Canine separation anxiety (SA) is a behavioral problem with dogs; the root cause of which is neurological. A pet dog with symptoms of separation anxiety has to be treated though behavioral management and medicine.
Simply defined, separation anxiety in dogs is a state of mind where they are apprehensive about the outcome of a given situation. This could be related to separation from the pet parent who has to go to work or even the fear of punishment for some mischief more imagined in the dog’s mind than in reality.
Once diagnosed, separation anxiety is a treatable disorder. At the same time it is worth mentioning that this condition is second only to aggression as the most reported disorder as per U.S veterinary practice data. 14% of the cases pertaining to canine conditions are about separation anxiety.
The condition is usually found in young canines, perhaps not unsurprisingly in those that are brought from animal shelters. As compared to middle-aged dogs, it is found more in older dogs. A poignant situation thus explained – both young and older dogs are not really able to fully take care of themselves and depend on their owner. The absence of the owner leads to separation pangs.
Pet dogs grow attached to being in near constant touch with their pet parents and can feel deprived if there is any change in the routine.
A notable aspect of this condition is that it occurs shortly after the dog is left alone.
A dog experiencing canine separation anxiety will display symptoms such as howling or whining in distress, urinating or defecating at the wrong time and place, destructive conduct, depression, displaying excessive affection for the owner, and agitated pacing of the room.
Diagnosis of the condition involves blood tests, understanding the pet’s conduct, and a physical check so that other conditions that can cause behavioral changes.
The vet may prescribe clomipramine hydrochloride which blocks the transmission of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine and have a calming effect on the dog. It is essentially an anti-depressant that makes the dog more open to behavior changes. Side effects of this medicine include vomiting and diarrhea.
Behavioral modification implies counter-conditioning sessions for the pet dog. Therapy is essential because the animal is an danger of harming itself.
Treatment of canine separation anxiety involves both medical intervention and behavioral modification/training. The course of treatment is determined on a case by case basis depending upon the dog’s response to therapy. Improvement may be seen within a few days, and typically is observed within one month or less of treatment. A standard length of treatment duration is two months, with some dogs needing longer treatment times. Because dogs with separation anxiety are truly suffering and can do real harm to themselves, treatment is the only humane option.
Behavioral modification techniques are based on the principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning. This training is neither complex nor time consuming. The basic techniques are easy to teach and perform.
Before beginning treatment, it is important to identify which behaviors are to be assessed and what level of progress is expected. While most dogs do respond well to treatment for separation related anxiety, treatment failures do occur. Signs of separation anxiety may return with changes to the dog’s environment or routine. Common precipitating factors include marriage, moving to a new house, a new baby, and changes in schedules (children going back to school or a new job with different hours). In such instances, additional treatment may be needed.
In all cases of canine separation anxiety, any form of reprimand or punishment is contra-indicated and may actually increase the dog’s anxiety.
