Almost 20% of dogs suffer from some sort of separation anxiety.  Behavioral problems are the number one reason pets get returned to shelters.  We recognize the frustration and severity of pets with behavioral problems, and we are here to help.

Dogs with separation anxiety will become anxious and nervous when owners leave, will be destructive or soil in the house while owners are away, and will exhibit signs of nervousness such as pacing, whining, barking or howling excessively, or excessive panting or drooling.  A large number of dogs will become destructive in the house while the owner is away because of boredom, and this distinction needs to be made immediately because there are different treatments for each condition.  A thorough medical and behavioral history and a thorough physical exam needs to be performed as there can be medical reasons for symptoms of separation anxiety.

Most owners don't bring their dogs to get help for separation anxiety until this problem has been going on for a long time and has finally escalated to a point where it can no longer be tolerated.  At this point, owners need to realize that this is not going to be an easy fix and that they will need to work hard with their pet in order to improve their behavioral problems.  We try at all costs to leave medication as a last resort.  Most dogs can be helped with behavioral modification alone - this is cheaper for the owner and better for the dog!  There is also no one magical formula for fixing separation anxiety - it all depends on the symptoms and type of anxiety your dog has and what the triggers are for his anxiety.  Once we get a history and evaluate your dog individually, then we can come up with a treatment plan to help you and your pet.  Trying to treat this problem without a complete evaluation can actually lead to worse symptoms and more anxiety than before! 

In severe cases, or those that do not respond to behavioral therapy alone, we can use pharmaceuticals to improve the behavioral modification.  These medications usually take 4-8 weeks to see any effect and should only be used in addition to behavioral training. 

If you have a dog with separation anxiety, here are some helpful suggestions that may keep your pet from having relapses or escalating symptoms, and may make training easier.

• If you know of an upcoming event (moving, vacation, new hours at a job, new addition to the family) that may trigger anxiety in your dog, please consult with us about ways to lessen the anxiety and preventative training you can implement.  This may suppress anxiety before it gets worse.
• If your dog is exhibiting even mild symptoms of separation anxiety, do not wait to get a medical evaluation.  Behavioral modification and training will work faster if the symptoms are milder and the problem has not been escalating over time.
• If you are in a behavioral modification program, following all the instructions and the symptoms are not improving, please let us know!  We may need to adjust the plan as we go.  No plan is set in stone and adjustments often need to be made over many months. 
• Have realistic expectations.  This may be a problem that takes 6 months to a year to improve (especially if your dog has had problems for a long time) and may be a life-long management issue.  Do not expect a quick fix and be prepared for some time and energy devoted on your part to your dog's training.
• Please understand that these dogs are not exhibiting these behaviors out of anger or frustration at you - they are truly in distress the entire time you are gone.