“I just want my dog to be happy” These were the words I uttered during my behavior selective in vet school. I meant it, like most pet parents, I too really wanted my dog to have an enjoyable life. She suffered from separation anxiety and I was getting noise complaints from my neighbors and my apartment complex was threatening to kick me out. I didn’t know what to do. Why was she so unhappy? How could I help?
I was very lucky to an excellent behaviorist at my vet school. Dr. Sherman was the first veterinary behaviorist I had ever met. Even though I worked in several animal hospitals prior to and during vet school this was the first time I had ever seen behavior presented in a clinical way. I found it to be fascinating. Perhaps this subject isn't the most exciting topic for your NAVLE prep. I think a lot of my classmates thought it was silly, obvious and boring, but when she gave the statistic that one of the leading causes of of death for companion animals is euthanasia due to behavior issues, I think we all perked up a little bit and realized the importance of this issue.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems I saw in clinical practice. It ranged from rather mild, the dog barks a little bit when the owner leaves in the morning to very severe- broken teeth, destroyed walls, escaped animals who were hit by a car. It was sad. The most sad example being the dog that is relinquished to the shelter. Somewhere along the path of domestication dogs chose to live with us and now some of them are suffering in our care.
We don’t know exactly why this distress happens but a lot of the patients with this issue have suffered a change in their environment such as a change in schedule, guardian, location or family dynamic. These changes trigger nervous actions. With separation anxiety, these behaviors typically occur when the animal is left alone or is separated from his special person.
Excessive barking
Inappropriate urination and defecation
Chewing and digging
Escaping
Drooling, panting and pacing
What to do if your pet or patient is showing signs of separation anxiety?
Step 1: Rule out medical etiologies first.
This is ALWAYS the first step in a behavior work up. Is the dog urinating in the house because it is upset or does she have a urinary tract infection that she has been suffering with for weeks? Is your patient on any medications that could cause a change in urination or behavior? Are there any metabolic diseases that could be to blame?
Step 2: Do not punish.
The last thing you want to do is make your anxious dog more upset. This is a mental issue not a training issue so please do not punish your dog when he peed on your carpet at 10am and you come home to find it at 5pm. He will not understand the punishment.
Step 3: Determine the severity of the problem.
In mild cases a little counter conditioning can help the situation.
Give your dog a special long lasting food, or a treat puzzle to figure out when you leave the house for the day.
When you step out the door, don’t make a big deal about saying good bye to your dog. A lot of us feel guilty about leaving and our dogs pick up on this and think there is something to be upset about too. Don’t talk, don’t pet, and don’t look at your dog right before you leave. Just go about your business and leave the house like it’s totally normal. On the flip side, and I think this one is much harder, when you come home, try to remain calm and ignore your pet until your dog clams down and then you can great your dog. You want to make coming and going as low key as possible.
Try using pheromones like DAP to help your dog stay calm while you are away.
In more moderate to severe cases you may need to see the guidance of a board certified veterinary behaviorist. These specialists will help you use desensitization and counter conditioning to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. They may also incorporate medications either short term or long term to help manage fear. Your dog doesn’t need obedience training for anxiety issues, although having an obedient dog is also important. Check out this link for more information about veterinary behaviorists.
Step 4: Give your dog a job
Giving your dog mental and physical stimulation every day can help to reduce some behavior issues. Take your dog for a walk or to go swimming every morning before you leave for work. Play fetch or some sort of game that your dog enjoys, take your dog to the dog park or dog daycare if he gets along well with other dogs. Providing your dog with something to do and a way to expend energy will help him to feel more comfortable with resting while you are away.
Know that there is hope but be wary of any company or service that promises complete resolution for a condition like separation anxiety. It can be a long road to recovery and both the owner and the dog will need to make changes.
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