Home Alone!! - Canine Separation Anxiety

Attachment behaviors are important and necessary in social species like dogs because they help maintain social contact.  When these animals are separated from their group, it is not uncommon for them to experience separation distress and engage in problem behaviors related to the anxiety of separations. Fourteen percent of dogs suffer from one or more signs of separation anxiety.

 

Steps to help resolve the AHome Alone@ Syndrome:

 

Before leaving: Owner should pay no attention to dog for 20-30 minutes before departure.  Departure should be low key, without elaborate goodbyes.  Owner should leave a special toy or treat to distract dog when leaving and remove the item upon return.  Leaving a radio on may help distract from outside disturbances.

When returning: Owner should ignore dog until he/she is quiet and relaxed, then interact at owner=s initiative making the dog sit first for attention. Owner must not reprimand dog for destructive behavior or for urinating or defecating in the house.  This is not a spiteful behavior but rooted in anxiety and punishment will only increase the anxiety.

At home: Owner should interact with dog only at owner=s initiative and when dog is relaxed.  Owner should encourage independence by avoiding constant physical contact with dog. Owner should teach dog to stay calm as owner moves away by teaching a sit and stay.  Also, owner should give departure cues (e.g., put on coat, play with car keys) at times other than departure to help dog become indifferent to them..

 

An aid to behavioral modification if needed:

  

Using Clomicalm tablets (clomipramine hydrochloride)

This medication is indicated for use in dogs greater than 6 months of age, to treat canine separation anxiety disorders as part of a behavioral management regimen and may help make the behavioral modification more effective. 

 

Influences specific neurotransmitters in the brain

Reduces the dog=s anxiety and suffering.

Significantly increases receptivity to behavioral modification

 

A comprehensive physical exam and blood work is recommended to rule out any pre-existing conditions or conditions contributing to separation anxiety before dispensing anti-anxiety medication, such as, Clomicalm. We are here to answer questions concerning steps in changing your pet=s unwanted behavior. We can also answer your questions about the fees involved for your pet=s work up and approximate cost of medication to help resolve this treatable disorder