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As the spring and summer season approach all veterinarians get increasing calls inquiring about solutions for pets that become extremely anxious during thunderstorms and/or fireworks. The degree of anxiety can indeed vary from mild to severely affected pets that pace and become restless, often vocalizing, as well as even on occasion trying to escape out of the home, or the opposite situation of hiding in reclusive areas. Once again there can be both natural and prescription medical options for this common problem. |
Probably the most commonly prescribed drug is Acepromazine. However, this drug can be very unpredictable in its effects, with some pets not being affected at all, to other pets who become extremely sedated for a prolonged period of time, even at low doses. There is some controversy surrounding using this drug in pets with a history of seizures as well. The next largest class of prescription drugs used here belong to drugs in the Valium family.
Buspirone seems to work well in mild phobic dogs, but with severe phobias does not work as well. Tranxene-SD is a longer acting drug, but its effects can be unpredictable and as with other drugs on this class, occasional hyperexcitability can be seen. Probably the most effective drug of this class that I have found helpful is Alprozolam (Xanax), which is short acting and can be helpful. Other drugs used like Clomipramine and Amitriptyline would have to be used chronically during the entire thunder storm season, thus resulting in over medicating pets in my opinion for a single phobia.
Finally, natural remedies particularly the Bach Flower essences can be helpful in some cases. Rescue Remedy, Mimulus, Rock Rose and Aspen are the most common flower essences tried. Be Serene from 1800PetMeds has a wonderful combination of flower essences that may be worth trying as well.
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2 Comments
How to I order mimulus?
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
August 9th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
mimulus is a common bach flower essence that you can get from a good health food store. Whole foods carries all of the flower essences.
[Reply]
The effects of flower essences can be experienced by everybody. The Bach Flower remedy has been found effective in adults, kids and even animals. Why not give it a sample?
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
September 1st, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I agree. Bach flowers do have effects on pets and animals and are worth a try.
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