 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, its 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.
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Once you have established that your companion might be experiencing
separation anxiety, its 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 its one thats 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.
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