Let’s talk behaviour meds
I used to work a really stressful job that wasn’t a good fit culturally or in my schedule. I ran out of energy to do the things I needed to do to feel good each day - eating healthy, exercise, spend quality time each day with my loved ones. As a result, my mental health suffered. I became anxious and depressed, and sought out other solutions to what I thought was just a “me” issue. In the end though, I left that job & funnily enough even when I was making far less money trying to get a new business off the ground - I was happier than I had been for a long time. The impact changing your environment and lifestyle can have on your mental wellbeing.
In this modern world though, we’re so quick to overlook the impact our environment and lifestyle can have on mental wellbeing and instead look for the quick and easy fix. And this is often how behaviour medication is being sold to pet owners - oh your dog is anxious or showing signs of aggression or depression etc? Here’s some meds to fix that.
Behaviour meds have their place. Like humans, some dogs benefit from medication to support healthy brain function and get their head above water or get through an especially tough time - absolutely here for that if that helps your situation. For some this might even be a longer term thing, alongside a training and lifestyle modification plan to support it.
However they should never be the go-to in lieu of less invasive training and lifestyle adjustments, opting to mask issues instead of actually changing the environment and helping our dogs genuinely feel better. The basics like structure, decent exercise, clear communication and a healthy diet can go so far in changing your dog’s entire outlook on life & leave you both far happier with the results.
All this to say - if your vet, veterinary behaviourist or trainer is suggesting meds without having actually investigated or addressed the rest of the picture, please don’t hesitate to seek out additional support. There are many less invasive things we can do (what we should all be aiming for) to genuinely help your dog feel better - not just hide the symptoms of a bigger issue.
📧 Hello@wolfedogs.nz
