Canine separation anxiety is a neurological distress response to: separation from the person to whom the dog is
attached, high degree of uncertainty of an outcome, or the probability of punishment. In dogs with this condition, the level of anxiety is disproportionate to the inciting circumstances. Brain chemistry plays a significant role in the development and progression of separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety are suffering and require effective behavioral management and medical intervention.
In the average U.S. veterinary practice, approximately 14% of canine patients exhibit one or more signs of separation anxiety. This behavioral disease is second only to aggression. The good news is
that separation anxiety is a treatable disorder.
Separation anxiety is usually seen in younger dogs, especially when these pets are adopted from an animal shelter. It is not commonly seen in middle-aged dogs, although dogs that develop separation anxiety at a very young age may be at greater
risk for recurrences later in life.
Separation anxiety is also common in older dogs. The hypothesis is that as animals age and lose sensory perception (hearing and sight) they become more dependent on their owners and may be more anxious when they are separated or even out of
view.
Prolonged and constant human contact is frequently seen in cases of separation anxiety. Many dogs are so strongly attached to their owners that they will follow them from room to room to maintain close proximity.
Signs of separation anxiety can range from mild to severe:
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Distress vocalization—howling, barking, whining
Inappropriate elimination—urination, defecation
Destructive behavior—chewing, digging
Anorexia/ “depression” or inactivity
Psychosomatic/medical consequences—excessive licking of haircoat, pacing, circling
Hyperattachment—excessive greeting behavior, constant pestering of owner
Hypersalivation
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The behaviors associated with separation anxiety often occur within a short period of time after the animal is left alone, a unique feature which distinguishes separation anxiety from other behavioral disorders. A thorough history and physical examination (including blood tests) are needed to definitively diagnose separation anxiety and rule out other medical or behavioral differential diagnoses.
Clomicalm (clomipramine hydrochloride) alters behavior by its action on neurotransmitter systems within the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in fear and anxiety. Norepinephrine is involved with learning, memory, mood, arousal, and behavioral focus. Clomicalm blocks the uptake of
both of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Increased levels of Serotonin reduces distress (fear) and associated signs in dogs with separation anxiety. Increased norepinephrine levels may stimulate the learning ability of some dogs, which may improve behavior modification.
Clomicalm tablets contain clomipramine hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant. They are indicated for veterinary use in dogs greater than 6 months of
age. This product is not labeled for use in treating canine aggression. Dogs receiving clomipramine have a decreased level of fear and anxiety and increased receptivity to behavioral modification. While clomipramine can cause transient
lethargy, it does not act as a sedative.
The most common side effects are vomiting (emesis), lethargy, and diarrhea. Giving clomicalm with food may reduce vomiting. Clomicalm should not be used in male breeding dogs (testicular hypoplasia); in
conjunction with Anipryl (l-deprenyl), Mitaban, or Amitraz; with CNS active drugs; with cimetidine or fluoxetine; dogs with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or glaucoma; or used within 7-14 days of general anesthesia.
There are still more products out in prescription form your veterinarian could write for; ie Reconcile. Sometimes one medicine may work very well while another works poorly or not at all.
Treatment of canine separation anxiety involves both medical intervention and behavioral modification/training. The course of treatment is determined on a case by case basis depending upon the dog’s
response to therapy. Improvement may be seen within a few days, and typically is observed within one month or less of treatment. A standard length of treatment duration is two months, with some dogs needing longer treatment times. Because dogs
with separation anxiety are truly suffering and can do real harm to themselves, treatment is the only humane option.
Behavioral modification techniques are based on the principles of desensitization and counter-conditioning. This training is neither complex nor time consuming. The basic techniques are easy to teach
and perform.
Before beginning treatment, it is important to identify which behaviors are to be assessed and what level of progress is expected. While most dogs do respond well to treatment for separation related anxiety, treatment failures do occur. Signs of separation anxiety may return with changes to the dog’s environment or routine. Common precipitating factors include marriage, moving to a new house, a new baby, and changes in schedules (children going back to school or a new job with different hours). In such instances, additional treatment may be needed.
In all cases of canine separation anxiety, any form of reprimand or punishment is contra-indicated and may actually increase the dog’s anxiety.
Summertime
