Separation Anxiety
In our JUNE, 2014 issue, the “Tail of the Month” featured MANDY, a dog who tested her new adoptive family’s patience; first, by running away and then by destroying items in the home whenever her “parents” had to leave her alone. Their patience and consistency paid off, though. Mandy is now a beloved and indispensible family member. Mandy’s misbehavior was an example of a difficult and all-too-frequent problem with dogs: Separation Anxiety.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, fear, or even panic that develops when a dog is unable to be in contact with his/her caregivers. We may often overlook or misidentify mild symptoms of separation anxiety, such as your dog following you around the house or seeking your attention (by barking or pawing) throughout the day. These dogs may be at risk for a greater degree of separation anxiety.
When a dog is left alone, the symptoms range from barking, whining or howling, to destructive behavior like chewing and digging, all initiated in an attempt to escape at any cost. In severe cases, dogs have been known to crash through glass windows in order to be reunited with their people. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, he or she should not be punished for “bad” behavior. Punishment may actually make the situation worse.
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
Exactly what causes separation anxiety is not known, but it is believed that a change of caregiver, family members, schedule, or residence can trigger this behavior in your dog. Dogs adopted from shelters will have had recent experience with most of these triggers – far more than dogs kept by a single family since puppyhood.
How to Overcome Separation Anxiety?
It is not easy to determine whether or not a dog has separation anxiety. Other common behavioral problems can present similar symptoms. The first step is to consult your vet to rule out any medical issues which may be at the root of these behaviors.
As was the case with Mandy, time and patience are needed to overcome separation anxiety. For milder cases, behavior modification techniques may work. Try pretending to leave (pick up your keys or purse) and walk out the door. Come back inside immediately. If the dog has remained calm, gradually increase amount of time you “stay away”.
Desensitization and counterconditioning may work as well. Counterconditioning is a treatment process that encourages change in an animal’s negative reactions to pleasant, relaxed ones. It’s done by associating the sight or presence of something anxiety-inducing with something really good and enjoyable. For example, when you leave the house, offer you’re a dog a Kong filled with a special food.
ThunderShirts are “clothing” that your dog can wear when agitated. They apply gentle, constant pressure, which helps lessen anxiety. They have over 80% success reducing anxiety, fear and excitement issues.
There are over-the-counter supplements or prescription medications available that may relieve your dog’s anxiety. These will not eliminate the anxiety, but will help control the symptoms. Behavior modification and counterconditioning protocols, along with anxiety relievers, may work best in extreme cases. Remember, all dogs are not the same and the causes of anxiety vary. Talk to your vet for recommendations on the best course of treatment. Whatever approach is decided upon, patience and commitment are the key ingredients.
Resources:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/separation-anxiety-dogs
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/separation_anxiety.html
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/separation-anxiety
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/anxiety/Dealing-with-Separation-Anxiety
http://blog.4knines.com/activities-for-your-dog/separation-anxiety-dogs-how-to-manage/
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, fear, or even panic that develops when a dog is unable to be in contact with his/her caregivers. We may often overlook or misidentify mild symptoms of separation anxiety, such as your dog following you around the house or seeking your attention (by barking or pawing) throughout the day. These dogs may be at risk for a greater degree of separation anxiety.
When a dog is left alone, the symptoms range from barking, whining or howling, to destructive behavior like chewing and digging, all initiated in an attempt to escape at any cost. In severe cases, dogs have been known to crash through glass windows in order to be reunited with their people. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, he or she should not be punished for “bad” behavior. Punishment may actually make the situation worse.
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
Exactly what causes separation anxiety is not known, but it is believed that a change of caregiver, family members, schedule, or residence can trigger this behavior in your dog. Dogs adopted from shelters will have had recent experience with most of these triggers – far more than dogs kept by a single family since puppyhood.
How to Overcome Separation Anxiety?
It is not easy to determine whether or not a dog has separation anxiety. Other common behavioral problems can present similar symptoms. The first step is to consult your vet to rule out any medical issues which may be at the root of these behaviors.
As was the case with Mandy, time and patience are needed to overcome separation anxiety. For milder cases, behavior modification techniques may work. Try pretending to leave (pick up your keys or purse) and walk out the door. Come back inside immediately. If the dog has remained calm, gradually increase amount of time you “stay away”.
Desensitization and counterconditioning may work as well. Counterconditioning is a treatment process that encourages change in an animal’s negative reactions to pleasant, relaxed ones. It’s done by associating the sight or presence of something anxiety-inducing with something really good and enjoyable. For example, when you leave the house, offer you’re a dog a Kong filled with a special food.
ThunderShirts are “clothing” that your dog can wear when agitated. They apply gentle, constant pressure, which helps lessen anxiety. They have over 80% success reducing anxiety, fear and excitement issues.
There are over-the-counter supplements or prescription medications available that may relieve your dog’s anxiety. These will not eliminate the anxiety, but will help control the symptoms. Behavior modification and counterconditioning protocols, along with anxiety relievers, may work best in extreme cases. Remember, all dogs are not the same and the causes of anxiety vary. Talk to your vet for recommendations on the best course of treatment. Whatever approach is decided upon, patience and commitment are the key ingredients.
Resources:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/separation-anxiety-dogs
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/separation_anxiety.html
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/separation-anxiety
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/anxiety/Dealing-with-Separation-Anxiety
http://blog.4knines.com/activities-for-your-dog/separation-anxiety-dogs-how-to-manage/