Canine Separation Anxiety:

Help for the Velcro Dog

Some dogs exhibit extreme behavior when their human companions leave home. This highly disturbing conduct is known as separation anxiety. A dog may whimper, whine, bark, shake, drool, jump, pace, or shadow your every step. The behavior usually intensifies and can become destructive after your departure. Barking and whining may evolve into howling or baying and the dog may urinate or defecate on furniture or on the floor. Bedding, furniture or flooring is sometimes chewed or destroyed and trash is often strewn across the room.

There are some excellent treatment plans available to consider with your veterinarian after ruling out physical causes for the negative conduct. The usual treatment plan involves behavioral and environmental modifications with the possible inclusion of drug therapy.

A dog who suffers from separation anxiety is often overly dependent on its owner and has fears regarding abandonment. Generally the dog has experienced little or no socialization with other canines or people and the owner is likely to be its main source of security and affection. Intense anxiety will begin to build in the dog if he has learned the cues that signal a departure. Anxiety then overwhelms the animal when the owner leaves. The result is the negative and destructive behavior mentioned above.

What can you do to help overcome separation anxiety?The following tips are from the Veterinary Technician magazine. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the use of any drug therapy.

• Reduce the effect. Lower your energy level when arriving home or before leaving. A relaxed greeting or even a bit of a brush off can send the message that separation is not such a traumatic event. Be boring for a while after you arrive home and before you leave, and don't offer a treat until the dog has quieted down.
• Stimulate endorphins. Exercise your dog before you leave. A walk can promote feelings of wellbeing or the desire to take a relaxed snooze.
• Create a safe and secure play and sleep area for your pet. Save some special treats to be offered only when the animal enters that area and is well behaved. A favorite toy or one filled with treats can occupy your dog while you quietly slip away. A crate or a room can be used. The only requirement is that the dog must view it as a welcoming, secure, and fun place to be.

Read more suggestions and other topics in our June newsletter»