What Is Separation Anxiety?
"An abnormal, excessive fear reaction to being left alone, during which time the dog exhibits one of more of the following: destruction (often directed towards exit points), excessive vocalization, housesoiling, anorexia, pacing and hypersalivation. When the owners are present, the dog does not exhibit these behaviors. As they prepare to leave, the owners may observe increasing signs of anxiety. Owners often describe these dogs as ""needy"" or ""clingy"". It may be possible to leave these dogs alone until the owner has been able to implement the treatment program and the anxiety has subsided.
Treatments:
- Systematically desensitize the dog to departure cues.
- Encourage independence when owners are home by having the dog sit/stay away from the owner.
- Minimize excitement associated with greetings and departures. Countercondition the dog to departures by giving him a longlasting food treat prior to departure.
- Drug therapy to decrease anxiety-drug of choice-Clomicalm"
