Quick Canine Mental Health Primer

Separation Anxiety - Mental Health Tips for You and Your Dog

Behavioral problems have increasingly become a routine part of many veterinary practices. One of the most frustrating problems our clients and patients face is that of separation anxiety. Unfortunately this behavior may be so extreme that many pet owners resort to either giving their pet up for adoption or reluctantly euthanizing their pet. Great strides have been made in the behavioral medicine field in the past decade. In many cases your regular veterinarian can help you find ways to alleviate the stress your dog may be experiencing. For the more extreme or nonresponsive cases your veterinarian may recommend referral to a behavioral specialist at a veterinary college or referral hospital.

The first step in approaching your pet's behavioral problem is seeking the appropriate diagnosis. It is estimated that approximately 14% of our canine population is affected by separation anxiety to some extent. Although the disorder is uncommon in dogs under a year of age, any age dog may be affected. It is not uncommon for older patients to some signs of separation anxiety as their physical and emotional needs change. There are some breed tendencies seen. The most common complaints associated with separation anxiety are inappropriate eliminations, vocalization and destruction. Destruction to the owner's home and possessions may be severe in many cases. In addition, many patients experience varying degrees of depression, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence and compulsive licking. One must be careful not to assume that their dog has separation anxiety just because it exhibits one or more of these signs. The signs mentioned should only be found when the pet is separated from its owner or owners if separation anxiety is the underlying cause. For example, your veterinarian will need to consider several possibilities if your pet is urinating or defecating in your home. These may include physical abnormalities and other behavioral problems such as housebreaking failures and eliminations prompted by submission, fear, excitement or territorial marking. Likewise the other signs described each have their own list of differentials that may need to be explored.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with separation anxiety a treatment plan can be formulated. This typically involves a combination of behavior modification protocols and drug therapy. A common misconception is that the owner has created their dog's problem by encouraging too close of a bond with their pet. Conversely, it is believed that these individuals have an inherent tendency to develop separation anxiety. Although this tendency can be encouraged by environmental factors, a non-predisposed dog subjected to the same environment will not develop separation anxiety. Therefore although your previous interactions with your dog may be entirely appropriate for most individuals, they will need to be modified to treat your pet's condition. The cornerstone of most behavior modification protocols involves a gradual loosening of the bond with your pet. This will not lessen your pet's affection for you, but will make him/her more comfortable when you are absent. Your veterinarian should be able to provide you with the specific steps needed to help your pet develop this degree of independence.

In addition to behavioral therapy, many of these patients will require some initial drug therapy to aid in the resolution or control of their problem. Several anti-anxiety medications are available for this purpose. Your veterinarian will choose the most appropriate drug for your pet's initial therapy. Recently the FDA has approved an anti-anxiety drug labeled for use in dogs. The product is marketed as Clomicalm. Studies have indicated a 75% improvement in signs attributed to separation anxiety when a combination of Clomicalm and behavioral therapy has been utilized. Clomicalm is not a sedative or a tranquilizer. It will not alter your dog's personality or memory. Not all patients are candidates for this medication. It is contraindicated in dogs with a history of seizures and should be used with caution in dogs with heart problems or glaucoma. In most cases, the goal of drug therapy is to help relieve your pet's anxiety while you institute the behavioral protocols. As your pet develops more independence you will try to wean him/her off the medication. Unfortunately, some patients may require lifelong therapy. This is often the case in geriatric patients that may have developed anxiety secondary to physical disorders.

In summary, if you believe your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a behavioral consult. Your doctor needs to examine your pet in order to accurately diagnose and prescribe a treatment regimen for his/her condition.