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Separation anxiety is one of the a lot more discouraging yet treatable problems encountered in canine behavioral medicine. While there are lots of possible theories as to the cause of this often sudden anxiety, from neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, to prior abuse or neglect, to even chemical or vaccination reactions, we’re typically left with uncertainty as to why dogs unexpectedly develop this disturbing disorder. Manifestations of separation anxiety are usually seen within a few minutes of an animal guardian leaving the room or home and can a lot of frequently involve excessive vocalization, defecation, urination or destruction of furniture, and even self-mutilation or harm. In some cases, dogs may become so anxious they will go through windows or doors to get to their animal guardians.
Many family pets need to be in the presence of their guardians much of the time, typically following them from room to room, making life quite tough for both guardian and pet. in spite of the various uncertain causes of this common and emerging behavioral disorder, we have been able to help lots of family pets through a combination of behavior modification, in working with a trainer or veterinarian who specializes in behavioral disorders, along with drug therapy when indicated.
Usually a multi-pronged technique utilizing both behavioral therapy and drug therapy achieve the best results. The most common form of behavioral therapy involves what is called practicing graduated departures. This method is used by a guardian slowly lengthening the time away from the pet dog in boosting increments. This process is described in a lot more detail in books such as, how to get Your pet dog to Do What You want by Warren Eckstein, a well known behavioral expert.
The use of naturally calming products has come with mixed results in my experience when treating this disorder, but is always worth a try in an individual pet, especially if there are any drug reactions or sensitivities. The products I’ve found a lot of successful include terrific calming flower essences like Be Serene, as well as the product Composure by Vetri-Science. This latter product has some terrific natural calming agents that are even present in leading sleep aids for humans, without the excessive sedation or paradoxical excitation seen with lots of other products.
Such products as quiet moments I’ve found much less successful in helping these anxious pets, whose main ingredient chamomile, I’ve not found valuable in a lot of dogs. A terrific behavioral modification idea I would suggest to clients would be to consider using the product comfort zone for Dogs with the plug in diffuser. This releases a calming pheromone or chemical that can typically ease emotional distress, minimize vocalization, and minimize separation anxiety. It also comes in an effective spray that one can use on bedding or furniture to help minimize unwanted urination or defecation during times of stress.
One of the a lot more effective drugs beneficial for fears and in particular separation anxiety in dogs and for anxiety/aggression to a lesser extent in cats is the prescription drug Fluoxetine (which is generic Prozac). When used under the support and monitoring of your veterinarian, this product along with the behavioral modification techniques suggested here, can typically yield exceptional results. I have not been as pleased with the prescription tricyclic antidepressant medications such as Amitriptyline or Clomipramine for separation anxiety, as they were originally touted. While Amitriptyline is certainly an economic first choice, when these type of drugs do work, the a lot more expensive Clomipramine has a better chance at helping these pets. However, because of the large dose range needed in various animals using Clomipramine, I’ve found that the generic Prozac or Fluoxetine works better in a lot of cases.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and Chinese herbs can typically help, as well as homeopathy. However, if exploring these other therapies, a guardian must make sure that the veterinarian has received appropriate advanced training in these techniques before committing to these worthy alternatives, which can become quite expensive for the guardian, considering that such natural techniques normally require much time, patience and commitment on both the guardian and veterinarian’s part.
Pet Behavior