Guidelines for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Veterinarians and the veterinary team hold a crucial responsibility in advocating for, treating, and raising awareness about separation anxiety in dogs. This anxiety-related disorder can significantly impact the well-being of our beloved pets when left unaddressed. Thus, it's imperative to understand its prevalence, symptoms, and effective treatment strategies to ensure the best possible care for our furry companions. Separation anxiety often goes unnoticed or misunderstood by pet owners, leading to distressing behaviours in dogs when left alone. In this blog post, we'll explore the identification, characterisation, assessment, and treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts between veterinary professionals and pet owners in addressing this prevalent issue.

Understanding Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a prevalent issue among dogs, affecting approximately 20-40% of them [2]. Despite its prevalence, it often goes unnoticed or misunderstood by pet owners. This condition typically manifests when dogs are left alone, triggering distressing behaviours such as excessive vocalisation, destructive chewing, urination, defecation, and attempts to evade confinement or seek comfort [2]. In severe cases, dogs may even exhibit aggression towards themselves or their surroundings [3].

Identifying Separation Anxiety

Recognising the signs of separation anxiety is the first step in addressing this condition effectively. Veterinary professionals should educate pet owners about the behavioural indicators of separation anxiety, including hypersalivation, pacing, panting, and clinginess [3]. Additionally, pet owners should be encouraged to observe their dog's behaviour when left alone and report any concerning signs to their veterinarian promptly [3].

Characterising the Problem

Separation anxiety can manifest in different ways, depending on the underlying cause and the individual dog's temperament. Some dogs may exhibit primary hyper-attachment to their owners, while others may become distressed due to changes in their environment or past traumatic experiences [4]. Understanding the root cause of the dog's anxiety is essential for devising an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their specific needs [4].

Assessing Severity and Treatment Options

Assessing the severity of separation anxiety requires a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's behaviour and environment. Veterinary professionals may recommend behavioural modification techniques, environmental modifications, and in some cases, medication to manage the dog's anxiety effectively. It's essential to collaborate closely with pet owners to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on the dog's individual needs and circumstances.

Medical Treatment

Medication serves as a crucial tool in managing separation anxiety in dogs when behavioural interventions may not suffice. Prolonged separation anxiety can strain the human-animal bond, yet it often receives delayed treatment due to pet owners' priorities.

Clomipramine and fluoxetine are commonly prescribed medications with promising results in alleviating separation anxiety symptoms [5]. Clomipramine, typically part of behavioural management programs, shows significant improvements in behaviour with fewer side effects [4]. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, also effectively eases signs of separation anxiety. [5] Dosage recommendations for both medications vary based on factors like weight and behavioural needs.

Before administration, adherence to drug administration standards is essential to ensure accurate dosage and documentation. Integrating medication into treatment plans can significantly improve the well-being of dogs affected by separation anxiety.

Behavioural Modification

Behavioural modification techniques are an integral part of treating separation anxiety in dogs. Pet owners should be educated about positive reinforcement training methods and encouraged to establish a predictable routine for their dogs. This includes implementing strategies to address attention-seeking behaviours, such as ignoring attempts to seek attention through barking, whining, jumping up, or pawing [1]. Additionally, owners should be advised to avoid physical or verbal punishment in response to destructive behaviour or elimination, as this can exacerbate the dog's anxiety [1]. Uncoupling departure cues through habituation is also important, where owners gradually expose the dog to activities associated with leaving without departing [1]. Furthermore, incorporating indoor relaxation exercises, such as gradually increasing periods of separation, can help the dog develop a sense of calm when alone. These behavioural modifications, when combined with appropriate medication, if necessary, can significantly reduce separation anxiety in dogs over time [5].

Environmental Modifications

Environmental modifications play a crucial role in managing separation anxiety and creating a supportive environment for the dog. This may involve creating a designated "safe space" for the dog, such as a comfortable crate or a quiet room with familiar toys and bedding [1]. Additionally, pet owners should consider implementing strategies to reduce triggers that may exacerbate their dog's anxiety, such as loud noises or sudden changes in routine[1]. Owners should be advised not to overreact or punish their dogs when they are clingy or restless, as this can hinder their progress. Instead, positive reinforcement techniques should be used to encourage the desired behaviour, helping dogs to develop positive seeking behaviour, remain calm, and reduce further disruptive behaviour and any potential injuries[3]. Incorporating "departure cues" into their routine, even when not leaving, can be beneficial. This practice involves getting the dog to lay down and enter their safe place, gradually desensitising them to the cues associated with departure and reducing distress when owners do leave them alone[1].

Short-Term Strategies

In some cases, short-term strategies may be necessary to provide immediate relief for dogs experiencing severe separation anxiety. This could include enrolling the dog in a reputable daycare facility or hiring a pet sitter to provide companionship and supervision while the owner is away. While these measures may offer temporary relief, it's essential to address the underlying causes of the dog's anxiety through comprehensive treatment and management strategies.

Summary

Veterinarians play a vital role in addressing separation anxiety in dogs, a prevalent yet often overlooked condition affecting a significant percentage of canines. This anxiety disorder manifests when dogs are left alone, resulting in distressing behaviours such as excessive vocalisation and destructive chewing. Recognising these signs is crucial for timely intervention. Various factors contribute to separation anxiety, necessitating personalised treatment approaches. Medications like clomipramine and fluoxetine, coupled with behavioural modifications, are effective in managing this condition. Environmental adjustments, including creating safe spaces and minimising triggers, also play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety. Short-term strategies like day-care or pet sitting can provide immediate relief. Collaborative efforts between veterinarians and pet owners are essential in developing a comprehensive plan to address separation anxiety and promote the well-being of our furry companions.

Further reading

Ciribassi, J. J. (2015). Home safe home: Treating canine separation anxiety. Veterinary medicine, 110(5), 124. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1689989789?pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals [1]

Harvey, N. D., Christley, R. M., Giragosian, K., Mead, R., Murray, J. K., Samet, L., Upjohn, M. M., & Casey, R. A. (2022). Impact of Changes in Time Left Alone on Separation-Related Behaviour in UK Pet Dogs. Animals, 12(4), 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040482 [2]

Herron, M. E., Lord, L. K., & Linda, K. (2014). Effects of preadoption counselling on the prevention of separation anxiety in newly adopted shelter dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 9(1). 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2013.09.003 [3]

Ogata, N. (2016). Separation anxiety in dogs: What progress has been made in our understanding of the most common behavioural problems in dogs? Journal of veterinary behaviour, 16, 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.02.005 [4]

Pal, M. (2023). Fluoxetine (Prozac) for dogs: Safe Dosages and uses. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/fluoxetine-for-dogs/ [5]