what meds might I be able to use to calm down a dog but not knock him out?

Answer 1

The only thing that vet may give is Acepromazine. It CAN calm, or it can make them more hyper. It is generally given for use during storms and travel. It does not knock them out. There is nothing that will knock them out...nothing LEGAL that is.

If it is a constant problem that the dog is hyper, get it more exercise and training.

Answer 2

Ignore the person who said it is down to obedience. Unless your dog is extraordinarily well-behaved and docile, usual commands (Sit, Stay, etc) won't hold when the dog is distressed. It's like someone telling you to sit while they pour something cold down your ear that for all you know could hurt you. It's a survival thing, fight or flight . He's not being a bad dog, he just wants to get a way and to hell with commands. I like the first idea. Wrap him in a towl so only his head is free. Then he can't move his legs and wriggle so much. DON'T panic. When you panic, the dog panics. Keep and calm and authoritative attitude. I also read that some people rub lavendar oil below their dogs nose and give them a squirt or two of Bach's rescue remedy when they're stressed, but I don't know how well those work. Good luck. Oh and give him a treat when he lets you do it!

Answer 3

Medications are generally used as a last resort, or only in special circumstances. There are MANY besides acepromazine that we can and do prescribe, depending on the circumstances. Acepromazine can actually make certain problems worse, and should never be given to any animal with a history of seizures (it doesn't 'cause' seizures, but can trigger one in animals that are already predisposed.) It should also not be used in the Boxer breed at all.

What we use is different for general anxiety, calming after surgery to prevent complications from too much activity too soon, storm fright, fireworks fear, trip/car/plane anxiety, separation anxiety, etc.

Please call and talk with your veterinarian about your specific issue/concern. There are just too many medications or other solutions available to list them all here, without knowing more specifics of the problem and your pet's general health status. If your pet is a current patient, he/she can probably make a recommendation over the phone (expect to speak with a technician who will relay the info to the DVM for you.) Then, the technician might call you back with the DVM's instructions, the DVM might call you him/herself to discuss it further, or they might need to see your dog before prescribing something. I make recommendations over the phone all the time for patients/clients I know and see on a regular basis.

If it's not a situation like one of the ones I listed above, and just general 'hyperness'....then often the best solution is just good, old-fashioned obedience training, coupled with plenty of regular exercise and bonding-time.

Note: If separation anxiety is suspected, run by your DVM's office and ask for a Clomicalm brochure. It has a little quiz in it that you can take and give back to your DVM to see if your dog is a candidate for treatment with that medication or not. That's about the only time that KEEPING a dog on any type of 'calming' medication long-term would be indicated.

And yes....if he's not already neutered, that would be the first order of business. You don't have to tell him, you know. ;-)

Answer 4

The answer to this depends entirely on "why". Calming him down for travel would be different than for hyperness, or separation anxiety, or thunderstorm anxiety.
What ever the reason, there are many meds that your vet can prescribe. He can also give you some training techniques to use so that you won't have to medicate your dog at all.

Answer 5

You don't say WHY you want to calm him down. A trip to the vet? A long ride in a car? If its just because you thing he needs it on a daily basis you better consider something else like -EXERCISE! And plenty of it. A tired dog is a happy dog(and a lot quieter to live with!

Answer 6

Take him on long walks everyday.Play with him.And if he's not neutered,then get it done.Also,how old is he? If it's a young dog,then it's natural for him to be a bit hyper.If you need to calm him because he's nervous or afraid of something,then you can get medication from your vet.

Answer 7

Benadryl works wonderfully as an alternative to going to the vet. Also Kava Kava is a great natural alternative. Good Luck!!

Answer 8

I have to give my Pit Bull a pediatric doseage of benedryl before taking her to the vet because it freaks her out so bad. She has anxiety attacks and it is the one thing the vet stated that i could give her before bringing her in.

Answer 9

Play with him.

It works every time and helps to reinforce the "pack bond".

Answer 10

I wouldn't use medicines. Try drying a blankey with a rag soaked in lavender and/or chamomile. And put it in his/her kennel w/them. I assume this is for travel?