These days, stress is a common occurrence not only for humans but also for pets. To reduce the negative impact of stress on animals, veterinarians have developed medications to combat this condition.
All sedatives for dogs are conventionally divided into medicinal, natural, and combination medications. Let's look at the main ones.
| Group of drugs | Category | Name | Current substance | Effect of use |
| Chemicals | Tranquilizers
| Valium, Xanax, Klonopin
| Diazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam | Prescription medications that provide a quick and short-term effect. Suitable for quickly calming a frightened animal. |
| Antidepressants | Clomicalm, Amitriptyline
| Clopyramine, amitriptyline
| Drugs for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and aggression | |
| Pheromones
| Adaptil, Help dog | Synthesized volatile substances similar to lactating bitch hormones 3-5 days after birth | A means for calming and creating a sense of security in an animal | |
| Nootropics Racetams
| Glycine, Phenibut, Tryptophan | Aliphatic amino acid, gamma-amino-beta-phenylbutyric acid hydrochloride, aminopropionic acid | Gentle products suitable for sensitive dogs. | |
| Natural | Plant-based | "No Stress" by Beaphar, "Fitex", "Kot Bayun", "Antistress" | Valerian, motherwort, peony, ivy, hops, Baikal skullcap, mint, chamomile, plantain, hawthorn, horsetail | These medications provide behavioral stability, relieve stress, and reduce anxiety and aggression. They are not addictive, but they can trigger allergies. |
| Homeopathic | Fospasim | Passionflower extract | The medicine helps to alleviate stress and improves the dog's adaptability to the situation. | |
| Combined | Nootropics + herbal ingredients | Stop Stress, Nutri-Vet, Anti-Stress, VetSpokoin | Phenibut, valerian, motherwort, hops, skullcap, peony | Products for mental well-being and stress relief. Some are also effective against motion sickness. |
As the table shows, there are many medications available to relieve stress in pets. Let's consider the situations in which certain medications may be needed.
Predictable stress
There are events or occasions that the owner knows about in advance. In these cases, it's possible to begin administering medication to the animal a few days in advance. These include:
- New Year and other holidays accompanied by the arrival of guests and fireworks.
- Participation in exhibitions and competitions.
- Visit to the veterinarian, dentist, groomer.
- Planned trip.
- Moving.
- Change of owner.
Unforeseen circumstances
Not all stressful situations can be predicted. In such cases, fast-acting remedies should be used, strictly following your veterinarian's recommendations.
List of possible unpredictable causes of stress:
- Encounter with an aggressive animal.
- Sharp sounds during a walk.
- Thunderstorms and other natural phenomena.
- New acquaintances or environment.
- Change of owner after death or illness.
Important note: Any medications should only be given to your pet under a doctor's supervision and in strict accordance with the instructions. Do not self-prescribe medications to your pet, especially those from a chemical group. This can cause not only a worsening of the condition, but even poisoning and death.
