A few widespread types of anti-anxiety medications used for treating dog aggression include Anafranil, Clomicalm, and Buspirone. For dogs with less extreme cases of anxiety, Buspirone is generally the go-to medication.
Clomipramine and amitriptyline may be useful in controlling underlying anxiety and impulsivity associated with aggression. Clomipramine is the most potent of the TCAs in blocking the reuptake of serotonin with less profound effects on noradrenaline reuptake.
Medication is an often-underutilized tool that can greatly help with managing aggression in dogs, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall.
Some aggression cases are entirely fixable, while others will always require a level of management. Anyone who blindly tells you they can completely and permanently resolve any aggression case, guaranteed, is either lying or incredibly ignorant about dog behavior.
Behavioral euthanasia is humanely ending a dog's life because of severe behavioral issues, such as aggression or extreme anxiety. Humane euthanasia is done by a veterinarian.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) reports that anxious or aggressive dogs may require a sedative to reduce distress to the animal, and keep the veterinarian safe during any treatment.
Most scientific studies indicate that it is very possible to rehabilitate a dog after they bite another dog or person.
Aggression in dogs can be due to guarding territory, resources, or a family member; fear; frustration; prey drive; or pain. In all of these situations, a dog may be pushed too far and can transition quickly from reactive, fearful, or guarding behaviors to being aggressive.
Early intervention is key: Dogs don't “outgrow” aggression problems. Practice makes perfect. If your dog has behaved aggressively, have him evaluated both by your veterinarian and by a behavior professional. The sooner you start, the easier the problem will be to fix.
Midazolam (a benzodiazepine) and droperidol (antidopaminergic) have both been shown to be effective and cause a reduction in aggression quickly. However, the result may not be sustained, and repeated administration may increase side effects including oversedation and respiratory depression.
Haloperidol was more effective than risperidone for sedation and aggression but resulted in more akathisia. Ziprasidone had similar benefit to haloperidol for sedation and aggression but had fewer side effects. Droperidol resulted in less need for an additional injection than haloperidol.
The safest and most effective way to treat an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding her for good behavior—so you'll likely be more successful if your dog enjoys praise, treats and toys.
The behavior associated with Rage Syndrome includes outbursts of aggression that are intense and at times unpredictable. These episodes also tend to be large dramatic responses relative to a seemingly benign situation. Affected dogs often freeze, stare, and may rapidly escalate to biting.
The best thing a pet parent can do when their dog has escalated aggressive behavior is to remove the dog from that situation or remove the trigger that the dog found threatening. If you're the reason the dog is directing the aggressive behavior, step out of sight.
Euthanizing for Behavior Issues
There is primarily only one reason dog owners consider euthanizing their dog for behavior issues. That issue is moderate to severe human aggression. There are other behavioral instances where euthanasia is a consideration, but human aggression is the most common.
If your dog is showing any changes in their behaviour, especially if they have started showing aggression suddenly, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Aggression tends to get worse over time and can lead to serious injuries to you, your dog or other people and pets so getting help is essential.
In the immediate aftermath of a bite, you need to ensure your own safety. Stay calm and refrain from overreacting. Physical or verbal reprimands can potentially make the situation worse because your dog may see it as an escalation of aggressive behavior on your part.
Level 3: One-four shallow punctures from a single bite and potentially small lacerations from pulling the biting dog or victim body part away. Level 4: One-four deep punctures from a single bite and lacerations or bruising from the dog holding on or shaking.
Diazepam commonly is administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. Diazepam also can be used to treat behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying, and terror caused by loud noises.