Is Behavior Medication the Right Choice for my Dog?

“Is behavior medication the right choice for my dog?”

I can’t answer that. I could tell you my opinion about behavior medication, why/how/when I put my own dogs on medication and why I weaned them off. I could even tell you about my clients’ success stories…but I am not going to do that either. You know why?

I am not a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.

What I can do:

I can point you in the right direction.

What I can do is observe your dog. I can begin behavior modification training and gauge your dog’s ability to be calm and settle. I can ask specific questions to get more information about your dog’s behavior in different circumstances, and take a comprehensive history. And I can certainly recommend you speak to your primary veterinarian about medication and/or suggest you consult with a veterinary behaviorist (or vet-to-vet telemedicine). I can write a report for your vet, describing your dog’s problem behaviors, and why those behaviors are difficult to modify with training, alone.

I can provide resources.

There are a few special blog posts/article/videos from trusted sources on behavioral medication for dogs. I’ve linked them below.

Behavior Medication: First-Line Therapy Or Last Resort? by Dr. Jennifer Summerfield

The Use of Medications in Canine Behavior Therapy by Ilana Reisner

Supplements and Medication for Separation Anxiety Video by Fear Free Homes

As always, reach out if you need help finding resources!