Common Disease Name:

Separation Anxiety

Medical Term for Disease:

Separation Anxiety

Species Affected by Disease:

Dogs

Age Animal Usually Affected:

Any

Commonly Affected Breeds:

Any

Sex Usually Affected:

Both

Disease Symptoms:

Excessive pacing, grooming, panting, barking, indoor defecation or urination, and/or destructiveness when left alone.

Method(s) of Diagnosis:

Watch your pet for symptoms.

Disease Causes:

Discourage the dog from becoming overly attached to the owner. Provide quiet time during his puppy stage where he is physically separated from the owner, but can still see you. Crate training is recommended. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from the puppy, as well as the distance you place between yourself and him. Allow the dog to be cared for by other members of the family, or by friends, occasionally so he knows you are not the only source of food and attention.

Treatment:

Create a relaxing atmosphere when you are away. Leave on a TV or radio. Take the focus off your departure by placing a special food treat inside a toy that takes time for the anxious dog to remove, perhaps leaving it by the door through which you will be leaving. Set up a hide-and-seek of food treats in the house that takes time for your dog to find. Special plug-in pheromone diffusers are available which release a scent, which is calming to dogs. Medications are also available which can reduce your dog's overall anxiety level. Desensitize the dog by going through your leaving ritual (work clothes, keys, cologne, etc), but leave for only a few minutes. You may be able to break the dog's link between your leaving and your being gone for what feels like forever. Doggy day care or hiring someone to come walk your dog midday, or to take it to play with another dog while you are away are other alternatives.

Prognosis:

With patience and hard work, separation anxiety can be overcome.

Complications:

Backsliding during training is to be expected. Patience and perseverance are required.

Prevention:

See causes

Medicines Used for Treatment of Disease:

Short-term tranquilizers; drugs that increase the availability of a neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Helpful Products:

Pheromone diffusers, toys that can be stuffed with treats, chewing treats; roomy crates, door gates