Getting a Grip on Separation Anxiety

Thursday, June 02, 2011

by Mary Wulff-Tilford

CORKY, A LOVING MIXED BREED DOG, hates being left alone. He has ripped up car upholstery and jumped through windows in an attempt to rejoin his humans. Shay, a husky mix, is less aggressive about her anxiety. She watches longingly out the window when her humans leave every day and then, if she finds the bathroom door open, attacks the contents of the garbage.

Dog lovers with companions that tremble, whine, or rush to the door in anticipation of being left alone know all about the problems of separation anxiety. In some cases, the problem can interfere with work or travel, and make life very difficult for you and your companion. In severe cases, a vet may even prescribe sedative or antidepressant drugs for an animal, a practice that seldom reaches the root causes of separation anxiety, and may lead to serious long term health problems. So what are we to do for the lonely, confused and depressed companion animals we must leave at home? Is there a natural way to help them cope with their anxiety? To answer these questions, we must first look to the root of the problem.

Who's most likely to suffer?

Improperly socialized or mistreated, abused, or abandoned dogs may be more prone to separation anxiety. Likewise, dogs that live with a nervous, angry, or depressed human being may suffer as well.

The breed and physical requirements of your dog may contribute to his anxiety too - breeds that require large expanses of ground and vigorous daily exercise may not be well suited to apartment living in urbania.

While there are many happy huskies and heelers in places like New York City, it is important to understand that virtually every domestic dog lives in a confusing world - one that exists somewhere between humanity and the world of wild dogs. To ease their confusion, we must try to perceive the world as they do and reassess our roles as pack leaders.

Restoring and maintaining order in the pack

Unlike cats, which tend to be solitary creatures, dogs are very social pack animals. They need to feel part of a pack and must have a sense of rank in that pack. In the course of domesticating dogs over thousands of years, humans have become pack leaders in the minds of household canines. This means that the behavior and habits of his human caregiver largely influence a dog's behavior.

While it may seem like a good idea to add another animal to the household to keep your companion company, this can actually make matters worse - you might end up with double trouble as the hierarchy of the pack is thrown into a state of continuous competition and even more confusion. So, rather than adding to the chaos, it may be a better idea to provide substitute leadership in the form of another human. Dog walkers, friends, neighbors or relatives could come by and spend time with the dog, acting as a surrogate, temporary pack. Alternatively, you could consider a good doggie daycare. Just remember that this is not a permanent substitute for the original order of the pack - your dog must know his social order in the pack which means that you, the human "Alpha leader", must be a strong, controlling presence whenever you are together. By beginning your relationship this way, your dog will gain trust and faith in your leadership, and trouble, training, and dog sitting bills may be avoided later on.

Of course for many of us, puppyhood is long past. So if you must be away from your dog for long periods, here are a few tips and tricks to keep Buster from becoming too bored and tearing the house apart:

• Leave the television on a nature show channel. Human voices can provide soothing reassurance that humans still exist.

• Leave the radio on. It is said that "music tames the savage beast", and in many cases it will help a lonely, confused pooch to relax. Be sure to play a station with soothing music - head-banging, heavy metal music might not be a good idea! A talk station may also be soothing to some dogs. Alternatively, even a continuous recording of your own voice may make the dog feel less anxious and not so alone.

• Leave safe toys out to play with. A "Havaball" or "Kong" toy filled with peanut butter or dog treats might keep them busy for awhile. When using the toy "trick", take the toy out before leaving. When returning, give the dog the treats that were in the toy, and take the toy away. Only give the toy as you are leaving the house.

• Ignore the dog several minutes before leaving the house. Do not shower him with hugs and kisses as you are leaving, as this may add to his already building anxiety.

• Begin by leaving for very short periods of time and then increase the time you're away over a few weeks. Each time you return, have the dog sit, praise and reward him with a treat when he is calm.

• When in doubt, work with a recommended animal behaviorist. Also consider any physical problems that may be causing the anxiety disorder.

Some people may feel they need to resort to drugs when they are at their wits' end and dealing with a dog that has become destructive. In the holistic realm of caring for animals, the foundation to treating any problem - physical or mental - is a good diet. We have seen behavior problems lessen and completely go away, with a simple change in diet. The animal that is not getting adequate nutrition and/or essential nutrients to the brain may act out by growing aggressive, or may become destructive when no one is home. Changing the diet to a high-quality, natural, commercial food may help. There are also several books to help you prepare a nutrient-rich diet at home.

Adequate essential fatty acids, including Omega 3, are necessary for dogs, even if they are being fed a commercial diet. Essential fatty acids help the nervous system function more smoothly and will help improve skin and coat, as well.

Some animals may need extra help from herbs in getting through a particularly stressful time. Max, a Miniature Schnauzer, would tear the stuffing out of the sofa cushions when left alone for only a few minutes. His caregiver worked with a behavior specialist and although this helped quite a bit, Max would still become anxious on his own. Max's people used a specific formula made for dogs that contained valerian, skullcap, oat flower and passionflower. They would give it to him before leaving the house and Max became calmer and did not tear the furniture apart after just a few weeks of using the herbs.

Still other animals get quite anxious in the vicinity of loud noises, whether or not the caregiver is at home. For this problem, results are seen in many instances using the supplement melatonin.

No matter what the reason, it's not easy to leave behind your companion when you know they suffer in your absence. With a little knowledge and some effort, you can help make the separation much easier.

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