Dog separation anxiety: man’s best friends’ dilemma

Dog separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of canine behavioral problems. It is diagnosed in around 10% of the behavior cases referred to Canines of America by veterinarians in the New York City area.

A dog suffering from separation anxiety will become extremely anxious, thus it exhibits problem behaviors. Dogs with separation anxiety destroy objects, urinate, defecate, vomit, or salivate when they are left alone. In some cases, the dog simply gets sick, perhaps due to some form of depression.

As puppies, they form an attachment to their mother and litter-mate. Once they are separated from its family group, it then becomes attached to its owner. However, when a dog becomes overly dependent on its owner, problem behaviors may result.

Since dogs are very sociable animals, they rely on others for protection which is easily attained through safety in numbers or the simple presence of the owner or handler. Dogs behave rather differently once they are left alone by their owner for long periods of time that they are not accustomed to.

Factors that contribute to the development of separation anxiety among canines are also associated with traumatic events such as being trapped inside the house during a fire, during a burglary attempt, or when a loud alarm system is activated. Dogs at risk for separation anxiety include those rescued from houses where they are neglected; in laboratory testing areas; in the street where they are left to fend for themselves; or in cases where the dogs spend a lot of time inside cages or with a house-bound person.

Presently, the most accepted method for treating separation anxiety involves planned, gradual exits. Gradually adjust the dog to being left alone by exposing it to short departures. Departure and return should be made as quiet and uneventful as possible to avoid over stimulating the dog. The dog should not be given attention prior to departures nor given attention and praise upon returns. Excessive attention prior to departure and upon return seems to increase the anxiety during separation and it does NOT make it easier on the dog as most people suspect.

Purchase a toy bone so that it will distract your dog with something that he will find interesting enough to concentrate on your leaving.
You may also leave the T.V. or radio on as a form of “security blanket”. Human voices that will be heard by a dog may help them feel that they are not alone. A tape recording of your voice that will automatically play during your absence from the home is also highly recommended.

Confining your dog in a carrier or a crate may also provide positive results to lessen the anxiety of dogs and will not do damage to your home as well. Crates can also serve as a shelter for the dog to relax and may limit the dogs’ movement to decrease his anxiety outbreak.

A dog that is lacking exercise is more likely to have stress and tension. So go out and exercise with your dog. Tiring a dog out with a long walk, run or with play goes a long way in reducing stress.

Experts say that anti-anxiety medications are sometimes used to suppress anxiety. These are often used on dogs with severe separation anxiety or when owners simply must leave the dog alone for an extended period while treatment is occurring. The use of drugs allows the dog to spend extended periods of time free of anxiety. A veterinarian should be consulted for further information on the safest and most effective anxiety- suppressing drugs.

Treatment for anxiety behaviors differs from dog to dog. But in extreme cases, the dog should be sent to a qualified animal behavior consultant or board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Your veterinarian may be able to help get a treatment program started or could refer you to an animal behaviorist who may be more familiar with treatment alternatives.

If you think your dog may be a victim of separation anxiety it is important to take measures to alleviate the problem soon. Your pet is the victim of a disorder that can be treated.

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