″Pharmacological
therapy for behavior problems in dogs should always be conducted only as a last
resort and always under the direct supervision of a veterinary behaviorist″.
The
Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health Second
Edition by Linda P. Case
Behavioral
pharmacology with animals differs from other areas of pharmacology because animal
behavior seems to be more prone to environmental influences, rather than
pathophysiology. There is no reason to believe that a neurotransmitter
imbalance is commonly the cause for most problem behaviors.
Rather
than seek out a drug for a quick fix, the owner should seek out a professional
who understands dogs and has the skills to bring about positive results. Using psychotropic
drugs to correct behavior should always be a last resort and always under the
direct supervision of a veterinary behaviorist.
Since
the majority of problem behaviors are not caused by a neurotransmitter
imbalance, these problems can be resolved without the necessity for drug
treatment. Problems behaviors such as, anxiety, barking, hyperactivity,
separation anxiety, whining or any other behavior considered disruptive should
first be addressed by a knowledgeable individual who understands a dog′s
development and behavior.
When
drugs are used the common approaches are typically to assist a behavior
modification program that theoretically could work alone, or to correct an
existing physiological abnormality such as deficiency in a neurotransmitter
system.
If
drugs are used, they should be used in conjunction with a behavior modification
program. Drugs themselves should not be considered a quick fix.
There
are no guarantees that a drug will control the problem behavior for months or
years.
The
use of anxiolytic or anti-anxiety drugs with dogs that displays aggression can
have the affect of diminishing fear, leading to a dog that is more aggressive.
Many
dogs that carry the label ″behavior problems″ are often under exercised, full
of energy, bored, and not provided the proper structure, discipline, and
training.
Successful
behavior modification depends upon accurately identifying the reason for the
behavior. We start by looking at the behavior patterns exhibited by a specific
dog in a specific circumstance to determine the function of the behavior. We also
look for contributing factors to the behavior within the environment of the dog
and the behavior of the owners.
Remember,
dogs cannot complain of side effects, they simply suffer. A dog on drugs is not
better behaved, they are drugged.
References
Canine and Feline Behavior Therapy
Second EditionBenjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart, Melissa
J. Bain
The Dog : Its Behavior, Nutrition, & Health Second Edition Linda P. Case
Serotonin Enhancers
Serotonin tends to have calming and mood elevating effects. Believed
to be useful in elevating serotonin above normal to facilitate behavior
modification programs.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors
Reasons for Use:
Anxiety,
repetitive behaviors, and some reports of use in aggression.
Medication
Fluoxeline
(Prozac)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Concerns
with Use:
There is no reason to believe that a serotonin
deficiency is commonly the cause of most problem behaviors.
Amount of time needed to see significant changes
in behavior has not been determined in animals.
Commitment to treat up to 6 weeks to see the
full effect of the drug.
Side effects reported with use.
Serotonin Enhancers
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Reasons for Use:
Anxiety,
repetitive behaviors, and some reports of use in aggression.
Medication
Clomipramine
(Clomicalm)
Amitriptyline
(Elavil)
Concerns
with Use:
There is no reason to believe that a serotonin
deficiency is commonly the cause of most problem behaviors.
Can lower the seizure threshold, and should be
avoided in animals with a seizure disorder.
Side effects reported with use.
Azapirones
Reasons for Use:
Anxiety,
repetitive behaviors, and some reports of use in aggression.
Medication
Buspirone
(Buspar)
Concerns
with Use:
Animals can become more aggressive, possibly due
to reduced inhibition of fear-related aggression.
Facilitates the release of dopamine which may
contribute to an increase of aggression.
Side effects reported with use.
Benzodiazepine
Derivatives
Reasons for Use:
Anxiety (primarily
episodic or panic attacks) and seizure control.
Because of its rapid onset of
antianxiety influences within a day or two it is used for dogs fearful of automobile
rides, reduction of anxiety to firecrackers.
Medication
Diazepam (Valium)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Clonazepam (Kolnopin)
Concerns
with Use:
Can cause disinhibition of aggression which is a
concern with animals known to be aggressive.
Possibility of liver toxicity.
Can cause an increase in appetite, which can be
a problem for dogs already overweight.
