| What is Separation Anxiety?
|
Separation Anxiety (SA) is a pathological, behavioral condition
characterized in dogs by destructive or inappropriate behavior
when they are separated from their owners. This condition may
range from mild to very severe and occurs in many different
breeds. Contrary to what many people believe, dogs that exhibit
these behaviors are not trying to "punish" their owners, but
are instead truly suffering from anxiety. |
| What kind of behavior
typically characterizes SA? |
- Destructive behavior
- Inappropriate urination and/or
defecation
- Attempts to escape confinement
(digging at doors/fences, breaking out of windows, etc)
- Excessive barking or whining
- Depression
- Excessive grooming (often
leading to hair loss and lick granulomas)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
|
| What are some of the
diagnostic indicators of SA? |
- Abnormal behavior only occurs
when the pet is separated from its owner. This separation
is usually due to the owner leaving the house, but may also
include the owner putting the dog outside or isolating the
dog by closing a door inside the house.
- The dog often becomes anxious
when it perceives the owner is about to leave the house
- The characteristic behavior
is exhibited immediately after the owner leaves
- The pet often suffers from
SA even in the presents of other animals or other people
in the house when the owner leaves
- The dog often clings to its
owner when he or she is at home (Velcro dog) and often is
overly exuberant when its owner returns
|
| How is SA treated?
|
- Behavioral modification is
always important when treating SA. This may include training,
desensitizing, and conditioning pets. In addition, educating
owners on how to handle pets with SA is an important aspect
of treatment
- Modern anti-anxiety drugs
have been instrumental in treating many cases of SA. These
drugs do not tranquilize or depress animals, but do act
to alleviate anxiety. As a result of using the drugs, animals
feel more secure which in turn reduces or eliminates the
behavioral anomalies associated with SA
|
|
If you feel your pet is suffering
from separation anxiety and you would like to discuss treatment
options, please contact us for an appointment
Phone: 512-288-1040 E-mail:
AusVetDiag@aol.com
|
