How to Calm an Anxious American Staff when OTC Pills Fail?

Dear VetBabble, What to Do When Over-the-Counter Calming Pills Don’t Seem to Help My Highly Anxious American Staff? And Are There Any Alternative Solutions?

Your Pet’s Anxiety and Possible Triggers

It can be truly distressing when our beloved pets are dealing with anxiety. From your description, it seems like your American Staff has been exhibiting signs of anxiety and despite your best efforts with over-the-counter calming pills, they aren’t providing the relief your pet needs. The first step to resolving this issue is understanding that each pet is unique and that what works well for one may not work for another. It’s also crucial to grasp that the best form of treatment often depends on what is causing this anxiety.

Has there been a particular event or drastic change in daily routine that coincided with the onset of this anxiety? Such changes could range from moving houses, introduction of a new pet or family member, or even a change in your work schedule. This article on Dealing with Anxiety in Dogs will provide you robust information about the different triggers of anxiety in dogs and steps to manage them.

Moving Beyond Over-The-Counter Solutions

If calming pills are not working and you’ve identified potential stressors, it might be time to explore some other options. You’ve mentioned plug-in diffusers or calming collars—这both are excellent solutions! These work by releasing synthetic pheromones that mimic the ones released by mother dogs to soothe their puppies. These pheromones are known to have a calming effect on dogs of all ages and can very well be the solution your American Staff needs.

In more severe cases, a vet may recommend prescription medications to manage anxiety. However, we understand that introducing new medications can feel a bit nerve-wracking. Hence, check out Training Your Pet to See the Vet for some tips on making proactive veterinary visits more relaxing for your dog.

Understanding Your Dog’s Unique Needs and Individualized Training

Every dog is unique and will have individual needs and behaviors. If your American Staff’s anxiety seems tied to specific triggers or events, it may be worth working with a behaviorist. They have expertise in untangling the complexities of pet behavior, understanding the underlying motivations, and developing customized training or behavior modification plans.

If your dog’s anxiety is tied to loud noises, our article My Dog is Scared of Loud Noises: What Should I Do Help? could be of great help. It covers real-life situations and provides effective solutions for dogs suffering from noise phobia.

Finally, considering the current changes in our work routines and the prospect of readjusting to the comfort of our homes, our pets too are affected by this sudden shift. Planning a systematic routine can go a long way in minimizing anxiety. Our article on Back to Work: How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Return to the Office will provide some practical steps for this transition.

Remember, it’s important to be patient with your furry friend and understand that dealing with anxiety can be a slow process. The love and comfort you provide to your buddy on this journey are irreplaceable and the most helpful in the journey towards a calmer future!