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CANINE
SEPARATION ANXIETY Canine
separation anxiety is
a neurological distress response
to: separation from the
person to whom the dog is attached, high degree of uncertainty of an
outcome, or the probability of punishment.
In dogs with this condition, the level of anxiety is
disproportionate to the inciting circumstances.
Brain chemistry plays a significant role in the development and
progression of separation anxiety. Dogs
with separation anxiety are suffering
and require effective behavioral management and medical intervention. In
the average U.S. veterinary practice, approximately 14% of canine patients
exhibit one or more signs of separation anxiety. This behavioral disease is second only to aggression.
The good news is that separation anxiety is a treatable
disorder. Separation
anxiety is usually seen in younger dogs, especially when these pets are
adopted from an animal shelter. It
is not commonly seen in middle-aged dogs, although dogs that develop
separation anxiety at a very young age may be at greater risk for
recurrences later in life. Separation
anxiety is also common in older dogs.
The hypothesis is that as animals age and lose sensory perception
(hearing and sight) they become more dependent on their owners and may be
more anxious when they are separated or even out of view. Prolonged
and constant human contact is frequently seen in cases of separation
anxiety. Many dogs are so
strongly attached to their owners that they will follow them from room to
room to maintain close proximity. Signs
of separation anxiety can range from mild to severe: Distress
vocalization—howling, barking, whining Inappropriate
elimination—urination, defecation Destructive
behavior—chewing, digging Anorexia/
“depression” or inactivity Psychosomatic/medical
consequences—excessive
licking of haircoat, pacing,
circling Hyperattachment—excessive
greeting behavior, constant pestering of owner Hypersalivation The behaviors associated with separation anxiety often occur within a short period of time after the animal is left alone, a unique feature which distinguishes separation anxiety from other behavioral disorders. A thorough history and physical examination (including blood tests) are needed to definitively diagnose separation anxiety and rule out other medical or behavioral differential diagnoses. Clomicalm
(clomipramine
hydrochloride) alters behavior by its action on neurotransmitter systems
within the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in
fear and anxiety. Norepinephrine is involved with learning, memory, mood, arousal, and
behavioral focus. Clomicalm
blocks the uptake of both of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
Increased levels of Serotonin reduces distress (fear) and associated
signs in dogs with separation anxiety.
Increased norepinephrine levels may stimulate the learning ability of
some dogs, which may improve behavior modification. Clomicalm
tablets contain
clomipramine hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant.
They are indicated for veterinary use in dogs greater than 6 months
of age. This product is not
labeled for use in treating canine aggression.
Dogs receiving clomipramine have a decreased level of fear and
anxiety and increased receptivity to behavioral modification.
While clomipramine can cause transient lethargy, it does not act as a
sedative. The most common side effects are vomiting (emesis), lethargy, and diarrhea. Giving clomicalm with food may reduce vomiting. Clomicalm should not be used in male breeding dogs (testicular hypoplasia); in conjunction with Anipryl (l-deprenyl), Mitaban, or Amitraz; with CNS active drugs; with cimetidine or fluoxetine; dogs with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or glaucoma; or used within 7-14 days of general anesthesia. Treatment
of canine separation anxiety involves both medical intervention and
behavioral modification/training. The
course of treatment is determined on a case by case basis depending upon the
dog’s response to therapy. Improvement
may be seen within a few days, and typically is observed within one month or
less of treatment. A standard
length of treatment duration is two months, with some dogs needing longer
treatment times. Because dogs
with separation anxiety are truly suffering and can do real harm to
themselves, treatment is the only humane option. Behavioral
modification techniques are based on the principles of desensitization and
counter-conditioning. This
training is neither complex nor time consuming.
The basic techniques are easy to teach and perform. Before
beginning treatment, it is important to identify which behaviors are to be
assessed and what level of progress is expected. While most dogs do respond well to treatment for separation
related anxiety, treatment failures do occur.
Signs of separation anxiety may return with changes to the dog’s
environment or routine. Common
precipitating factors include marriage, moving to a new house, a new baby,
and changes in schedules (children going back to school or a new job with
different hours). In such
instances, additional treatment may be needed. In all cases of canine separation anxiety, any form of reprimand or punishment is contra-indicated and may actually increase the dog’s anxiety. |
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Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only. |
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