What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety in dogs is the fear or dislike of isolation which often results in undesirable behavior. Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of canine behavioral problems.
As social animals, it is normal for puppies to form attachments to their mother and littermates. Once a puppy is separated from its family group, it becomes attached to its owner. Attachment implies a trusting relationship and is the foundation of a good, healthy bond between owner and pet. However, when a dog becomes overly dependent on its owner, problem behaviors may result.
There are many problem behaviors associated with separation anxiety including: defecation and urination in inappropriate locations, destructive behavior, excessive barking and whining, depression, and hyperactivity. These behaviors may also be the symptoms of other problems. However, if undesired behaviors are clearly related to the absence of the owner, occur shortly after departure and a prolonged greeting response occurs upon the owner's return, separation anxiety is the probable cause (McElroy 1989). If a problem behavior has persisted for an extended period, a visit to the vet will ensure that there are no underlying medical problems.
Separation-induced behaviors
Every dog afflicted with separation anxiety reacts somewhat differently. Some dogs only engage in one problem behavior while others may engage in several. Many dogs can sense when their owner is leaving and become anxious even before the owner leaves the house. The dog may follow the owner from room to room, whimper, shake or even become aggressive as the owner tries to depart. The dog's anxiety level peaks within 30 minutes of departure and this is usually when most damage is done. Dogs displaying separation anxiety will often scratch and dig at doors and windows in an attempt to follow their owner. Chewing on household objects is also very common. Some dogs urinate and defecate in unacceptable locations such as by the door or on their owner's bed. Whining and barking for an extended period are also common concerns. Other dogs become depressed and will not eat or drink while their owner is gone. This is especially detrimental if the owner is gone for an extended period. In rare cases, dogs will have diarrhea, vomit or engage in self-mutilation such as chewing on themselves of excessive licking after being left alone. Most affected dogs will become overly excited when the owner arrives home and will engage in an unusually prolonged greeting.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
Is there a treatment? YES!
Some attempted methods of treating problem behavior include: punishment crate-training, and obedience training. These methods are directed at the problem behavior, however they fail to address the source of the problem. By ignoring the source of the problems, one undesirable behavior may simply be replaced with another as the dog searches for an outlet for its anxiousness. In addition, punishment is likely to be counter productive and will only increase a dog's anxiety with each departure. Therefore, punishment is not recommended as an acceptable method of treating separation anxiety
Reconcile
Reconcile, is a new product to help treat separation anxiety and increases your dog's receptivity to simple training techniques that create positive behavior. Developed just for dogs by Lilly, Reconcile is approved by FDA. It is formulated in chewable tablets given once daily with or without food. Most dogs enjoy it as a tasty treat.
Reconcile given in conjunction with a behavior modification plan has produced significant results.
Schedule an appointed today to discuss treatment options for separation anxiety. You will be educated about our product as well as the behavior modification program called the BOND plan. Along with your medication you will receive the Reconcile Home Kit including:
- An informational DVD that includes more information on the BOND training plan as well as background information on Reconcile and separation anxiety.
- An outline of the BOND training plan.
- A magnet to act as a simple reminder to conduct BOND training with your dog.
- A training booklet, outlining the DVD content in written form.
- Two months of Reconcile chewable tablets.
