Dog tranquilizers are used to calm down dogs in various circumstances. You can use an over the counter tranquilizer under several circumstances such as grooming, a medical procedure, if he becomes too aggressive or hyperactive, if he develops anxiety and fear or if you need to transport or ship him somewhere. However, tranquilizers only offer a short term solution and are not treatments for the dog’s behavior. Therefore it is advisable that you see a specialist who can offer professional advice on how to help your dog.
Over the Counter Dog Tranquilizers
When purchasing a tranquilizer, remember that human tranquilizers are appropriate for canine use. There are several types of dog tranquilizers that you can purchase without a medical prescription. You can choose:
- Medication
- Natural sprays and diffusers of appeasing pheromones
- Homeopathic tranquilizers
Whichever type of tranquilizer you may choose, make sure you are administering the correct dosage for your pet.
Over the Counter Tranquilizing Medication for Dogs
If your dog exhibits serious anxiety problems, such as noise anxiety (i.e. to fireworks or thunderstorms) or if he is hyperactive, you can administer drugs based on melatonin. Melatonin is an active substance which proves to be efficient against epilepsy attack in dogs. It does not act as a cure for phobia and anxiety, but it will keep the dog calm for a few hours.
Be very careful about the dose of melatonin for your dog. An overdose can cause serious problems, from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures. In some cases, melatonin may make the dog more excited. Do not administer melatonin formulated for humans to dogs.
You can also use Diphenhydramine (the active substance for Benadryl) as a mild tranquilizer for your dog. It is an antihistamine used mainly for allergies, but it can also calm down your pet. You should only use the pill or capsule form since the liquid variant contains too much alcohol and it is not safe for your dog. It is not recommended to administer it more than twice a day.
Natural Pheromone-Based Tranquilizers for Dogs
Dogs that manifest stress and anxiety can also be calmed down using substances based on appeasing pheromones. These pheromones are similar to those produced by female dogs while lactating and they give puppies a sensation of security and comfort. You can find pheromone based tranquilizers in the form of sprays or diffusers.
The diffusers are useful indoors; they have to be plugged as any other air freshener and they release a calming substance in the house creating a comfortable environment for your pet. Sprays can prove useful when you travel. Your dog can overcome the stress caused by traveling.
Homeopathic Tranquilizers for Dogs
Your dog’s stress can also be dealt with by using homeopathic remedies. There are several types of homeopathic drops or pills designed to help your dog both with aggressiveness, anxiety and situational stressors. These homeopathic remedies are based on herbal extracts from plants which are known for their relaxing effects.