 When Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Separation anxiety is a common behavior problem in dogs. Canines with this condition vocalize and pace incessantly as soon as their owner leaves home. In more extreme cases, afflicted dogs may drool, vomit, urinate or defecate all over the house. These dogs may damage doors and windows in a frantic effort to reach their favorite missing person, sometimes bloodying themselves in the process. They may destroy possessions, such as clothing, shoes, or furniture. Separation anxiety can be severely distressing to dog and owner alike.
Canines are highly social animals. They form tight social bonds, which in the wild are essential for safety and sustenance. The dog in your home is no different. Your human family is her pack, with you as the alpha leader. To a susceptible dog, your absence can feel like a frightening existential threat.
Dogs that suffer separation anxiety have keen internal radar. They can sense when you’re preparing to leave. As you shower and get dressed they become restless and clingy. As you put on your shoes and grab your keys, the uneasiness grows. The dog begins pacing, panting, drooling or barking. Some dogs may even nip or grab at clothing as if to stop you on the way out.
For severely affected dogs, the problem can reach epic proportions. Once you’re gone, the dog begins to whine, howl, or emit a relentless, high-pitched bark. The dog paces, panting and drooling, from door to window and back, as if searching for an exit. Havoc ensues. You return to a trashed home and irate neighbors. It’s hard to empathize with a dog who has made such a mess. In fact, separation anxiety is one of the leading reasons why dogs are surrendered to animal shelters every year.
Causes
Separation anxiety arises from a combination of factors. These may include:
- Dysfunctional socialization. Dogs that came from shelters and puppy mills or who were separated too soon from their mothers can lack key social skills for coping with separation. Abandonment later in life can have a similar negative effect.
- Hyperattachment. Some dogs are excessively dependent on their owners. They seek constant attention, follow the owner everywhere, and are always underfoot. Overly indulgent owners may aggravate this problem by rewarding needy behaviors with attention or treats.
- A sudden change in the routine. While some cases build over time, others begin acutely after the dog has been boarded, a new pet arrives, or an owner goes back to work after illness or unemployment.
- Individual temperament. Some dogs may be more submissive, dependent, or anxious by nature. Altered brain chemicals, such as low serotonin levels, are thought to be associated with a variety of anxiety-related conditions in humans and pets alike.
- Gender and breed are NOT a factor. Studies show that neither gender nor breed of dog is a risk factor for separation anxiety; however mixed breed dogs are slightly overrepresented. This may be because the stray and shelter dog population is skewed towards mixed breeds.
Diagnosis of Canine Separation Anxiety
While some cases are easily diagnosed, others can be tricky. The symptoms (anxiety, vocalization, destruction, house soiling) can overlap or coexist with a range of other behavior disorders. Examples include playful destructiveness, boredom, noise or storm phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Medical problems can also cause a dog to urinate or defecate in the home, and should be on the rule-out list.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian. He or she will start with a thorough a behavioral assessment, followed by physical and laboratory examinations to rule out medical problems. Most veterinarians are experienced in treating canine separation anxiety. In extreme or difficult cases, your vet may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
Remember too that the distinguishing characteristic of separation anxiety is that symptoms occur only when your dog is alone. A video, or doggy-cam, set to record as you leave can be invaluable in helping your vet arrive at a diagnosis.
Treatment
The cornerstone of treatment is behavior modification. It can be tedious and time-consuming, but the payoff is usually good. For severely anxious or destructive dogs, day boarding or doggy day-care options can bridge the gap while the treatment gets underway.
Treatment typically relies on the following strategies:
- Alter the Environment
Lay the groundwork by making your dog’s surroundings as soothing and comforting as possible. Designate a “safe place” such as a quiet room or gated area with comfortable bedding. A crate is ideal if your dog is already used to this type of confinement. However, for dogs with crate aversion, it can make anxiety worse.
Train your dog to the safe area using treats, toys and abundant praise. Put her on a down-stay and reward her for being calm. This should become a sanctuary where your dog chooses to go even when not alone at home. A dog pheromone diffuser or a soothing dogs-only CD can make the atmosphere complete.
Separation Anxiety
DO’s and DON’Ts
DON’T make a fuss over your comings and goings.
DO vary your exit routine.
DON’T reprimand your dog for anxiety-induced misdeeds.
DO consider an ID collar and microchip if your dog is likely to escape.
DO record a video of your dog’s behavior to aid your vet in diagnosis.
DO consider a DAP diffuser.
DON’T get a new dog. This can only complicate the hyperattachment problem.
DO work closely with your veterinarian. He or she is your best ally!
DON’T expect a quick fix. Behavior modification takes time, but it works!
- Eliminate triggers
The next step is to desensitize your dog to the cues that tell him you’re about to depart. If your dog starts looking anxious when you make the coffee, put on your shoes, or pick up your keys, try performing these things in a different order. Do them at random times of the day, even when you’re not about to leave. The goal is to render these cues meaningless as a trigger for your dog’s anxiety.
Ignore your dog for the fifteen minutes before you leave and ignore him again when you first get home, hard as it may seem. The goal is to make your comings and goings as unexciting as possible. This creates less anxiety around your absence.
For severely anxious dogs, it may be necessary to practice graduated departures. The prescription is as follows. Put your dog in the safe place, reward her for lying down and appearing calm, sidetrack her with a feeding toy or a Kong with treats stuffed inside, then try leaving the house for a moment or two. Upon your return, praise and reassure your dog for staying put and appearing calm. If this works, gradually increase the interval that you are away.
- Boost confidence
The third piece of the puzzle is to boost confidence and decrease your dog’s dependence on you. This is especially important for dogs with hyperattachment or abandonment issues.
First, refrain from rewarding your dog for needy attention-seeking behaviors. Anytime that she whines, jumps, and yaps for attention or clings to you like glue, lead your dog to the safe spot, put her on a sit-stay, and reward her for being calm. From now on, all interactions with your dog should be initiated by YOU, not by your dog jostling for your attention. This is easier said than done!
Obedience training and plenty of aerobic exercise are the foundation of treatment for any canine behavior problem. A physically exhausted dog is a happy one. Give your dog at least 15-20 minutes of running, ball-chasing, or active play every day. Practicing basic one-word commands such as sit, stay, down, and come can do wonders for your best friend’s concentration and confidence. Time spent exercising or training your dog promotes positive bonding that can make your absences easier to take.
Finally, never scold your dog for the mess you may find upon your return, tempting though it may be. Your dog did not poop on the rug or destroy your front door to be spiteful. His submissive cowering may look like shame or guilt. In fact it’s just a reflexive posture that dogs and puppies use to appease a superior. Harsh treatment only reinforces your dog’s anxiety around your absence, and thus is highly counterproductive.
- Medication
If by now you’re dreaming of a silver bullet, there’s good news and bad news. Medication can be extremely helpful, but it’s no substitute for the hard task of behavior modification. Your veterinarian may prescribe Clomicalm,® Reconcile,® or a related medication to reduce your dog’s stress level and render the behavioral therapy more effective. As always, your veterinarian can offer the best advice.
Don’t leave home without it.
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. |
