So many myths about behavioral medications for dogs!!These medications are truly life saving for many dogs. Behavioral medications help dogs have a higher threshold for stress, less intense reactions to triggers, and a quicker recovery time. When used as a last resort, the dog has already gone through so much stress and trauma that now has to be worked through. When used earlier, training is able to be more effective and make progress faster! People generally wish they started the medications sooner when they see how helpful they are for their dog. Medications aren’t a magic cure either. You need a consistent behavioral training plan too! Without training, the medications aren’t going to work to their full potential. On the flip side, not every dog can just be trained out of their fear/stress/anxiety. They work best together! Some dogs like Koda cannot even begin training with the intense level of fear they have, there is no chance for counterconditioning or desensitization when they’re in a constant fight or flight mode. Medications make training possible for these dogs and so many others! For Koda, every day was scary. Every voice he heard, every potty break, every new object, every person he saw no matter how far away - every day was another day hiding in fear. Medications helped dim that fear so Koda could just exist. Your personality can’t show itself if you’re constantly living in fear! He is the happiest, sweetest, most goofy boy and as we made progress with his fear I got to see more and more of that personality shine. And lastly, you did not fail your dog. I’ll say it again because of how important it is: you did NOT fail your dog if they need medications. By getting them the help they need to live a better life, you are doing the best thing for them ❤️ ask your vet if you think your dog could benefit from behavioral medications!Have you heard any other myths about these medications for dogs? There’s a big stigma! Tell me what you think!.#
Please pick up… this is important 🎅🏼 #christmasdog #naughtyornice #goldenretriever #funnydog
Watching them become the best of friends ❤️🥺
