10/07/2026
We have touched on this myth a few times in the previous posts, but it is so important that it needs to have its own post as well. Medication should NOT be a last resort in the treatment of separation anxiety.
There is a lot of stigma surrounding behavioral medication in the dog world, but have you ever stopped to really consider why? If a dog is in a lot of physical pain medication is immediately brought on board in addition to management such as crate rest. So why is emotional pain treated any differently?
Many of us humans utilize medication, oftentimes alongside therapy, to help mitigate our anxiety and panic. While there is also a stigma around mental health in the human world, it is generally more accepted there than with dogs. If us humans, with everything that we know and everything that we can do, use medication to mitigate the chemical imbalances in our brains, why are we denying that same relief to dogs? They are completely reliant on us. They don’t have the same freedom of choice that we do to take care of themselves. It is our job to ensure they have the highest quality of life, both physically and mentally.
Behavioral medication is life-changing and life-saving for dogs. When it comes down to it, denying access to dogs who could benefit from it can be a welfare and quality of life issue. We encourage you to challenge the stigmas surrounding this topic and continue learning about the benefits of medication beyond this post.
This post was inspired by the book Separation Anxiety in Dogs by Malena DeMartini. For more information on separation anxiety and how to treat it, you can also check out Julie Naismith’s book and podcast: Be Right Back and the Pleasantly Independent Handbook by Jenn Gavin.
