Dogs
by Mark Nunez, DVM
My rescue dog has been with me since she was quite young. Living alone, I wonder if she has become too attached to me. When visiting family she displays a need to remain at my side most of the time and whines if I leave the room and she cannot join me. I had crate trained her as a puppy but have been advised she would do well to maintain that love of her crate, even though she does not require it now for any reason.
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Dogs
Ask the Vet: Dogs and Separation Anxiety
by Mark Nunez, DVM
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| © All Things Dog Blog Happily Enjoying Crate Time is Healthy for Your Dog |
Because I am elderly I find myself beginning to think about what will happen to my little one when she is left without me. Are there any health concerns I should worry about regarding separation anxiety? I suppose I will look for training assistance for her growing anxiety but also want to know if there is anything I can do to prevent physical illness or depression as a result of my absence. Thank you for your assistance.
L. Johanson
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Hello Mrs. Johanson,
If your dog has separation anxiety, I would recommend treatment for that as soon as possible. Basically, what is happening in the mind of a dog with separation anxiety is that they are having panic attacks while the owner is not present. This can result in all the same issues that chronic stress can have on people, including immunosuppression (which leaves them open for infections) and stress colitis.
If your dog has separation anxiety, I would recommend treatment for that as soon as possible. Basically, what is happening in the mind of a dog with separation anxiety is that they are having panic attacks while the owner is not present. This can result in all the same issues that chronic stress can have on people, including immunosuppression (which leaves them open for infections) and stress colitis.
I agree with the advice for crate training and maintaining her love for the crate. Many dogs with separation anxiety do not know what to do with themselves while the owner is gone. If they associate the crate with rest and relaxation, it can help decrease anxiety. However, crating alone is NOT the only method needed. The separation anxiety should be addressed.
The good news is that dogs live in the moment. It often us humans that prevent that by inadvertently reinforcing the very behaviors we do not want. When the time comes for your dog to live in another home, it will be the responsibility of the new owners to not reinforce anxiety and/or depression. In the mean time, treating any separation anxiety that exists at the moment will help your dog to relax and not panic in your temporary absence.
Dr. Mark
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| © courtesy m.n. Dr. Nunez |
Dr. Nunez is a practicing veterinarian while also assisting patients through The Balanced Canine blog and his own online veterinary pharmacy. Have a question for Dr. Mark? Send it to [email protected]. You can also follow Mark on Twitter.
Want to read more from Dr. Mark? Try these, or visit his archives:
Want to read more from Dr. Mark? Try these, or visit his archives:
- How To Cure A Puppy From Soiling In A Crate
Crate training is an excellent tool for training your dog, and it will be even more effective if you start your dog at a young age. However, when crate training a puppy, there are a specific set of challenges you must face. For example, a puppy is more...
- How To Stop Crate Anxiety In Dogs
Dogs are den animals, so most will take naturally to spending time in a crate. Crates can become a source of comfort or nice place to relax. However, if your dog has spent time in a crate or been punished in a crate, it may have developed a fear of the...
- How To Break A Dog Of Separation Anxiety
A dog with separation anxiety can act out in many ways. Some dogs will urinate or defecate while others chew on furniture or other things around the house. Excessive barking or howling and trying to escape are also signs of separation anxiety. Aside...
- Is It Separation Anxiety, Or Something Else?
By Linda Cole We all know what separation anxiety is. A dog just can't stand being away from the people he loves. Left alone, the dog might whine, howl or bark all day which isn't good if you live in an apartment. He may also destroy things in...
- 3 Ways To Help Your Dog Overcome Stress And Anxiety
Like humans, our dear pets can experience anxiety that can affect their behavior. As a pet owner, what can you do to help your pet overcome the stress or anxiety? Consider these three stress management tips for pet owners: photoKnow the cause...