Student View: Please Don’t Go by Amanda Cvengro, Tuskegee University CVM, Class of 2020
Leaving my two pups for class is one of the hardest parts of my day. Like most dog moms and dads out
there, seeing our pets pout and cry as we leave always
breaks our hearts. One of the biggest issues we currently have in our household is, if we leave for too long, our girls get nervous/anxious and tear something up. Whether it’s a toy, a pillow, or, when they’re really upset with us, they’ll chew the wall trying to get out. I know what you’re think- ing and, yes, they are trained, and we do keep the danger- ous things up! And it’s not every time we leave.
One of the most common complaints of dog owners in my class is that their dogs are destructive when they leave them alone. It ranges from urinating and defecating to barking, chewing and digging, etc. Separation anxiety can be triggered when dogs are upset from their owners leav- ing them. Tese attempts to escape can be extreme and result in hurting themselves or your home or eating some- thing that could result in another vet visit. Our oldest, Lyla, gets anxious whenever we begin to leave the house and tries to prevent us from leaving. Usually when we come home she acts like it’s been years since she’s seen us! To help her tolerate being alone, not only has having her new sister Sadie helped, but we also give them little treats as a distraction before we leave.
Unfortunately, there is no evidence showing why dogs de- velop separation anxiety. According to the ASPCA, more dogs who have been adopted from shelters have developed this behavioral problem than those kept by a single fam- ily since they were puppies. It is thought that losing an important person/people in the dog’s life can lead to sep- aration anxiety. Also, other dramatic changes such as the following can trigger this disorder:
• Change of family members (being abandoned). • Changing schedules and not having as much time with their owner.
• Losing a loved one, whether it’s a person or another animal.
It is also very important to rule out medical problems before assuming your dog is just acting out while you’re gone. Some animals have incontinence issues due to med- ical conditions. Usually these dogs seem unaware that they’ve even urinated and it has happened while they’re asleep. Tis could be due to a urinary tract infection, weak sphincter, bladder stones, endocrine disorders, or old age. Make sure you rule this out first if your dog is having in- continence issues.
Tere are also medications that can cause frequent urina- tion/defecation. Other behav- ioral problems to rule out are excitement urination, incom- plete house training, or urine marking.
Young dogs often partake in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging while you’re gone due to boredom. While these dogs don’t appear to be anxious when you’re gone, make sure they have something to do to keep them preoccupied. If your dog is excessively barking/howling, make sure their environment is free from unfamiliar sights and sounds.
If you believe your dog does have separation anxiety, there are plenty of forms of treatments. If it is mild, countercon- ditioning might resolve the problem. Countercondition- ing changes an animal’s fear/anxious/aggressive behavior to pleasant and relaxed. It is done by associating a pres- ence of feared animals/people/situations with something good happening. Over time, the dog learns that whatever they previously feared will predict good things for them. For example, our dogs are learning that being alone brings things like “goodies” before we leave and when we come home. I think they’re excited to see us go now since they know they get a treat! You can try giving your pet a toy with something tasty inside like peanut butter, frozen ba- nana, or canned dog food, giving it to them before you leave. Just make sure you take it up when you get home so they are excited to have it while you’re gone.
Treatment for moderate to severe separation anxiety can be harder than counterconditioning. You might have to seek help from a behaviorist or put them on medications. Crate training can also be helpful for some dogs to let them have a safe space when you’re gone. However, some dogs see the crate as adding stress or anxiety. Monitor your dog’s behavior with the crate to ensure this is suitable for your pet.
Whatever treatment seems to work best for you and your pup, make sure you do not punish your dog. Anxiety behaviors are not a result of disobedience or spite. It’s a distressed response with them trying to cope with your absence. Punishment could worsen your problem! Make sure you’re giving them proper exercise and activities to do while you’re with them and when you’re away. Each dog has its own personality and you have to make sure you’re individualizing, doing what’s best for your pet!
12 KVMA News
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