Behavioural Medication for Pets
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we understand that deciding to use behavioural medication for your pet can feel daunting. But just as humans benefit from support with their mental health, animals can too.
Many pets suffer from anxiety, fear, and other emotional challenges that can make everyday life difficult—for them and for you. Without intervention, these behaviours often become more entrenched over time.
Behavioural medications are not a last resort—they’re often a valuable part of a comprehensive behaviour management plan that includes training, environmental changes, and support from your vet.
🧠 Why Medication?
Just like people, pets with anxiety or reactivity may not be able to learn calmer behaviours until their nervous system is more stable. They may be too overwhelmed, fearful or aroused to take in new information or respond to training.
Medication can reduce that emotional “noise” so your pet has the mental space to learn and adapt. It doesn’t dull their personality—when used properly, it often brings out the best in them.
Our vets will guide you through every step of the process—choosing the right medication, starting with low doses, and adjusting over time based on your pet’s needs and response.
💊 Types of Behavioural Medication
Short-Term (Situational) Medications
These are used as needed to help your pet cope with specific triggers such as:
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Thunderstorms
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Fireworks
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Vet visits or car travel
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Visitors or changes at home
They work best when given before your pet becomes anxious—ideally at least an hour prior. Giving these medications once the pet is already distressed is often ineffective.
Short-term meds can also be used in combination with calming routines and environmental changes to reduce your pet’s overall stress.
Long-Term (Daily) Medications
Daily medications help stabilise your pet’s mood, reduce overall anxiety, and make it easier for them to learn new behaviours. These are used for pets who:
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Struggle with persistent anxiety or reactivity
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Have developed patterns of aggression or fear-based behaviour
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Are unable to respond to training alone
These medications:
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Often take 2–3 weeks to show full effects
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May cause mild side effects at first (e.g. reduced appetite or tiredness), which usually settle
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Require dose adjustments to find the ideal balance for your pet
Most pets trial medication for at least 3 months, with some continuing long-term if they are significantly happier and more relaxed.
🔁 Monitoring & Reviews
If your pet is on long-term behavioural medication, we will schedule regular reviews, including:
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A full health check
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A discussion of behavioural progress
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Annual blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function (essential as pets age or if other health issues arise)
Medication plans are always tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Over time, some pets may need their dose adjusted—or may even be able to wean off medication as they learn calmer patterns of behaviour.
🐾 Our Approach at PAH
Our team has helped many Northern Beaches pets live calmer, happier lives through carefully managed behavioural medication. While not every animal needs medication, for those who do, it can be life-changing.
We work closely with owners to develop a holistic behaviour plan, often in combination with training or environmental strategies. If needed, we can also refer to or work alongside a veterinary behaviour specialist.
Dr Jill King leads many of our behavioural cases and can help you understand the best options for your pet.
Need Advice?
If you’re not sure whether behaviour medication is right for your pet, book a consultation—we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 9913 7979
📧 Or email reception@pittvets.au
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