What Can I Give My Jack Russell Terrier for Anxiety?

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When your Jack Russell howls, barks or destroys furniture when you leave it alone, it may indicate anxiety. Yes, dogs can suffer from anxiety too. If you realize that it does suffer from anxiety, you may try to find out what to give it to ease the anxiety.

You may ask yourself, what can I give my Jack Russell terrier for anxiety?

What Can I Give My Jack Russell Terrier for Anxiety?

To treat your Jack’s anxiety, there are several types of medications that you can give. You can choose to give medicine prescribed by your vet, or you can give natural solutions. Both reduce and control your dog’s anxiety. Even if you decide to go the natural way, you must consult your vet first.

Graphic image of a white and brown Jack Russell Terrier and medicine bottles with a text explaining what kind of medicine can be given when they get anxiety attacks

Several reasons can cause your Jack’s anxiety. This includes noise, fear of being separated from you, and being in spaces that intimidate it, such as at the vet’s or even being in a car. Before you give any medication, you must identify what could be causing the anxiety.

CBD Oil

Many dog owners who have used CBD oil to treat anxiety in their Jack Russells say that anxiety levels have drastically reduced. Your Jack’s central nervous system has cannabinoid receptors, and its body releases endocannabinoids.

The CBD in hemp and cannabis can manage these receptors and your dog’s anxiety levels. The downside to this oil is that it is not regulated, meaning its purity and consistency are not guaranteed. Ensure that your product has no THC percentage so your Jack does not get high.  It should also have a certificate of analysis showing it is pure and safe to use.

There are few studies on the side effects and risks associated with giving your dog CBD oils. However, you can consult your vet, who will advise you on how to give your dog the oil and when you should stop.

A yellow oil drops into a brown bottle from a glass dropper near a white flower on a white surface

Medication

When your dog has a severe anxiety disorder, your vet will prescribe medication for you to administer. The vet’s medicine will prescribe will depend on what is causing your dog’s anxiety and age. It is rare for senior dogs to be prescribed the same medications as those that are younger.

Some of the medicine that your vet may prescribe for your furry friend include:

  • Amitriptyline: It is given to Jacks with separation anxiety or those with more generalized tendencies. It is an antidepressant that increases levels of norepinephrine and serotonin that affect mood. If your dog has diabetes, it should not take this medicine.
  • Dexmedetomidine: Absorbed through the mucus membrane of your Jack, this medicine is not meant to be swallowed. It should be applied between the gums and the cheeks. It works best when it is given when your dog starts displaying signs of anxiety.
  • Alprazolam: This medicine works by depressing some parts of the central nervous system, and it can also be used as a muscle relaxer or a sedative. You can mix it with your dog’s food or give it without food.
  • Paroxetine: This works exceptionally well with Jacks that exhibit behavior related to anxiety, such as self-mutilation and aggression. It is available in liquid or tablet form and should be given orally. You can choose whether to mix it with your dog’s food or not.
A tri-colored Jack Russell terrier lying down on a gray blanket in a living room

The duration your Jack has to take the anxiety medication depends on the intensity of the anxiety. Some have to take the medicine for a short period, while others can be put on the medication for the rest of their lives. It takes around four weeks to see if the medication is effective; if it is not, your vet can adjust the dosage or change the medicine.

Herbs

You can prepare herbs for your dog to calm them and soothe their anxiety. Some of the most common herbs you can give include:

  • Valerian
  • Chamomile
  • St Johns wort

You can give the herbs in the form of capsules or tea. You can pair the herbs with counterconditioning and training to replace the response to stimuli causing anxiety with desirable behavior.

Related Questions

Other questions you may have are answered below.

Will Playing Music Help Soothe My Jack Russell That Suffers From Anxiety?

Yes, music will help soothe your Jack, that suffers from anxiety. It is especially helpful to those with anxiety caused by loud noises such as fireworks and thunder.

What Are the Side Effects of Giving My Jack Russell Anxiety Medication?

Some side effects of giving your JRT anxiety medication include sedation, vomiting, hyperactivity, and increased body temperature. The side effects are different for every dog. If you notice any changes in your dog, you should inform the vet immediately.

Conclusion

Having a dog that has anxiety can be stressful. However, you can easily manage the condition by finding the proper treatment for it. It can be in form of prescribed medication or something natural. Whatever you go for should help your dog become calmer.