Treating Behavior Problems in Dogs
Giving Your Dog His Medicine
If you decide to use a behavioral medication to help your dog overcome a behavior problem, you might run into a challenge when you try to give him his medicine. It can be difficult to get dogs to swallow pills, and some dogs get so upset by the pilling process that they start avoiding their pet parents altogether. To learn how to give your dog the medicine he needs in the least stressful way possible, please see our article on Giving Your Dog a Pill.
Seek the Advice of an Experienced Professional
This article is intended to help pet parents understand various behavioral medications used in dogs. It’s not intended as a guide to choosing behavior medications. If your dog suffers from fear, anxiety, behavior compulsions or any other behavior problem for which you’re considering behavioral medication, be certain to first consult with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (Dip ACVB). These animal behavior experts can evaluate your dog’s behavior problem, help you develop a treatment plan, give you advice on suitable medications, and work with your veterinarian to maximize the success of your dog’s treatment program. For help in locating a behavior expert in your area, please see our article, Finding Professional Help.
WebMD Veterinary Reference from ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist
