Antihistamines
Low dosages of antihistamines do not work as well in dogs as they do
in people. However, research from Cornell University suggest that
higher dosages can be effective in treating seasonal allergies, which
can result in licking or chewing the body. The medication stops
histamine release which curbs itching. Because of their sleep-inducing
side-effect, antihistamines are also prescribed for automobile travel.
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers do not have a real role in behavior modification, says
Dr...Karen Overall, V.M.D. because they are sedative agents. The
decreased responsiveness can interfere with behavior modification.
However, one class of tranquilizers - benzodiazepines - works differently
than others and may be used in some cases. Valium, falls into this
class.
Mood Stabilizers
Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disease (manic depression) in
people, is considered a mood stabilizer. It is not widely used in
veterinary medicine. Dr. Overall says the mood swings in people with
bipolar disease are similar to those found in some aggressive dogs.
She says mood stabilizers seem to work in some aggressive dogs but
the therapeutic and toxic levels are very close and exact monitoring of
the animal is essential. This in not practical for most dog owners.
Anticonvulsants
Phenobarbital works well in dogs with stereotypical behaviors that might
be associated with seizures, says Dr. Overall. Anticonvulsants were
widely used for years in treating behavior problems in dogs, but
because of the profound sedative effect, it was difficult to tell if the
problem was improved.
Progestins
These hormones were an old drug of choice for almost anything, says
Dr. Overall. But, she adds, they do not work as well as the new drugs.
They may have a calming side effect, which is one reason they were
used. Male dogs were thought to fight more than females, so female
hormones were given to stop males from fighting. It's not really that
simple, says Dr. Overall. New studies show that male dogs may not fight
more than females. Hormones have a wide range of harmful side
effects.
Antidepressants
Used to treat depression in in human medicine, antidepressants-
including Prozac- are beginning to show promising results in veterinary
behavior medicine. They are used to reduce anxiety including
separation anxiety, fears and some aggression.
Anxiolytics
Developed for atypical depression; nonspecific, generalized anxiety
disorders; and some obsessive-compulsive syndromes.
Narcotics
Have been used to treat sterotypic and ritualistic behaviors in dogs.
Prozac and Amitriptyine for Canine Behavior Problems
