| Diva |
| Sophie |
| Violet and Cody |
| Sue's Views Sniffles and Friends Newsletter - February 2011 |
| Sue's Views |
| Sniffles' Friends |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Separation Anxiety – Oh no! Where did they go!
by Sue Senn
Sniffles and Friends Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Service
Philadelphia, PA
Voted BEST PET SERVICE in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas FOUR YEARS IN A ROW on
PHL17 TV’s Hot List!
2007, 2008, 2009,2010
BEST OF PHILLY 2010, Philly Mag’s Best of Philly Issue
http://www.snifflesandfriends.com
I've been hearing from several of our clients this week regarding separation
anxiety and it’s been causing much tension and concern in their homes, as
well as some complaints from their neighbors (especially if they live in a
high-rise apartment/condo building).
We've known lots of dogs who exhibit this behavior - mainly because it's
unnatural for a dog (pack animal) to be away from his pack (that would be
you) and it makes them very upset and anxious. However, when his "pack"
has to go to work, to the store, or anywhere else that he can't join them
that's understandably unavoidable and that's where the dog goes into his
panic mode.
Sometimes they get destructive, sometimes they get depressed, sometimes
they get destructive with their own bodies (biting, licking, picking at
themselves), sometimes they bark incessantly.
Of course, the best suggestion I can offer is to discuss these behavior and
symptoms with your vet.
Different vets have different philosophies about this (and just about
anything else) - some recommend crating, some recommend seeing a
behaviorist, some recommend medication, some recommend a combination
of some or all of the above.
You'd need to discuss each of these options with your vet and decide what
you prefer to do after getting the most information and knowing your own
dog and his personality.
Several months ago in Sue’s Views I discussed crating.
It's not for everybody - one of our dogs is crated; the others are separated
behind baby gates.
Some behavior experts recommend getting a second dog (the 2nd dog
needs to have a submissive personality to your present dog so he remains
the "leader" - otherwise this will cause even more anxiety and social
upheaval).
Another option would be to get a very friendly, laid back cat.
That way they have a new pack member who is always present with them -
who doesn't go to work, shopping, etc.
Having a pack member who is always home (another pet) often alleviates
the problem because the dog then settles back into pack mentality/life as he
knows it and all is well with the world again.
Our schnoodle (Monkey) is a very nervous dog and he's easily
calmed/comforted by the presence of his own little cat (Dave) who is a
nonthreatening little “paperweight” of a guy, and who has become Monkey's
little security blanket (and favorite friend in the world).
It just depends on the dog and how receptive he is to each scenario.
It may be an issue of trial and error until you find what does work, and what
makes your dog feel more secure and content in your absence.
I personally don't like the idea of anti-anxiety medication, but some of our
clients do use anti-anxiety meds for anxiety disorder and it seems to help
somewhat.
Of course, I would never recommend over-the-counter calming meds and
this and any other medication should only be considered and then
administered under the supervision of your vet if he/she does recommend
trying this option.
Here's an interesting article describing separation anxiety.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=2266
As always, though, I recommend giving your vet a call as your first step!
Download a copy of the February 2011 Sue's Views here.
by Sue Senn
Sniffles and Friends Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Service
Philadelphia, PA
Voted BEST PET SERVICE in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas FOUR YEARS IN A ROW on
PHL17 TV’s Hot List!
2007, 2008, 2009,2010
BEST OF PHILLY 2010, Philly Mag’s Best of Philly Issue
http://www.snifflesandfriends.com
I've been hearing from several of our clients this week regarding separation
anxiety and it’s been causing much tension and concern in their homes, as
well as some complaints from their neighbors (especially if they live in a
high-rise apartment/condo building).
We've known lots of dogs who exhibit this behavior - mainly because it's
unnatural for a dog (pack animal) to be away from his pack (that would be
you) and it makes them very upset and anxious. However, when his "pack"
has to go to work, to the store, or anywhere else that he can't join them
that's understandably unavoidable and that's where the dog goes into his
panic mode.
Sometimes they get destructive, sometimes they get depressed, sometimes
they get destructive with their own bodies (biting, licking, picking at
themselves), sometimes they bark incessantly.
Of course, the best suggestion I can offer is to discuss these behavior and
symptoms with your vet.
Different vets have different philosophies about this (and just about
anything else) - some recommend crating, some recommend seeing a
behaviorist, some recommend medication, some recommend a combination
of some or all of the above.
You'd need to discuss each of these options with your vet and decide what
you prefer to do after getting the most information and knowing your own
dog and his personality.
Several months ago in Sue’s Views I discussed crating.
It's not for everybody - one of our dogs is crated; the others are separated
behind baby gates.
Some behavior experts recommend getting a second dog (the 2nd dog
needs to have a submissive personality to your present dog so he remains
the "leader" - otherwise this will cause even more anxiety and social
upheaval).
Another option would be to get a very friendly, laid back cat.
That way they have a new pack member who is always present with them -
who doesn't go to work, shopping, etc.
Having a pack member who is always home (another pet) often alleviates
the problem because the dog then settles back into pack mentality/life as he
knows it and all is well with the world again.
Our schnoodle (Monkey) is a very nervous dog and he's easily
calmed/comforted by the presence of his own little cat (Dave) who is a
nonthreatening little “paperweight” of a guy, and who has become Monkey's
little security blanket (and favorite friend in the world).
It just depends on the dog and how receptive he is to each scenario.
It may be an issue of trial and error until you find what does work, and what
makes your dog feel more secure and content in your absence.
I personally don't like the idea of anti-anxiety medication, but some of our
clients do use anti-anxiety meds for anxiety disorder and it seems to help
somewhat.
Of course, I would never recommend over-the-counter calming meds and
this and any other medication should only be considered and then
administered under the supervision of your vet if he/she does recommend
trying this option.
Here's an interesting article describing separation anxiety.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=2266
As always, though, I recommend giving your vet a call as your first step!
Download a copy of the February 2011 Sue's Views here.