Dog Anxiety - What to Do When
Man’s Best Friend Freaks Out
Except for occasional bouts with dog anxiety,
Max was the perfect canine companion.
He was gentle with children, loved to play fetch and delighted in going on "road trips" in the car with Tim, his owner. He was a delightful dog UNTIL he was left alone. Separation anxiety and fear of abandonment changed Max from man’s best friend to a very destructive canine.
Tim often returned home to find that Max had clawed the furniture, chewed up shoes, overturned plants and destroyed books and magazines. "Finally I took Max to the vet for advice," said Tim. "I love Max very much but I can’t tolerate his destructive behavior."
According to the Humane Society Of The United States, it is important to understand that the destruction and house soiling that often accompany separation anxiety are not the dog’s attempt to punish or seek revenge on his owner for leaving him alone. In reality, they are part of a panic response. Typically, a dog will have a dramatic anxiety response within 20-45 minutes after their owners leave them.
Tim’s vet explained that Max was suffering from canine separation anxiety. As social animals, it is normal for puppies to form attachments to their mother and littermates. Once the puppy is separated from its family group, it becomes attached to its owner.
Attachment implies a trusting relationship and can be the foundation of a good, healthy bond between owner and pet. But when a dog becomes overly dependent on its owner, separation anxiety and other problem behaviors may occur.
The primary treatment for separation anxiety is a systematic process of getting your dog used to being alone. Teach your dog to remain calm during "practice" departures and short absences.
Medications may be prescribed for severe cases of dog anxiety. They may also be used when owners simply must leave the dog for an extended period of time. The use of drugs allows dogs to spend extended periods of time free of anxiety.
Drugs alone are not the total solution for dog anxiety and should be used in conjunction with a treatment program. Talk to your vet about the best way to handle your four-footed friend’s anxiety issues.