QUARTERLY BEAT
APRIL 2026
Fast-Acting Medications • Medication is a valuable tool in treating a dog with behavioral concerns and should not be considered a last resort. • Fast-acting medication can help reduce anxiety and fear prior to stressful events, during the onboarding of a new long-lasting medication, or long term in conjunction with a long-lasting medication.
• Azapirones: The primary medication used in this category for dogs is buspirone. Buspirone acts as a partial serotonin agonist. It is thought to help with bravery. It is typically avoided in dogs with aggression.
Medication Should Never be the Only Part of the Conversation TRAINING It is extremely important to discuss training methodology (not just a yes/no on whether the client is working with a trainer) when discussing behavior problems and implementing medications. Many patients are started on fluoxetine while concurrently working with a shock collar trainer who is punishing the dog every time it growls at a dog across the street. Punishing a dog for outward signs of fear or anxiety can lower warning signals and increase the risk of explosive aggression. Aversive training also has a high risk of negative impact on patient welfare. Prescribing medication without pointing the client towards appropriate help is an incongruous approach; it is implementing medication to reduce stress while the concurrent training may be running a massive risk of increasing stress. I would equate this to a patient coming in with fleas — the pet is treated with steroids and antibiotics to address the itch and subsequent skin infection, but when the owner states they don’t need preventatives because they are applying garlic at home, we say “Sounds great! Let us know if the steroids and antibiotics don’t work.” Have a network of local trainers that use science-based training methods to refer to in your area. It’s helpful to provide a list of appropriate local trainers during behavior consults, as well as for newly adopted dogs or puppies (or any dog!). OTHER MANAGEMENT It is also very important to discuss management as part of medication implementation. For instance, aggression towards owners needs a full plan to reduce motivation, address aggression in the moment and discuss overall management and safety. Separation-related problems should involve a discussion of environmental set up for departure, enrichment during departure and other management strategies. All behavior concerns require a management discussion. REFERRAL Early referral to a veterinary behaviorist is an important option to provide to clients. Veterinary behavior appointments are typically an hour or longer and provide a thorough review of behavioral history and medical history, and a comprehensive treatment plan of medication, environmental management and behavior modification. Early referral can help the pet reach the best outcome for that patient and pet. When we delay referral until a dog fails multiple medications, or when the owner is considering euthanasia or rehoming, we are intervening later than ideal, which may affect prognosis considerably. Not every client is going to pursue referral, but they should all understand their full range of options from the onset of the discussion for best outcome. This is similar to referring for an echocardiogram when you hear a new murmur, not only when the dog is in heart failure.
• Long-lasting medications can help treat a wide variety of behavioral concerns, from aggression to compulsive disorders. The goal is to have a safer and happier pet, and if there are unwanted side effects - even mild - the medication should be adjusted or changed. • Medication should not be used in a vacuum. Behavior plans should involve discussion of management, appropriate training techniques, environmental management and the option of early referral.
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