CANINE SEPARATION ANXIETY
Canine separation anxiety is a complex behavioral disorder that occurs in response to separation from the person to whom the dog is most attached. Dogs with this disorder are often well behaved when the owner or family is home, but when left alone they panic. Signs include destructive behavior such as chewing and digging, inappropriate elimination, excessive salivation, as well as barking and whining. Fourteen percent of dogs suffer from this problem, and it is the second leading cause of euthanasia by vets.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
* A way to be sure whether or not your dog suffers from separation anxiety is to videotape him when you leave. There are other disorders and illnesses with similar signs, so a consultation with your vet is important to establish the correct diagnosis.
* Dogs with separation anxiety cannot control their behavior, so punishment is not the answer. Verbal reprimands and punishment can actually make your dog more anxious and make the problem worse. The addition of another dog to the household usually does not help.
* To control canine separation anxiety medication and behavioral modification are most effective. The behavioral modification program is simple and easy to follow. For example, you might be told to avoid elaborate good-byes (ignore your dog 30 minutes before you leave) and leave a special food-filled treat in your absence. When you come home, ignore your dog until he is quiet and relaxed. Avoid constant physical contact with your dog to encourage independence. Teach your dog to sit and stay in place, and praise his calm behavior as you increase the distance between you, as well as the amount of time you spend being away. This helps him become independent and cope with being alone.
* As a complementary treatment, try the Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy – put a few drops in the water bowl so that your dog has access to it all day long.
WARNING
When you leave a dog that suffers from canine separation anxiety, the dog panics and starts to get upset the minute you get ready to go. Try desensitizing your dog by giving him departure clues, like putting on your coat, and playing with your car keys at times other than when you are going to leave. This helps your dog gradually gain self-confidence and become less dependent on you.
WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Separation anxiety is best controlled though a two-part plan that combines behavioral training with a daily medication called Clomicalm. Clomicalm helps relieve your dog’s anxiety and makes it easier for him to learn new positive behaviors. At least 75 percent of dogs on this treatment show an improvement in less than 30 days. The length of treatment varies with the individual case.
* Acupuncture may be effective in some cases since it temporarily increases the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine that help regulate behavior.
(NOTE: Behavior modification techniques establish a well-balanced relationship with our pet and promote independence in your dog.)
I have a 3 year old Lab mix that I adopted. The dog has been passed from home to home because of her separation anxiety. We have tried just about everything other than meds. We put her in a crate she claws the walls until she bleeds or in the wired crates she simply pops the top off. We tried all the other suggestions except the meds ad the water treatment mentioned above. We are at wits end and don’t want to pass her to another home but if she doesn’t show improvement soon we may have no choice. When we leave her it’s for short periods of tie and by the tie we return there’s pee in the floor, chewed up diapers and trash everywhere, this is with a chew toy left for her and ignoring her before we leave. Is there any herbal method or any other suggestions we don’t really want to medicate her?
Hi Steph,
I can help you with this. Behavioral modification as mentioned above in the article I wrote is very helpful. Along with that I have had success using a natural vitamin supplement called PAAWS, available at chagrinfallspetclinic.com. PAAWS has helped to rebalace chemicals in the brain and dogs feel more confident and self assured. The 5 Flower Remedy, which is similar to Bachs Remedy ia also available at chagrinfallspetclinic.com. It is a natural combination of 5 flowers that calms and relaxes dogs with no adverse side effects at all and 5 drops can be given by mouth or added to the food or water when you leave for work each day. I am glad to talk to you and am available toll free at 1 866 372 2765.
Thank you,
Dr Carol