Evanger's Health Watch: Canine Separation Anxiety

While it's not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don't, it’s vital that owners recognize how the often-destructive behavior associated with this condition is part of a panic response. It’s important to understand that your dog isn't trying to “punish” you for leaving.

Scenarios that may trigger separation anxiety include:

· A change in family routine or structure, or the loss of a family member or another pet.
· A dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time.
· A dog suffers what it perceives as a traumatic event, such as boarding or spending shelter time.

Evanger's dog food supports active lifestyle
Behavioral training and positive reinforcement can help your
pet overcome separation anxiety
Photo: Andrea Hobe
The best way to treat minor separation anxiety is to avoid making a major “to do” linked with your departures and arrivals. When you leave your home, for example, give your dog an old t-shirt or another clothing article you’ve recently worn that smells like you. Establish a safety cue—a word or action that you use each time you leave for telling your dog you'll return.

When you do return, ignore your four-legged friend for the first few minutes before calmly petting him. An over-the-counter calming product may also help reduce mild separation anxiety.

When the problem is more severe, combine the above teaching techniques with desensitization training. Using positive reinforcement, practice a “sit-stay” and “down-stay” command, helping your canine learn that he can remain calm and happy in one place while you head into another room.

Create a "safe place" to limit your dog's ability to be destructive. This area should:

· Be a room with a window that confines loosely rather than strictly.
· Contain toys that distract.
· Contain dirty laundry that lends to calming or safety cues.

It can take time for your canine to unlearn his panic responses. For short-term coping, consider these interim solutions:

· Discuss drug therapy with your vet. Rather than sedating your dog, a good anti-anxiety drug should simply reduce its overall anxiety.
· When you have to be away, take your dog to a doggie daycare facility, kennel, or the home of a friend, neighbor or family member.
· If possible, take your dog to work with you.

Above all, avoid punishment. Know that destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are part of a panic response rather than your dog's revenge for being left alone. Consider consulting a pet behavioral expert to help you develop techniques specific to your dog’s needs. With time and behavior modification techniques, separation anxiety can typically be overcome.



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