• Routine & structure: Dogs feel more secure with consistent routines around feeding, walking, playtime, and rest times.

You could also consider working with a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist to implement a structured plan that can meet the individual needs of your dog.

4. Monitor & Adjust Treatment - Anxiety won’t be solved overnight, but keeping a journal of your dog’s behaviour and any side effects will give great insight into your pet’s behaviour. Share this with your vet to help adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Treating your dog's anxiety requires patience, time, and open discussion about the triggers and treatment you need. There are many options for dog anxiety medication, ranging from natural soothing chews to behavioural medications to help manage social stress, separation anxiety, or noise phobias.

The best approach is always a balanced one. Consult your vet, explore natural and prescription treatment options, and build a plan that works for both you and your dog. With the right support, your four-legged family member can enjoy a calmer, happier life.

PetPA: For Trusted Pet Anxiety Medication Solutions 

With the right support, managing your dog's anxiety is easy. Whether your pet suffers from separation anxiety, noise phobia, or travel anxiety, PetPA provides every option for your pet to help soothe them during stressful situations. With the support of professional veterinarian guidance and customised behavioural medication solutions, you can support your dog's mental health and well-being with confidence. Contact our expert team today and set your pet on a path to an anxiety-free life!