{"id":995,"date":"2014-07-01T23:46:36","date_gmt":"2014-07-01T23:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=995"},"modified":"2022-10-25T19:55:05","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T19:55:05","slug":"the-use-of-medications-in-canine-behavior-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/behavior\/the-use-of-medications-in-canine-behavior-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Use of Medications in Canine Behavior Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your longtime client, Mrs. Jones, presents Buttercup, the Papillon, with \u201ca behavior problem\u201d: For several months, Buttercup has been biting houseguests. Through questioning and observation, you determine that Buttercup is anxious. She was \u201cshy\u201d as a puppy, exhibits fearful postures when unfamiliar people try to pet her, and\u2014as a home video of her behavior reveals\u2014runs away from guests trying to interact with her.<\/p>\n

\n

Editor\u2019s Note:<\/strong> This article was originally published in July\/Aug 2014. Please use this content for reference or educational purposes, but note that it is not being actively vetted after publication. For the most recent peer-reviewed content, see our issue archive<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

The presentation of behavior problems during routine appointments is one of the inevitabilities of today\u2019s veterinary practice. Behavioral drugs can help manage these problems\u2014but not all drugs are equally useful, and their use is not always indicated. The plot thickens when some clients demand medication, while others refuse to use it despite veterinary recommendations (see Addressing Client Reluctance<\/span><\/strong>).<\/p>\n

Addressing Client Reluctance<\/span><\/h2>\n

If behavioral medication is indicated, but the client is reluctant, discussing specific concerns educates the client about the benefits of medication. Common concerns include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. My pet’s much-loved personality will change. <\/span><\/strong>
    \nThis is not the goal. The only personality characteristics targeted for change with drug therapy are those associated with anxiety and reactivity, or such problems as repetitive (compulsive) behavior. Because psychopharmacology can have unexpected effects\u2014for example, one client reported that her dog seemed less inclined to play with toys after administration of a drug\u2014it is also important to reassure the client that his or her pet’s response will be monitored, and the medication effects can be reversed or limited by reducing the dose or switching to a different drug.<\/li>\n
  2. Drugs are unhealthy or unsafe.<\/span><\/strong>
    \nThere are many behavioral drugs, and most are quite safe to use\u2014even with chronic administration\u2014in healthy patients. Medication is prescribed only after a physical examination and, if the medication will be administered for a long period of time, screening blood analysis should be performed. This testing, including CBC, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, is recommended:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    • \n
        \n
      • Annually for patients receiving behavior drugs for over 1 year<\/li>\n
      • Semiannually for patients over 8 years of age that are receiving behavior drugs, or more frequently if there are concurrent medical issues of concern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        3. My pet will be sleepy all the time.<\/span><\/strong>
        \nUnless sedation is the goal, such as during thunderstorms for phobic dogs, nonsedating drugs are used, so sleepiness should not be an issue. If unexpected sedation is a side effect of behavioral medication, the drug dose can be reduced or a different medication can be prescribed. While it is not uncommon for behavioral drugs to cause transient sedation initially, it can often be avoided by starting with a lower dosage, then increasing it over several weeks to the desired dose.<\/p>\n

        Why Use Behavioral Medication?<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Augmentation of Behavior Modification<\/span><\/h3>\n

        The treatment goal of any behavior problem is modification<\/span> of that behavior. However, the term behavior modification<\/span> is vague and depends upon the individual patient and behavior being addressed.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Management of any problem behavior requires recognizing and avoiding the stimuli that trigger the behavior in question.<\/li>\n
        2. The dog needs to learn to behave differently in response to the stimulus. The term differently<\/span> is intentionally nonspecific because it is tailored to the individual animal and context in which the problem behavior occurs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Behavior modification might include anything from counter-conditioning a fearful dog; actively training an appropriate, alternative behavior to a cue; or desensitizing a separation\u2013distress dog to its owner\u2019s leaving the room. Thus, behavior modification can play an important role in management of a problem behavior.<\/p>\n

          Reduction of Stress<\/span><\/h3>\n

          In some cases, there are limits to how far behavior modification alone can go. Extreme situational stress or fear can interfere with learning and decision making.<\/p>\n

          When dogs are overtly reactive\u2014or, in the language of dog training, over threshold<\/span>\u2014they are physiologically aroused, which involves both the autonomic (fight or flight instinct) and endocrine (hypothalamic\u2013pituitary\u2013adrenal axis up-regulation) systems. In these cases, there is rarely any middle ground\u2014the dog will move rapidly from a lack of reaction to extreme avoidance, aggression, or panic.<\/p>\n

          Temperamental or inherited generalized anxiety can also interfere with learning. Generalized anxiety, similar to situational anxiety, is more pervasive and challenging to overcome through training alone.<\/p>\n

          In these patients, the addition of behavioral drug therapy can significantly improve response to treatment. When underlying anxiety is reduced, the dog is more receptive to learning and its behavior can change more reliably in the long-term. As one owner of a fearfully aggressive dog reported after 2 months of fluoxetine administration, \u201cI feel like it\u2019s opened a door to her brain.\u201d<\/p>\n

          Sedation, If Needed<\/span><\/h3>\n

          Although, on a day-to-day basis, sedation is not a desirable drug effect, it may be necessary to eliminate distress spikes<\/span> in specific situations, most frequently:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Separation anxiety (administered at point of the owner\u2019s departure)<\/li>\n
          • Thunderstorm or fireworks fear (administered just before the event)<\/li>\n
          • Car or airplane travel (administered 30 minutes before travel; then repeated as needed during travel).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Rather than administration on a daily or standing<\/span> basis, sedative medication can be given on an as-needed<\/span> basis, often in combination with a daily medication.<\/p>\n

            When Should Behavioral Medication Be Prescribed?<\/h2>\n

            There is some flexibility with regard to prescribing medication relative to the behavior modification plan.<\/p>\n

              \n
            • If drug therapy is unequivocally indicated<\/span> (eg, severe separation anxiety or severe fear, including fear-aggressive behavior), ideally prescribe it during the same appointment as the behavior assessment, which incorporates it into the entire behavior management plan.<\/li>\n
            • If the plan includes significant management changes that do not require medication and\/or the pet is <\/span>not<\/span> impaired by stress<\/span> (ie, pet has reasonably good quality of life at time of presentation), consider delaying medication implementation until a follow-up visit. In some cases, behavioral drugs may be unnecessary.<\/li>\n
            • If a pet undergoing behavior modification has reached a plateau<\/span> with little advancement in learned tasks, successful desensitization, and\/or counter-conditioning, drug therapy may allow the owner to move further toward treatment goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n

              Case Application: Buttercup<\/h3>\n

              In Buttercup’s case, the first step\u2014avoiding the stimuli that trigger the behavior\u2014might simply mean keeping her in a separate area or gated part of the house while Mrs. Jones entertains guests.The second step\u2014learning to behave differently in response to these stimuli\u2014can include:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Feeding Buttercup a high-value food while a guest is seated and in view (counter-conditioning)<\/li>\n
              • Asking her to lie down on a previously specified mat while the owner is entertaining (alternative behavior).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                How Should Medication Be Prescribed?<\/h2>\n

                Anxiety is an underlying component of many canine behavior problems (Table 1<\/span><\/strong>). Reducing this anxiety often improves the problem behavior directly or decreases stress, raising the threshold for reactivity, fear responses, and other behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
                Table 1. Canine Behavior Problems Associated with Underlying Anxiety<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                \n
                  \n
                • Aggression between household dogs<\/li>\n
                • Compulsive disorder<\/li>\n
                • Fear-related aggression<\/li>\n
                • Fears\/phobias<\/li>\n
                • Inappropriate attention-seeking behavior<\/li>\n
                • Leash reactivity<\/li>\n
                • Resource guarding<\/li>\n
                • Separation anxiety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                  Before starting drug therapy in any animal, regardless of age, physical health, or category of drug, a medical history (including current medications) and physical examination are indicated, along with analysis of blood and urine.<\/p>\n

                  Duration of Therapy<\/span><\/h3>\n

                  Duration of treatment with behavior medication ranges from:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Relatively short-term (eg, 6 months for patients in which anxiety must be reduced to allow learning to occur) to<\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Longer-term therapy (eg, years for animals whose behavior is not adequately responsive to behavior modification alone).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Other considerations include:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Length of time for medication to take effect<\/span>: Some medications (eg, antidepressants) require 1 to 2 months for full effect, while others, such as benzodiazepines and other sedatives, act more immediately.<\/li>\n
                    • Loading period<\/span>: The initial loading period<\/span> of some drugs should be considered when planning therapy and duration of treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Once it\u2019s been determined that the patient\u2019s response to medication is adequate, a reasonable duration of initial therapy would be at least 6 months, which allows a generous period of time for behavior modification (learning).<\/p>\n

                      \n

                      The Importance of Informed Consent<\/span><\/h2>\n

                      Many drugs used in veterinary behavioral medicine fall into the following 2 categories:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Human psychiatric agents not licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in companion animals<\/li>\n
                      2. FDA-approved drugs for use in dogs with specific behavior problems, such as fluoxetine (veterinary product no longer available) and clomipramine for separation anxiety and selegiline for cognitive dysfunction syndrome; however, administration for other behaviors, such as anxiety-based aggression, is extra-label.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        When recommending these drugs, inform clients that the use is off- or extra-label. It may be advisable to have the owner sign a release form that lists the risks, limitations, and potential adverse effects of the drug being prescribed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Discontinuation<\/span><\/h3>\n

                        Abrupt discontinuation of medication may cause rebound anxiety or exacerbate behavior problems. Any medication should be tapered gradually (weeks to months, depending on duration of therapy); a good guideline is a 25% reduction every 1 to 2 weeks. Slow discontinuation also allows the owner to report any reappearance of the behavior problem, in which case a lower, but effective, dose can be continued or the original dose resumed.<\/p>\n

                        What Medication Should Be Used?<\/h2>\n

                        Antidepressants<\/span><\/h3>\n

                        The most commonly used anxiolytic agents are:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac, lilly.com), sertraline (Zoloft; pfizer.com), or paroxetine (Paxil, gsk.com)<\/li>\n
                        • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as clomipramine (Clomicalm, novartis.us) and amitriptyline.<\/li>\n
                        • Selegiline (Anipryl, zoetisus.com), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) approved for treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or senile dementia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Fluoxetine (no longer available as a veterinary product) and clomipramine were approved by the FDA for use in canine separation anxiety; either agent can be beneficial for other anxiety-related problems.<\/p>\n

                          Anxiolytic antidepressants should be given daily on a regular basis. Adverse effects may include agitation, increased anxiety, undesirable sedation, inappetence (fluoxetine), and lowered seizure threshold. Side effects may be dose-dependent; initiating treatment with a lower dose may help.<\/p>\n

                          Table 2<\/span><\/strong> lists the behavioral medications for use in dogs discussed in this section, along with doses and side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                          \n

                          Table 2. Common Medications Used for Canine Behavioral Problems
                          \n(Alpha Order by Class)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          DRUG<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          DOSE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Azapirone<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Buspirone<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          1\u20132 mg\/kg PO Q 8\u201324 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Aggression disinhibition (anecdotal)<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Increased anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Benzodiazepine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Alprazolam<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          0.02\u20130.1 mg\/kg PO Q 8 H or PRN<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Ataxia<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Polyphagia<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Clorazepate<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          0.5\u20132.2 mg\/kg PO Q 8 H or PRN<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Diazepam<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          0.5\u20132.2 mg\/kg PO Q 8 H or PRN<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Selegiline<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          0.5\u20131 mg\/kg PO Q 24 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Vomiting\/diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Serotonin Antagonist-Reuptake Inhibitor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Trazodone<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          3\u20135 mg\/kg PO Q 8\u201324 H or PRN<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Increased anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Fluoxetine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          0.5\u20132 mg\/kg PO Q 24 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Agitation\/increased anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Inappetence*<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Lowered seizure threshold<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Tremors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Paroxetine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          1 mg\/kg PO Q 24 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Sertraline<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          1\u20133 mg\/kg PO Q 24 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Tricyclic Antidepressant<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                          \n

                          Amitriptyline<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          1\u20134 mg\/kg PO Q 12 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n
                            \n
                          • Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Dry mouth\/dry eyes<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Increased anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Lowered seizure threshold<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Tachycardia\/tachyarrhythmia<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Urine retention<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          \n

                          Clomipramine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                          		\n

                          1\u20133 mg\/kg PO Q 12 H<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                          \n

                          Case Application: Buttercup<\/span><\/h3>\n

                          Buttercup tends to be distressed during Mrs. Jones’ book club meetings and dinner parties, and is now often restricted to the back bedroom during these times. Administration of a sedative and a special, long-lasting, food-filled toy could help Buttercup relax and be less worried in these situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                          Benzodiazepines & Trazodone<\/span><\/h3>\n

                          In cases when sedation or an extra boost of anxiolysis would be helpful, shorter-acting drugs can be given on an as-needed (PRN) basis; examples are benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam) or trazodone. Benzodiazepines are anxiolytic drugs and, used longer-term, can elicit anxiolysis without sedation.<\/p>\n

                          Trazodone<\/span> can be dosed either regularly or PRN; an example of the latter would be its use in fearful dogs during thunderstorms. However, if used in combination with SSRIs, TCAs, or MAOIs, it should be used with caution due to the potential for serotonin syndrome (see Beware of Serotonin Syndrome<\/span>).<\/p>\n

                          Benzodiazepines<\/span> are often useful for PRN sedation in cases, such as separation anxiety or thunderstorm fear, when a focused need for anxiolysis is needed. Side effects include polyphagia, aggression disinhibition, and paradoxical agitation and ataxia without adequate anxiolysis, and may be dose dependent.<\/p>\n

                          The dose range tends to be wide; owners can use a starting dose while they are home to observe, and increase the dose on subsequent days with veterinary guidance. The goal should be relaxation and mild sedation.<\/p>\n

                          Drugs in this class may vary significantly in their clinical effect for individual patients.<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Alprazolam<\/span> is relatively short-acting and, therefore, may be useful for separation anxiety (because affected dogs are typically distressed just after owner departure).<\/li>\n
                          • Clorazepate<\/span> is longer-acting and perhaps more useful overnight or when a thunderstorm is predicted several hours after administration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                            \n

                            Beware of Serotonin Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n

                            Because trazodone, SSRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs boost serotonin levels, their use in combination (any 2 of these drugs together) may potentially trigger serotonin toxicity, or serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal reaction. Tell owners to watch for early signs of serotonin syndrome, which can be ambiguous, but include agitation, tremors, and seizures. At the doses typically used in veterinary behavioral medicine such reactions are rare, but the potential for them indicates monitoring the dog’s response.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            Buspirone<\/span><\/h3>\n

                            Buspirone, a nonsedating anxiolytic, can be useful for generalized anxiety. Because it has been anecdotally associated with aggression disinhibition, it may be best limited to treatment of anxiety with no history of aggression to humans or to other dogs. However, it is important to keep in mind that any psychotropic drug may cause increased agitation or aggression.<\/p>\n

                            Combination Therapy<\/span><\/h3>\n

                            Combination therapy can be helpful for some individual patients, and may include a:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Standing antidepressant + benzodiazepine<\/li>\n
                            • Standing antidepressant + trazodone (with caution)<\/li>\n
                            • Standing antidepressant + benzodiazepine + trazodone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              However, monotherapy with an antidepressant (or the PRN benzodiazepine) is recommended initially so that side effects can be identified and linked to the drug being administered.<\/p>\n

                              Other Agents<\/span><\/h3>\n

                              To further effect anxiolysis or other behavior change, nonpharmaceutical agents can also be added to therapy (Table 3<\/span><\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                              \n

                              Table 3. Complementary Nonpharmaceutical Agents for Behavioral Therapy<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                              \n

                              NONPHARMACEUTICAL AGENT<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n

                              EXAMPLES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

                              \n

                              l-theanine<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n
                                \n
                              • Anxitane, virbacvet.com<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Composure, vetriscience.com<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              \n

                              Pheromone diffusers, collars, or sprays<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n
                                \n
                              • Adaptil, ceva.us<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Feliway, ceva.us<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              \n

                              Prescription diets<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n
                                \n
                              • Veterinary Diet Calm, royalcanin.us<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Hills b\/d, hillspet.com<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              \n

                              S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n
                                \n
                              • NOVIFIT (NoviSAMe), virbacvet.com<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                              \n

                              Vitamins & natural compounds<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

                              		\n
                                \n
                              • Senilife, ceva.us<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                What Other Factors Should Be Considered?<\/h2>\n

                                Management Changes<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                It is sometimes too easy to think that a medication or combination of medications will do most of the work, when in fact management changes, safety practices, and re-learning are needed for a successful outcome. Unfortunately, administration of a behavior drug often pushes these efforts to the back of the line.<\/p>\n

                                Follow-Up<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                Follow-up is critical in management of behavior cases, not only for dose adjustment and changes in choice of drug, but also for feedback on modification, implementation, and progress.<\/p>\n

                                Client Expectations<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                Behavioral drug use in pets is common enough that clients may ask specifically for medication (\u201cpuppy Prozac\u201d) for a variety of problems. Before accommodating that request, however, consider these recommendations:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Remember that behavioral medication use is determined by the veterinarian per the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (avma.org\/KB\/Resources\/Reference\/Pages\/AMDUCA.aspx)<\/li>\n
                                • Review the indications and mechanisms of action<\/li>\n
                                • Be familiar with potential contraindications and adverse effects<\/li>\n
                                • Address any confounding or comorbid medical problems associated with the behavior problem, including pain, sensory decline, or hypersensitivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  The client should also be forewarned that patience will be needed, especially while waiting for the drug to \u201cload\u201d over the course of 1 to 2 months.<\/p>\n

                                  If the medication is being administered at the correct therapeutic doses, and there still is no measurable change\u2014decreased frequency or intensity of the problem behavior\u2014it may be necessary to taper and discontinue that medication; then begin a new one and start the wait again. This lag period can be helped by use of a more immediately effective anxiolytic, such as trazodone, but consider educating clients that the beginning of drug administration can mimic a long ride on a slow-motion roller coaster.<\/p>\n

                                  \n

                                  Case Application: Buttercup<\/span><\/h3>\n

                                  Buttercup’s lunging and snapping behavior significantly decreased after 2 months of:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Treatment with fluoxetine<\/li>\n
                                  2. Consistent effort by the owner to counter-condition her to visitors (seated a “safe distance” away)<\/li>\n
                                  3. Creation of a separate “safe haven,” where she could indulge in feeder toys.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

                                    In Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                    Behavioral medications can make a significant difference in the management of a variety of problems. The accessibility of information about their use, and growing choices of the medications themselves, increase their convenience. Most important, they can facilitate a positive outcome in otherwise complicated behavior cases. Medications are now a conventional option for management of behavioral problems rather than a \u201clast resort.\u201d<\/p>\n

                                    \n

                                    The Special Case of <\/span>Aggression<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                    Human-directed aggression is the most common canine behavior complaint; fear or self-defense is the most frequent reason for aggression. Although clients may naturally assume that anti-anxiety medication can resolve this problem, remind them\u2014ideally in a written document\u2014that there is no reliable “cure” for aggressive behavior, and no drug will prevent biting. More important than any medication is the need for clients to understand safety recommendations, avoidance of triggers of aggression, and the application of behavior modification, including both classical and operant conditioning. It should be emphasized that punishment or other harsh training methods, including shock collars and outdated “dominance” exercises, can backfire by increasing defensiveness and the likelihood of further biting.In any animal with a history of biting, the risk for future bites can never be entirely eliminated. Owners may not want to face the prospect of permanent caution, but nevertheless it is important to emphasize safety and preventive measures. Read Dog Bites: Protecting Your Staff & Clients<\/strong> (November\/ December 2011) for further information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                    FDA = Food and Drug Administration; PRN = as needed; SSRI = selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor; TCA = tricyclic antidepressant; MAOI = monoamine oxidase inhibitor<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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