Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Treatment Plan for Separation Anxiety
 

Separation anxiety is when a dog does not like to be left alone or separated from their owners. They often bark, chew, salivate, urinate, defecate, vomit or display escape behaviours such as digging or scratching at doors. This behaviour can be very stressful for both dog and owner.

There are no quick fixes for separation anxiety and treatment focuses on desensitisation.

Firstly you will need to densensitize your dog to your routine of leaving the house:

• Try not to have long drawn out rituals, which alert your dog to the fact you are about to leave.

• When it is time to leave, just go. Do not touch or talk to your dog as this will only add to his insecurity.

• Put your shoes and coat on and gather your belongings such as keys or handbags as if you are about to leave the house but do not actually leave, just take them off again and relax. Do this over and over again until your dog stops reacting and just ignores you.

• The next step is actually leaving the house and locking the front door but returning immediately, then slowly build up the time you delay before returning.


Other tips

• Confine your dog when you are out in order to prevent destruction of the house. It should be an area where your dog is relaxed and spends a lot of time. A crate can be a good idea but this should not be a punishment, you do not want your dog to injure themself whilst trying to escape; it should be an area of comfort.

• Exercise your dog regularly as this will induce rest and sleep for the duration you are absent and is great at reducing stress

• Leave the radio or television on in a separate room – it can be comforting for your dog to hear human voices

• Offer toys, food or treats to keep your dog occupied whilst you are away. A Kong packed with a yummy filling is great as chewing encourages relaxation and will last your dog hours.

• On your return do not touch or talk to your dog – not even eye contact.

• Do not punish destructive behaviours as this will add to your dog's insecurities.

• Do not allow your dog to follow you everywhere; try to get your dog used to being on its own or in a different room from you.

• If your dog sleeps upstairs with you then make him a bed downstairs away from you. The aim is to teach him that he can settle without you, similarly do not let him sit on the sofa with you.

• Training is essential to help build your dog's self confidence and teach him to respect and obey your commands. The 'stays' are probably the most important in connection with separation anxiety as highly strung dogs will find it very difficult to sit down or stay for any length of time. This is important in order to teach him to settle for longer periods of time.

DAP diffusers and collars are great for dogs with separation anxiety as they release appeasing / calming pheromones which can be used to aid in reducing your dog’s anxiety levels.

Plug the DAP diffuser in the room most used by the dog during the day and one vial with last up to 4 weeks. Alternatively, use DAP spray on your dog's bedding, or use a DAP collar on your dog itself.