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The Holistic Healing DirectoryArticle Details

Separation anxiety in pets
Date Added: December 21, 2010 11:04:21 AM
Author: Suzannah Stacey
Category: Business & Shops: Alternative Supplies Wholesale & Manufacturing

If you own a rescue dog, or a working breed such as a Border Collie, GSD, Spaniel or Labrador, you may well at some point be affected by the after-effects of separation anxiety in your dog. Cats can also display unwanted behaviours as a result of this condition, as can other pets that bond closely with their owners, such as horses and parrots. Affected pets develop behaviours to help them cope with the stress of the anxiety – such as barking, whining, grooming unnecessarily, destroying objects in the house, scratching on doors, chewing, marking their territory by toileting inappropriately or displaying repetitive behaviours such as pacing. The behaviour is triggered when the pet is left; the length of time they are left is generally irrelevant as far as triggering the unwanted behaviours. One of the most important things to consider when you have a pet that has unwanted behaviour as a result of separation anxiety, is that you do not take steps to restrict the behaviour without looking at the underlying cause. If, for example you decided to confine your dog to a room without any furniture to prevent him or her from chewing the chair legs, your dog would still have anxiety as he or she has been left alone and would find some other method to calm himself, which may be an equally destructive solution such as pulling out his hair coat, or licking himself until his skin became sore. The key with this condition is to look at ways to reduce the anxiety that underlies the comforting behaviour that you then see in your pet. Here are some thoughts about ways to do this: *Avoid enhancing the contrast between when you are away from home or at home – in other words avoid having a wonderful play session immediately on returning home. *Dogs take comfort in a den, and this can easily be provided in a draft free place in the home with comfortable bedding and soft furnishings and a favourite toy. If you use an indoor crate to provide a den, never shut the door to confine your pet, as this may cause undue anxiety in itself. *Avoid giving your pet cues that you are about to leave home – such as saying ‘I won’t be long’ to your pet just before you leave – these phrases repeated before go become an effective trigger for an onset of anxiety. *If possible, avoid returning home when the behaviour is being actively demonstrated – if for example your dog howls and barks, try to return in a moment when all is quiet, or you may accidentally teach your dog that his shouting has finally worked and you have re-appeared – all the more reason to shout harder next time you leave him! There are some things available to help you if you have a pet that suffers from this disorder. DAP diffusers which use comforting pheromones, or prescription medication available from your vets can help to reduce anxiety generally. As an alternative, why not try using the well known Bach Flower Remedies - consult a qualified and registered Bach Flower Remedy animal practitioner to obtain a specific mix for separation anxiety. The flower remedy mix can be used for cats, dogs and horses that seem anxious when away from their owners - they are easily given as drops which can be added to a food treat. Used in combination with the changes recommended above, you may be able to put the behaviour associated with separation anxiety behind you and enjoy your pet’s company to the full.
 
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