Pet Health Guide - Stress

Separation anxiety and the stress that results from this condition is often rooted in a perceived belief that becomes manifested in unwanted behavior. Weather perceived or actual; social, environmental or physical stressors often results in a variety of symptoms that all too commonly require desensitization, counter-conditioning, and behavior modification.

Clinical Signs

Separation anxiety is a common issue afflicting approximately 11 million dogs and 5 million cats. In most cases it is because of the strong social bond that animals feel towards their owners. Many cases go undiagnosed and pass off as destructive behavior.

Unwanted behaviors due to separation anxiety include:

• Vocalization
• Destruction of property
• Urination & Defecation
• Anorexia
• Drooling
• Depression
• Attempts to Escape

Stress factors are the result of:

1. Poor interaction with other dogs, cats, or people.
2. Inadequate amounts of physical activity.
3. Unbalanced social and environmental experiences.

Research has shown that a dog’s and cat’s emotional stability is predetermined and substantially impacted during the early months of life. Specifically, 3-8 weeks of age for inter-dog/cat interaction, 5-12 weeks of age for inter-human interaction, and 16-20 weeks when novel environment behavior is imprinted on the animal.

Many pet owners interpret these clinical signs as an act of disobedience or defiance. These interpretations often lead to distrust, anger and even detachment from the pet. It is not uncommon to find many dogs and cats presented to humane societies and adoption centers because of a break in the human-pet bond associated with separation anxiety issues. Owners that understand the conflict that exists with their pets when they leave their homes during the day or on a vacation often struggle with feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Treatment

Separation anxiety does not discriminate, it affects all breeds. It has been proposed that separation anxiety stems from a brain stem disorder. Neurotransmitters and chemical precursors for proper behavioral brain function are believed to be insufficient for normal development and socialization. These neurotransmitters include glutamine, acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and GABA.

Treating separation anxiety through the pharmacological regulation of these neurotransmitters involves two classes of drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Incorporating an SSRI medication such as Reconcile or a TCA medication such as Amitriptylline or Clomicalm along with a behavioral modification program (B.O.N.D.) and massage can prove successful in treating and correcting pets that suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs and cats can benefit from fears of anxiety, separation anxiety, frustration, various forms of aggression, thunderstorms, noise, bright lights, even psychological disorders that can product self-mutilation or self injurious behavior.

Behavior Modification Program (B.O.N.D.)

Be Positive.
Reward with treats and affection those actions and behaviors that are desirable. It is important not to reprimand undesirable behavior because it increases anxiety and creates confusion in animals suffering from separation anxiety.

Only Reward Calm Behavior.
Acknowledge calm behavior with a treat or spend extra time with your pet when good behavior is displayed. Ignore attention seeking, dysfunctional behaviors that only reinforce anxiety and apprehension.

No More Drama.
Practice leaving home. Put on your coat, grab your keys and then reverse the sequence so these actions do not signal your pet that an undesirable effect is coming. When it’s time to leave the house do so without engaging in conversation, eye sight or acknowledgement that you are about to leave. Providing a distraction (chew toy, bone etc.) will minimize the attention given to your departure. When you return home ignore your dog until he or she calms down. Then reinforce this calm behavior with a treat and affection. Remove the toy that was used as a departure distraction until the next time.

Develop Independence.
Throughout the day, reward your dog when relaxed. After you have achieved the ability to have him relax on command, teach him to stay in an area that your pet finds secure and safe. Move away and gradually increase the distance each time separating yourself from that area. Reward this accomplishment with treats, affection and/or a walk.

Before initiating any separation anxiety plan, remember that the management of any physical impairment that produces stress and abnormal behavior should always be addressed first by your veterinarian. Underlying medical causes such as parasitic infections, neurological defects, drug sensitivities, and allergies all require a minimum data base and clinical evaluation beforehand.

Alternatively, many pet owners have opted to use a non-prescription medication along with a B.O.N.D. program to treat separation anxiety. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) and Feliway Pheromone are naturally products that sooth and minimize stress from the release of pheromones that mimic those produced from the dog’s or cat's mother. These pheromones provide stability to balance dogs and cats in times of high anxiety and stress. Composure is a calming support medication designed for quick relief from stressful situations. Other organic preparations, such Rescue Remedy and Homeopet Anxiety preparations try to achieve relaxation in pets through natural ingredients that do not place metabolic demands upon the liver or kidneys.

Anxiety/Behavior Medications for Dogs (prescription)

• Amitriptyline
• Clomicalm
• Reconcile

Anxiety/Behavior Medications for Cats (prescription)

• Amitriptyline
• Clomicalm
• Reconcile

Anxiety/Behavior Medications for Dogs (non-prescription)

• Composure
• Homeopet Anxiety
• D.A.P. Electric Difusser
• D.A.P. Spray
  • D.A.P. Collars
• Quiet moments
• Rescue Remedy

Anxiety/Behavior Medications for Cats (non-prescription)

• Composure
• Feliway Electric Difusser
• Feliway Spray
• Homeopet Anxiety
• Rescue Remedy

Message; The benefits to reducing stress/anxiety.
Message works by increasing circulation of blood and lymph to the skin and muscles, and allows the tissues to relax and keep a healthy tone. With behavioral problems, which are rooted in fear, message can be used to reprogram and recondition these fears into trust and eliminate the anxiety that leads to dysfunctional behavior. The publications that we recommend to pet owners are:

1. Linda Tellington-Jones: “T-Touch” videos and books.
2. The Healing Touch by Dr. Michael Fox
3. Natural Healing for Dogs And Cats by Diane Stein.