Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety?

Miss Maggie is miserable every time you leave her home. You´re either going to have to quit your job and file bankruptcy or find a way to help ease her anxiety.

Separation Anxiety is equally stressful to you and your pooch. You know that Miss Maggie is lonely all day while you are at work, and that adds to your daily stress. There are things you can do to ease her anxiety. Here are a few tips to help you find a solution to the problem.

1. Start with a trip to your veterinarian. You want to rule out any medical cause for her anxiety. Your dog will probably undergo a thorough physical examination and a series of tests. If there is a physical problem your veterinarian will be able to diagnose it.
2. There are medications that can help Miss Maggie feel at ease while you are away. We now know that dogs can suffer depression and anxiety much in the same way humans do and are being prescribed drugs as needed. It is common for canines to take clomipramine and amitriptyline to curb their anxiety.
3. Behavior modification has also been very successful in helping dogs cope with separation anxiety. This can be as simple as changing your routine when you leave the house or pretending to leave and coming in and rewarding your dog when he stops barking for you.

If your dog has severe separation anxiety you will likely have to ask your veterinarian for professional healthy. Most dogs with this condition fare best on a combination of behavior modification and drug therapy.

You will want to keep dog treats and several fun new toys unhand to reward your dog when he exhibits the proper behavior.