Behavior: Separation Anxiety

Do your neighbors complain that your dog barks when you aren't home? Does he chew up your furniture or dig holes in the yard? If he or she does, it's not because they are bad natured, stubborn, or mean. They are having an anxiety attack from a behavioral disorder called separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is the most common cause of pet's being brought to the shelters. If your pet is doing these things, what can you do to stop it? How do you prevent this from starting?

Separation anxiety starts by your dog being overly attached or dependent on family members. They can't handle being left alone and go into an anxiety attack usually before or when they are to be left alone. Usually this is worse in pets that already have abandonment issues, like pets with multiple owners or from the shelter. One of the best ways to prevent anxiety from starting is to give your new pet some alone time. Have them sleep by themselves at night. Have them have some time alone to play during the day. Usually people have rituals or cues for leaving and coming home. During these times, do not make a fuss about leaving and coming home. Do not get overly affectionate and play excessively with them before leaving. Give them a special toy they get when you are gone, such as a Kong filled with treats. When you get home, do not play with them first thing. Be calm and cool. Greet them calmly. Make them sit and stay to get a cookie. Dog's calm down a lot when they have to sit and stay. Don't play until at least twenty minutes have elapsed. Good obedience training is essential. Dogs that are well trained and have structure are less likely to have anxiety attacks. Also do not reward attention seeking behaviors such as jumping on you, barking, bringing you toys, licking, etc. right before you are leaving. Dogs are smart and they can know if you are leaving by the clothes you are wearing, carrying a briefcase, and the rattle of your keys. We all have our rituals and habits; even a cup of coffee can tell your pet it's a weekday.

What if your dog is already exhibiting anxiety? It's not too late. Good training is essential. We have specific relaxation exercises to aid in getting your pet to calm. We have lists of exercises to do to stop your pet from associating your cues and leaving. It is important to work on these problems early, as anxiety signs quickly worsen. The Novartis company makes a medication called Clomicalm, which is an anti-anxiety drug licensed for use against separation anxiety. The drug does not cure the problem, but rather makes them more amenable for training. If your pet is exhibiting these signs we strongly recommend making an appointment to see us for a behavioral consultation right away.