Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Reactivity

When and How To Think About Medication For Anxious Dogs

When and How To Think About Medication For Anxious Dogs

David Adams

September 30, 2024

Dog Reactivity

When and How To Think About Medication For Anxious Dogs thumbnail

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Have you ever thought about putting your anxious dog on medication? You’re not alone. Many people turn to medication if their dog is not responsive to other behavioral remedies. Here’s a guide to when and how to think about medication for your anxious dog.

Make sure to work with your vet and veterinary behaviorist first

It’s important to consult your vet and behaviorist for their input before putting your dog on any medication. Your veterinary behaviorist (more on that topic below) will be able to tell you whether you should try other behavior modification techniques first, and your vet will tell you whether medication is a good idea, and how to do it safely. If you do decide to go forward with medication for your dog, your vet will also be the one to prescribe it.

Vets, Veterinary Behaviorists, and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists: what’s the difference?

This can be a confusing topic. Some trainers may use the vague title of “behaviorist” but it’s important to look into any professional’s credentials.

Veterinarians are the doctors you take your dog to for regular checkups and visits. To become a veterinarian, one must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. A veterinarian does not necessarily have any special training in animal behavior.

Veterinary behaviorists, according to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, are “licensed veterinarians who have graduated from a recognized college of veterinary medicine and completed at least one year of internship or primary care practice.”

Also according to the ACVB, veterinary behaviorists “have also undergone additional behavior-specific training which includes at least 3 years of case supervision by an established Diplomate, conducting original behavior research which earns publication in a peer reviewed journal, authored 3 formal case reports that were approved by a review committee of Diplomates, and passed a rigorous 2-day Board Examination.”

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAABs), according to the AKC, “have a doctorate in biological or behavioral science with five years of professional experience in the field.” They are certified by the Animal Behavior Society, but they are not veterinarians.

If you can find a Veterinary Behaviorist in your area, that should be your first choice for a professional when you are looking into medicating your dog. If you cannot find one, find a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist who will work directly with your vet to make sure the right medication and dosage is being prescribed for your dog’s type of anxiety.

Signs of canine anxiety

Signs of anxiety include:

Trembling

Panting

Tail-tucking

Urination or defecation in the house

Drooling

Pacing

Restlessness

Destructive behaviors

Compulsive or repetitive behaviors

Excessive barking

It’s normal for a dog to feel anxious in certain situations, like if they feel threatened by a person or another dog, or if you have recently moved or made another big change in your and your dog’s lives. When a dog is perpetually anxious, that’s when it becomes a problem.

When does medication help dogs?

Medication is generally used as a last resort, after a dog has been through training and other behavior modification. It is not guaranteed to be effective for any dog, but it might help extremely anxious dogs, especially when used in combination with behavior modification techniques. It’s difficult to predict which dogs it will be effective for, and, just like with people, you might have to try a few different medications before finding one that works.

What does not count as anxiety for dogs?

Pain or illness: Some dogs might display symptoms that look like anxiety when they are actually in pain or feel ill. Take your dog to the vet to rule out pain or illness before beginning medication.

Reactivity: A reactive dog is one who has an extreme reaction to a certain stimulus or stimuli. Typically, a reactive dog is responding to a specific trigger, and the response will typically end when the trigger is no longer around (for instance, once the dog on the other side of the street is out of sight). Anxious dogs might be responding to specific stimuli, or their anxiety might be more generalized. In either case, an anxious dog will typically stay anxious for a long time, and it might not be clear what the cause was in the first place.

Excess energy: At times, it can be easy to confuse an overly energetic dog with an anxious dog. An energetic dog might display similar behaviors, like excessive barking or destroying your things. If your dog is young or hasn’t gotten enough exercise lately, you might have an overly energetic dog on your hands. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to consult with your trainer or behaviorist to see if they think your dog is anxious or overly energetic.

Excitement: Similarly, a dog who is very excited might bark, jump or pant. Look at your dog’s body language for clues to whether your dog is anxious or excited. If your dog has a relaxed stance, a wiggling butt and their head held high, they’re probably excited. If they have a tucked tail, are licking their lips or furrowing their brow, they are probably in a state of worry or stress. (Note that it’s normal for dogs to be worried or stressed sometimes, it’s when they are anxious all or most of the time, for no apparent reason, that it’s a problem.)

When should a dog parent consider medication for their dog?

A dog parent should consider medication after all other avenues have been explored, and after consulting with both their vet and dog trainer (or behaviorist). Always try training and behavior modification first, and only turn to medication if that doesn’t work. If your dog does go on medication, you will still need to work with a trainer to help your dog with behavior modification, in combination with the medicine.

Does medication for dogs actually work?

It’s tough to say definitively. In one study on dogs with “storm phobia,” a combination of clomipramine and alprazolam (two anti-anxiety medications) and behavior modification yielded improvement in 30 of the 32 dogs that completed the study. Studies like this suggest that medication combined with behavior modification might be a promising solution. However, there isn’t much large-scale scientific research into the topic yet, and results reported by dog owners vary greatly from dog to dog. There is no real way to figure out whether medication will work for your dog without trying it.

dog on leash

Is medication a permanent solution?

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM, tells writer Kristina Lotz at I Heart Dogs that medication alone won’t yield results. Dr. Alinovi recommends pairing the medication with behavior training. If you do that, she says, you might later be able to wean your dog off the medication. There is also the chance that your dog will stay on it permanently–it’s impossible to say, because it will vary based on the dog. In any case, medication alone is not a permanent solution–it must be combined with behavior modification.

Pros and cons of medication for dogs

Pros and cons vary by type of medication, which we’ll get into below, but here’s a list of some of them to consider:

Pros:

The possibility of decreased anxiety

Generally affordable

Easy to administer (as long as your dog isn’t suspicious of pills)

Some medications may help with obsessive behaviors

Cons and considerations:

Some medications, like Prozac, take four to six weeks to kick in

Medications may have physical side effects, such as upset stomach or lethargy

Some medications can’t be given to dogs with pre-existing conditions like glaucoma or heart disease

Some medications may interact with other medications

Cannanine has a helpful list of the pros and cons associated with each type of medication.

Types of canine anxiety medications

There are a few different classes of mood medications for dogs:

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, and will take at least several weeks to kick in. The most common tricyclic antidepressants are:

Amitriptyline

Clomipramine (Clomicalm)

Note: tricyclic antidepressants should not be given to dogs with glaucoma or heart disease.

Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs work by increasing serotonin in the brain (just as they do in humans). Like tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs will typically take 4-6 weeks to kick in. Some common SSRIs are:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Sertraline (Zoloft)

SSRIs may cause drowsiness and can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your vet about any other medications your dog is on.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines depress activity in the central nervous system, thereby decreasing anxiety. They are taken as needed and do not have a “waiting period.” Some common benzodiazepines are:

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Diazepam (Valium)

Lorazepam (Ativan)

running with dog

Alternatives to medication

Training: Training should always be tried first, and even if your dog does eventually go on medication, you’ll still need to use training in combination with the meds. Seek out a dog trainer or behaviorist who is experienced with anxious dogs. Some anxious dogs may respond well enough to training that they won’t need to go on medication.

Natural remedies: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that some dogs may respond to “natural” remedies, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence on the subject. Some natural remedies include:

Supplements like Zylkene, L-theanine and L-tryptophan (taken orally)

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP): This pheromone is purported to be calming to dogs, and is available in a few different formats, including collars and diffusers for the home.

Acupuncture: Again, there is no conclusive evidence on this, but some people believe that acupuncture has helped their dogs with anxiety. Be sure to check with your vet first and see if they can recommend a reputable dog acupuncturist.

Anxiety wraps: The Thundershirt and similar products can help your dog feel calmer by using soothing pressure. You can also make your own anxiety wrap.

CBD: CBD is an emerging treatment for various ailments in humans as well as animals. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a component in hemp and marijuana. CBD does not contain THC, which is the psychoactive component in marijuana, and will not make your pet “high.” Research into CBD and dogs is limited, but proponents claim that CBD oils and treats have helped reduce anxiety in their dogs. Keep in mind that the CBD pet product industry is not well-regulated, so use caution and remember that your results may vary.

Lifestyle changes:

Exercise: Before you try medication, try exercising your dog more (as long as they don’t have a heart condition or other condition that would preclude this). Some dogs become anxious when they don’t get enough exercise. Just like in humans, exercise can greatly help relieve stress in dogs.

Mental stimulation: Similarly, dogs benefit greatly from mental stimulation. Try providing your dog with things like puzzle toys or agility courses, and see if the extra mental stimulation has any effect on their anxiety.

Diet: While there is not much research in this area, your dog’s diet is one consideration in helping them feel their best. Lower-grade (generally cheaper) foods may not provide as much nutrition as higher-grade foods, and inadequate nutrition can contribute to a dog feeling bad, which may lead to behaving irregularly. It’s a good idea to ask your vet what food they would recommend for your dog. You can also check out the American College of Veterinary Nutrition’s nutrition resources.

Trigger avoidance: depending on the source of your dog’s anxiety, you might be able to help them by avoiding or reducing exposure to their anxiety triggers. For example, if your dog’s anxiety seems to be triggered by high-pitched noises, there may be a spot in the house where your dog can hang out and be exposed to fewer noises. However, this is dependent upon being able to discern what your dog is anxious about, and won’t be an option with dogs with more generalized anxiety.

Remember to always try training first, and that if your dog goes on medication, you will need to still train him in conjunction. Medication alone won’t “fix” your dog’s anxiety, but it can be a useful tool for severely anxious dogs.

Trainer Review of this Article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by certified, positive-only trainers.

This is the certified trainer that reviewed this article:

Lindy Langum
Founder - K9 Fun Club
Staff Trainer - Summit Assistance Dogs
Certified in Canine Studies (CSS), NW School of Canine Studies

David Adams

September 30, 2024

Dog Reactivity

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

All categories

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Most recent articles

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

20+ Best Enrichment Toys for Dogs: Ultimate Guide

Sniffspot: Private Dog Parks in San Diego

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Washington State

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

Top 10 Dog Water Parks in the US
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs: A Trainer's Guide
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Practical Guide for Owners
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Comprehensive Guide
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

When and How To Think About Medication For Anxious Dogs

Make sure to work with your vet and veterinary behaviorist first

Signs of canine anxiety

When does medication help dogs?

What does not count as anxiety for dogs?

When should a dog parent consider medication for their dog?

Does medication for dogs actually work?

Is medication a permanent solution?

Pros and cons of medication for dogs

Types of canine anxiety medications

Alternatives to medication

Trainer Review of this Article

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana