| Home Alone - Separation
Anxiety & More |
 nce
again, a new school year has begun. Consequently, some parents are dealing with
separation anxiety issues with their children. And, with busier school and activity
schedules, it’s also the time when pet parents may begin to notice separation
anxiety symptoms in their companion animals, too.
The most common definition
of separation anxiety is that when left alone, your pet exhibits destructive behaviors.
There are differences of opinion among pet professionals regarding the diagnosis
and treatment of this complex behavioral issue, but all are trying to achieve
the same result – the reduction and/or elimination of these destructive
and harmful behaviors. The information presented here is intended to help you
identify whether your companion animal might be suffering from your absence, and
to provide some idea of available treatment options.
Although more common
in canines, separation anxiety can be exhibited in both dogs and cats. In dogs,
the destructive behaviors can include: constant barking; destroying furniture;
chewing doors or the walls; ripping apart books; urinating and/or defecating in
the house; and self-abuse (like chewing their paws raw). In cats, separation anxiety
manifests itself in any of the following ways: indoor spraying; urinating or defecating
in closets or on clothes; refusing to eat or drink; and hiding from you when you
are at home.
Professionals attribute separation anxiety to a wide array
of internal or external causes, or a combination of both. External causes range
from changes in the environment, a lack of exercise or stimulation, and changes
in behavior of the pet parents. Internal causes can include illness, persistent
pain, nervousness, being in season and negative physiological changes due to poor
diet.
To determine whether your companion animal might be suffering from
separation anxiety, ask yourself these questions:
• Does your
pet exhibit unusual behavior when you are getting ready to leave the home?
• Does the destructive behavior occur only when you are not at home?
• Does your pet greet you frantically, following closely wherever
you go when you are home?
If all of these are true for your pet, you
could be dealing with separation anxiety. | |
Once you have established that your companion
might be experiencing separation anxiety, it’s critical that you are aware
of the following:
• Do not punish your pet when you arrive home
and discover the damage – this will only aggravate the problem.
• Do not bring another pet into your home. Introducing another being at
this time will only add additional stress. Although it seems logical (i.e., your
anxious pet will now have a companion), the separation anxiety is due to your
absence.
• Do not make a big production out of leaving or entering
your home. There is strong support for a relationship between your displays of
heightened emotion at these times and the destructive behavior of your companion
animal.
There are numerous training techniques that can help you deal
with this pressing issue. These usually incorporate desensitization strategies
as well as changes in your own behavior. We advise consulting a professional trainer
or animal behaviorist for the best way to deal with your unique situation.
As with all training, affecting behavioral changes takes time. Here are some
short-term solutions that can help to alleviate these symptoms while you are away
from home.
• Have a friend or relative care for your pet.
• Place your pet in a day care facility.
• Bring your
pet to work.
If none of these options are available to you, there are
other stress reducers you can try on your own. When leaving your home, give your
dog a toy (be sure it’s one that’s safe for him or her to have without
supervision) like a treat ball – this will keep your dog occupied and provide
a source of pleasure and gratification that your dog will learn to associate with
your absence. For cats, make sure they have unobstructed views through windows,
use a water fountain, play soft music or a DVD with birds and butterflies to engage
their attention. For both dogs and cats, try leaving a pillowcase or a recently-worn
article of clothing in an area where they commonly stay – just the smell
of you may bring them some comfort.
The time you spend now addressing
this issue could save you and your companion animal grief and distress in the
future. If you suspect that your companion animal is experiencing separation anxiety,
we strongly recommend you speak with your vet and a trainer with whom you feel
comfortable. With patience, persistence and a lot of love, you can help your pet
overcome this syndrome. |
 Dr.
Jane Bicks, Veterinarian Product Formulator
Dr.
Jane is a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and
she is responsible for HealthyPetNet's product formulation and development.
This is your opportunity to ask Dr. Jane Bicks questions about HealthyPetNet products.
This month's "Ask Dr. Jane" calls will be held on Thurs., Sept.14th
and Thurs., Sept. 28th from 8:30 to 9:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time. To participate
in the live calls, dial 918-222-7106, pass code 3830#. | |
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