12/16/2025
Supporting an animal's behavioral health is just as important as supporting their physical health.
Let's talk Behavioral Medication Myths! 💊
Behavior medications for pets are medical tools, backed by decades of research and used to treat diagnosable conditions like anxiety disorders, compulsive behaviors, and fear-based aggression. In veterinary behavioral medicine, treatment plans are based on science, diagnosis, and welfare. Medication, when used appropriately, can be life-changing and should be considered as routine as treating pain, allergies, or arthritis.
“Medications mean I’ve failed.”
No! They reduce emotional distress and show you’re advocating for your pet’s well-being.
“It’s just a training problem.”
Not always. Training can help, but it doesn’t invalidate a diagnosed condition. Medications are not always necessary; however, they can greatly improve a pet's prognosis and ease of learning in cases where they're used.
“Meds will turn my pet into a zombie.”
The right meds shouldn’t sedate your pet (unless that’s the goal for things like vet visits). If something feels off, follow up with your veterinary behavior team. The right medications should help lower stress, improve recovery from triggering events, and support the learning process.
“Meds just mask the problem.”
They’re not magic. The use of appropriate medication should be combined with a comprehensive behavior/training plan from a qualified, positive-reinforcement-based professional.
“They'll need to be on meds lifelong.”
Sometimes. And that’s okay. The duration depends on the individual, same as with humans. Medications can be used short-term, long-term, and situationally.
“They’re a last resort.”
No! We don’t need to wait until things get worse. Medication can be a supportive tool from the start.
