Separation Anxiety 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