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Can Medication Cure Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Recently I have been receiving quite a few calls about dogs with separation anxiety so I thought I would revisit the subject. If your dog needs help with this anxiety condition feel free to contact me so we can start an effective treatment program.

Genuine separation anxiety can be a serious problem for a dog. It is much more than simply having a dog that barks and cries when you leave the house. With genuine separation anxiety your dog cannot stand to be away from you even when you’re home. He follows you from room to room. He may become so stressed about being near you that he will use the bathroom in the house. He can even bark and cry for you when you are gone and there are other people present. And he will do these things if you are gone for 30 minutes or less. Dogs with separation anxiety may also dig, chew, scratch themselves, or exhibit other kinds of destructive behavior. Separation anxiety is a psychological condition and it may require medication for treatment.

Separation anxiety can occur with any dog but it is most common with dogs who have been abused, abandoned or with those which were not properly socialized when young. No one knows exactly what causes it but you should know that it is an actual anxiety condition. When your dog does these things he is not disobeying you or being deliberately destructive. Even if he is housebroken or normally well-behaved, he cannot help his behavior when he has this much anxiety. A combination of medication and behavior modification can allow him to live a normal life again.

If you suspect that your dog has separation anxiety you should first consult with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any physical reasons for your dog’s problems. Your vet may recommend a complete blood count, urinalysis and other tests. Once other causes are ruled out your vet may prescribe one of the medications often used for separation anxiety, such as clomipramine and amitriptyline. These drugs should be given exactly as prescribed. They must be taken regularly and not just when your dog is showing symptoms of anxiety. It may take several weeks for them to begin to be effective so it’s necessary to follow the prescription and directions precisely.

Once your dog begins to respond to medication it’s a good idea to consult with an animal or canine behavior consultant. This professional can try some behavior modification techniques to try to help your dog. Your vet may also be able to help you with these behavior modification exercises. These exercises will work on some of the behaviors your dog exhibits under stress, such as barking or housebreaking problems. Your dog may not be able to respond to these exercises until he is taking medication to reduce his anxiety. That’s why behavior modification usually comes after medication has begun.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor exercise. Exercise in general will be good for him and it will help provide some positive stimulation for him. Thats not to say just put him outside in the backyard but you must walk him and genuinely interact with him. Don’t forget mental stimulation, too. Do things at home with your dog. Provide interactive toys and chews for him so he won’t get bored.

If you still must leave your dog during the day while you work (and most of us do), consider taking your dog to a doggy daycare where he will be around other people and dogs. Or think about taking him to a friend’s house during the day, or getting a pet sitter to come to your house. These things will all help your dog cope with your absence; at least until his separation anxiety is under control.

Genuine separation anxiety is a serious psychological problem and it needs a combination of treatments. Don’t give up hope. Your dog can be treated and live a normal life again. You will be able to leave the house without your best friend falling to pieces. It just takes patience and treatment.