Separation Anxiety (Canine)

Canine attachment to humans is an adaptive trait that has been directly and indirectly selected for in domestic dogs. While most untrained canines will vocalize, chew forbidden items or eliminate in the house when left unattended, the diagnosis of separation anxiety is reserved for a more intense version of these symptoms accompanied by physiological indications of stress. Dogs prone to separation anxiety are often very affectionate and people-oriented. Behavior modification is most effective if the dog is never left alone as it is being desensitized to the cues that predict the owner's departure and to lengthening absences. Medication may accelerate this process.

Common name: Separation anxiety, Separation distress
Scientific name: Separation anxiety, Separation distress

Diagnosis

Signalment
Dogs prone to separation anxiety are often extremely affectionate and people-oriented, tending to “shadow” their caregivers around the house. Re-homing is often seen as a trigger for separation anxiety, although the decision to re-home may be as a result of the problem, rather than the cause.

Incidence/prevalence
Many dogs experience some mild distress when left alone. Most eventually adapt to being alone, but some do not. Approximately 15% of dogs show clinical signs of separation anxiety.

Geographic distribution
There is no known geographic predilection for separation anxiety.

Clinical signs (primary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Persistent vocalization (barking, howling, whining), Household damage (chewing, digging) often directed at exit points such as doorways or windows, Increased motor activity (pacing, jumping or other repetitive movements), Urination (often immediately after caregiver's departure), Defecation (often immediately after caregiver's departure), Vomiting (often immediately after caregiver's departure), Anorexia (won't eat) while alone, Depression or withdrawal at pre-departure cues, Exuberant greetings upon return.

Clinical signs (secondary, most to least frequent, scientific term, synonyms)
Hypersalivation (excessive drooling), Panting, Trembling, Self-mutilation (chewing on own body).

Cause (scientific, common term)
Genetically anxious disposition, Prolonged periods of time without separation from the owner, Periods of time spent in a kennel or animal shelter, Re-homing, breaking of primary attachment bond, Chronic lack of exercise/stimulation.

Organ system affected (most to least affected)
Neuropeptides, including endogenous opioids, are concentrated in areas of the brain believed to mediate the expression of social behavior and separation-related vocalization. Oxytocin, which promotes social recognition and place attachments, may also be involved.

Diagnostic tests
Evaluation by a behavior professional.

Differential Diagnosis
Under-stimulation, Not enough exercise, Hyperactivity, Lack of housetraining, Urine-marking, Recreational destructiveness/inappropriately-targeted play, Puppy chewing, Socially-facilitated vocalization, Vocalization in response to stimuli outside the house, Cognitive dysfunction.

Overview

Canine attachment to humans is an adaptive trait that has been directly and indirectly selected for in domestic dogs. While most untrained canines will vocalize, chew forbidden items or eliminate in the house when left unattended, the diagnosis of separation anxiety is reserved for a more intense version of these symptoms accompanied by physiological indications of stress. Dogs prone to separation anxiety are often very affectionate and people-oriented. Behavior modification is most effective if the dog is never left alone as it is being desensitized to the cues that predict the owner's departure and to lengthening absences. Medication may accelerate this process.

Treatment

Home Care
Treatment involves resolving the dog's anxiety, primarily by making pre-departure cues irrelevant and by desensitizing the dog to gradually lengthening absences.

Actions such as picking up keys, putting on coat, brushing teeth, etc. are repeated throughout the day in various orders without being followed by an actual departure. Over many daily repetitions, these become unreliable signals for departure and trigger less anxiety.

First steps toward desensitizing the dog to being left alone include gradually increasing the duration of sit- or down-stays, gradually moving out of sight, and first at inside doors and gradually at exit doors. Next, owners can begin very short absences, always shorter than the time it takes for the dog to become upset. Video can help monitor stress levels.

The dog is given stuffed food toys (such as KongsTM) upon departure so that it associates being alone with the positive emotions that accompany feeding. Food toys should be removed upon return.

These short absences are repeated frequently at irregular intervals and only increased in tiny increments if the dog can remain calm.

Ideally, during treatment, the dog should only be left alone during training sessions. Dog daycare or a dog sitter may be required in the interim. If this is impossible, a special cue (such as a radio playing) should be used to distinguish practice sessions from real departures.

Confinement (crating or a dog-proof room) helps to reduce anxiety in some dogs when left alone but exacerbates anxiety in others. Punishment of anxiety-based behaviors is not appropriate.

Professional Care
A veterinarian may chose to prescribe tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medications (e.g. clomipramine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g. fluoxetine), or other medications to reduce symptoms of separation anxiety, particularly when used in combination with behavior modification. Acepromazine is not appropriate for this condition and can exacerbate problems in some dogs.

Action
Implementation of behavior modification can be time-consuming and frustrating. Consultation with a Veterinary Behaviorist, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a dog trainer who is well-versed in working with this problem is recommended.

Outcome
Separation anxiety, especially in its milder forms, has a good prognosis but behavior modification is a lengthy process requiring consistency. Progress may be more rapid if medication helps and if the dog is never left alone during desensitization and departure exercises.

Recommended Treatment
Separation anxiety can be treated with behavior modification. This may be accomplished at home or professional help may be required provided by your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist or trainer.

References/Additional Readings

McConnell, P. I'll be Home Soon! How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety, Dog's Best Friend Ltd., 2000.

Lindsay, S. Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 3, Iowa, Blackwell Publishing, 2005.

Overall, K. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc. 1997.

King, J N. et. al. Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs with clomipramine: results from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial,Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2000;67:4-19.

Simpson, BS et al. Effects of reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety.Veterinary Therapeutics 2007:8;18-31.

Author

Trish McMillan, MSc

Certified Pet Dog Trainer

Editor

Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, MBA

DABVT, DABT