Separation Anxiety
Having a dog or cat who experiences strong separation anxiety can
be quite frustrating. We hope this information will provide some comfort
and perhaps suggestions on how to bring more peace into your home!
Signs of separation anxiety only occurs when the dog is
separated from the owner(s). If the dog exhibits the same behavior in
the presence of the owner then separation anxiety may not be the
cause.
Elimination, destruction, and vocalization are common
behaviors involved with this disorder. Signs including not eating,
depression, and excessive licking can also be associated with
separation anxiety. Dogs who continuously "greet" their owners may be
eliciting reassurance; the reassurance is seldom sufficient to relieve
anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety are reported in dogs that are kept
continuously with people from the time of weaning. This indicates that
closeness, attachment or "being spoiled" can cause separation
anxiety.
Would the separation anxiety subside if we got another dog?
Some animal behaviorists believe that bringing another dog into the
household would not decrease the distress because separation
anxiety is focused on the human(s), not animals. In some cases,
another dog may cause more anxiety. Others believe that the
underlying anxiety could be gradually reduced through interactions
with the other dog. The interactions reinforces socially appropriate
behavior.
Treating for separation anxiety involves standard
desensitization and counter-conditioning. What does this mean?
Setting up a schedule for earned regular attention that the dog
can anticipate is highly recommended. After work, make a regular
time to throw the tennis ball, go walking or groom your dog which will
bring reassurance. Rather than breaking the attachment, you would
set reasonable expectations and attainment for your dog.
Anxious dogs are always looking for attention without necessarily
obtaining the relief they need from their anxiety. The idea is that they
can have all the attention they want if they earn it by relaxing. Praising
your dog while in a peaceful state is important. Attention is scheduled
regularly enough so that their anxiety cannot develop.
Treatment of separation anxiety does not include punishment.
Punishment would only increase anxiety. Experimenting is encouraged.
Try pet-sitters, baby gates, outdoor pens, or turn on the radio when you
leave.
Pharmcological intervention? Any drug used must be a small
part of the treatment plan for separation anxiety. Medication must be
given regularly, not just when the dog is "acting up". The goal of
treatment is to lower overall anxiety. One method of treatment involves
increasing the levels of serotonin. Pharmacological intervention should
be maintained long enough to allow all behavioral and environmental
changes. Any dog who begins any medications for separation anxiety
must have a comprehensive examination and any necessary work up.
If you are concerned that your dog has separation anxiety, call
and make an appointment with your veterinarian.
For more information:
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/desepanx.html
http://www.dogdoright.com/canine-seperation-anxiety.htm
Having a dog or cat who experiences strong separation anxiety can
be quite frustrating. We hope this information will provide some comfort
and perhaps suggestions on how to bring more peace into your home!
Signs of separation anxiety only occurs when the dog is
separated from the owner(s). If the dog exhibits the same behavior in
the presence of the owner then separation anxiety may not be the
cause.
Elimination, destruction, and vocalization are common
behaviors involved with this disorder. Signs including not eating,
depression, and excessive licking can also be associated with
separation anxiety. Dogs who continuously "greet" their owners may be
eliciting reassurance; the reassurance is seldom sufficient to relieve
anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety are reported in dogs that are kept
continuously with people from the time of weaning. This indicates that
closeness, attachment or "being spoiled" can cause separation
anxiety.
Would the separation anxiety subside if we got another dog?
Some animal behaviorists believe that bringing another dog into the
household would not decrease the distress because separation
anxiety is focused on the human(s), not animals. In some cases,
another dog may cause more anxiety. Others believe that the
underlying anxiety could be gradually reduced through interactions
with the other dog. The interactions reinforces socially appropriate
behavior.
Treating for separation anxiety involves standard
desensitization and counter-conditioning. What does this mean?
Setting up a schedule for earned regular attention that the dog
can anticipate is highly recommended. After work, make a regular
time to throw the tennis ball, go walking or groom your dog which will
bring reassurance. Rather than breaking the attachment, you would
set reasonable expectations and attainment for your dog.
Anxious dogs are always looking for attention without necessarily
obtaining the relief they need from their anxiety. The idea is that they
can have all the attention they want if they earn it by relaxing. Praising
your dog while in a peaceful state is important. Attention is scheduled
regularly enough so that their anxiety cannot develop.
Treatment of separation anxiety does not include punishment.
Punishment would only increase anxiety. Experimenting is encouraged.
Try pet-sitters, baby gates, outdoor pens, or turn on the radio when you
leave.
Pharmcological intervention? Any drug used must be a small
part of the treatment plan for separation anxiety. Medication must be
given regularly, not just when the dog is "acting up". The goal of
treatment is to lower overall anxiety. One method of treatment involves
increasing the levels of serotonin. Pharmacological intervention should
be maintained long enough to allow all behavioral and environmental
changes. Any dog who begins any medications for separation anxiety
must have a comprehensive examination and any necessary work up.
If you are concerned that your dog has separation anxiety, call
and make an appointment with your veterinarian.
For more information:
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/desepanx.html
http://www.dogdoright.com/canine-seperation-anxiety.htm
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Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.