Evidence-based overview of medications for managing anxiety disorders in dogs.
Pharmaceutical management of dog anxiety has advanced significantly with multiple licensed options now available across the spectrum from chronic generalized anxiety to situational fear responses. The welfare case for appropriate medication use is strong - untreated severe anxiety involves chronic suffering that medication can substantially reduce. However, medication without concurrent behavioral modification rarely produces lasting improvement, and owner expectations must be calibrated to realistic outcomes. The welfare-positive approach combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication selection, and structured behavioral intervention.