Separation Anxiety and Your Dog

Separation anxiety can become a very serious problem for you, your dog, and your neighbors. It can occur in any dog, of any age or breed.

A dog with separation anxiety will become extremely anxious or even destructive when you leave him or when he can't see you. Generally, the anxiety becomes worse the longer that he is left alone. Some signs of separation anxiety include:

• Following you from room to room making sure that you have not left him

• Whining

• Pacing

• Excessive barking or howling

• Chewing

• Digging

• Eliminating inappropriately when he is housebroken

• Destroying your personal items, for example, shoes or clothing

• Getting overly anxious when you return home

Nobody is sure what causes separation anxiety. However, it is extremely important for you to realize that the dog is not being bad. Punishment will tend to make the anxiety worse.

If you think that your dog suffers from separation anxiety it is important to consult with your veterinarian. You should also make sure that this is separation anxiety and not a medical problem. Once it is determined that the behavioral problems are due to separation anxiety, it can be treated.

Treatment for separation anxiety can include:

• Medications - commonly used medicines are clomipramine and amitriptyline.

• Behavior modification

• Increased exercise

It is important to remember that any treatment for separation anxiety will take a few weeks, or even longer, to start working. You must have patience. Also, generally, the best treatment involves multiple approaches. Sometimes several different medications along with behavioral changes. You may need to alter your treatment approach to determine what works best for your dog. Any treatment that you do will need to be done on a regular basis, not only when your dog seems anxious.

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