Veterinary scientists are discovering that maternal stress, early weaning, and lack of neonatal handling permanently alter stress-response gene expression. This knowledge is changing breeder recommendations and shelter protocols for rearing puppies and kittens.
| Drug Class | Examples | Use | Notes | |------------|----------|-----|-------| | SSRIs | Fluoxetine, paroxetine | Chronic anxiety, aggression, compulsive disorders | 4-8 wk onset; no abrupt stop | | Tricyclics | Clomipramine, amitriptyline | Separation anxiety, OCD | Same as SSRIs | | Azapirones | Buspirone | Anxiety in cats (not dogs) | Anxiolytic, no sedation | | Benzodiazepines | Alprazolam, diazepam | Situational fear (storms, vet visits), status epilepticus | Risk of disinhibition aggression; dependence | | Alpha-2 agonists | Dexmedetomidine (SILEO) | Noise phobia, chemical restraint | Sedation, not for chronic daily use | | NMDA antagonists | Gabapentin, amantadine | Chronic pain + anxiety, pre-visit anxiolysis | Gabapentin excellent for cats | | MAOIs | Selegiline | Canine Cognitive Dysfunction | Also for pituitary-dependent Cushing’s | comics de zoofilia poringa
Never use: Acepromazine for fearful animals (chemical restraint only; doesn’t reduce anxiety – can worsen fear while preventing motor response). paroxetine | Chronic anxiety
Low-stress handling replaces force with behavioral knowledge: compulsive disorders | 4-8 wk onset
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