Keep Your Pet's Separation Anxiety In Check

Thursday, March 1, 2001

(NAPS)—It’s the nightmare of any pet owner—coming home to find the dog has taken a hugebite out of the couch, soiled the living room carpet and tipped over the giant fern. Unfortunately, for many owners, this type of destructive behavior may be caused by separation anxiety, which affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the canine population. Learning more about canine separation anxiety can be an important first step in helping to ease a pet’s missing-you-blues. “Separation anxiety is a serious problem that should be dealt with immediately,” says Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with The lams Company. “Pet anxiety occurs when there is a particularly close bond between pet and owner, causing the animal to become extremely distressed or anxious when the owner leaves the home. Unfortunately, it’s one of the top reasons many dogs are given up for adoption by their owners.” The good newsis, separation anxiety can be managed. To help alleviate stress for both you and your pet, the pet professionals at Jams offer some helpful suggestions to make goodbyesguilt-free. 1. Know the signs of a distressed pet. “Pet owners need to realize anxiety is much different than bad behavior,” Dr. Carey says. “If a pet is experiencing sep- aration anxiety, he ‘acts out’ only whenunable to be with his owner.” Pet separation anxiety is char- acterized by a numberof destruc- tive habits, including, but not limited to: excessive barking, house soiling and attempts to escape. Pets may also show loss of appetite, inactivity, sadness, and disorders such as diarrhea, vomit- ing and excessive coat licking. Additionally, dogs suffering from this disorder will often “shadow” their owner throughout the house. 2. Stop the behavior before it starts. Don’t allow pets to become destructive. While away, keep dogs erated or in a small area free of household items. A chew toy can help distract the dog from someof the anxiety and stress. 3. Stay consistent in your @ discipline and training. The number one goal of any pet owner should be to create a trusting relationship with the pet—the dog has to know the ownerwill return. Dr. Carey suggests these training tips: Start slowly and take your time teaching your pup new train- ing techniques. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Realize progress may be slow and your dog’s attention span may shorten the length of lesson time; simply try again later. * Try to make yourpet sit and stay while you move to different places. If your pet disobeys, move closer and make him sit for shorter periods of time. If your buddy obeys, reward him with a treat such as an Iamsdogbiscuit. Then try moving farther away in the house and leaving him for a longer time. * Upon returning home, avoid making a big fuss and causing a lot of excitement, which could lead to more anxiety for your pet. Instead, wait about 30 minutes before approaching your pet, allowing her time to calm down. * Never punish your pooch for panic attacks. Correcting your dog by yelling and hitting could lead to more destructive behavior. When your pet associates your arrival with punishment, anxiety ean inerease. Seek professional behavior assistance if necessary. Understanding why yourpet is suffering from separation anxiety and beginning a simple behavior training routine may help you boost your dog’s confidence level and ease separation woes. For more information on separation anxiety, crating your pet or other general pet care and nutri- tion information, contact the Iams pet professionals at 1-800-8634267 or visit www.iams.com.