Fear and Separation Anxiety

I think Darlin’ has some separation anxiety. I’ve had concerns about this for the last month because when I come home from shopping or going out for a while she whimpers for me. Yesterday I went to the grocery store. As soon as I get my purse Toby always runs to the front door and sits there wagging his tail looking back over his shoulder like I’m going to pick him and take him with me. Like so many other times, I tell him I’ll be right back and I tell the dogs that follow me to the door to get back. Well, I say “back”. The door becomes my space. My Eskie (Chloe) use to bolt out the door so I’ve learned to claim the space which helped control the times I had to chase Chloe through the neighborhood. She is the most challenging dog I have ever owned.

Just like the day before when I went to Pet Smart, Darlin’ followed me to the front door. That was one of the reasons I chose to walk her that night, I thought it was time she saw what was out there on the other side. I stuck my foot out and told her to get back. She practically had her nose in the door as I closed it behind me! She let out a yelp for the first time that I know of when I left the house. What followed next really surprised me! I heard someone scratching at the front door and I have never in all my years of owning dogs heard a dog scratch at my door!

I put my purse in the car and started the air conditioner. I went back inside as though I forgot something to see what was going on and to look at the door for scratches. That door is not something I care to replace because it was expensive. All of the dogs, Darlin’ included, acted like I had been gone all day and I wasn’t outside more than a minute. So I walked out again telling her to get back. I was gone less than an hour and when I returned I walked up the steps with bags in my hand. The first thing I did was look through the beveled glass to see if I could get a glimpse of the dogs waiting for me. What do I see? A brown dogs head trying to look through the glass! She was standing there on her hind legs! Not at the door, but trying to look out the glass! I’ve seen her standing at the door at night and that’s why I thought she looked like a kangaroo. I went inside and she was just as excited as the rest of the dogs, but she yelped and barked too! She was calling attention to herself because everyone else was getting attention.

This may not seem like a big deal if you are new to reading this blog, but this same dog will defecate if a stranger handles her. She did last week when I asked my husband to bring her to me. He sat her down on the couch next to me and I immediately asked “What’s that smell?” She was fine two days ago when my husband carried her home for me. She is an extremely fearful dog that is still learning to trust people.

I think one of the great things about having a pack of dogs is that they learn from each other and they have each other when people are not around. However, Darlin’ bonded with me, not the dogs. It was my intention to have her learn to trust me before the dogs. I actually read that keeping a feral dog separated from other dogs was the way to go so that the dog would learn to trust the handler first. That was easy enough considering I had my other dog’s safety in mind too. Now I’m wondering if she is too attached to me.

I have two days to help correct this situation because I’m going out of town all day on Sunday and the dogs will be alone. The dogs will have access to the backyard. No one can get in our yard and they would be crazy to try with five dogs. Besides that, our lawn maintenance guy attempted to unlock the gate once without checking to see if the dogs were out. Sam (our blue heeler) jumped up for his arm as he reached across and I have never seen a man come away from a fence so fast! We were all outside. Sam’s bark is enough to scare most people off. He’s a big baby though. If you enter through the front door he will love you and submit to you by turning over and offering his tummy. Darlin’ doesn’t stay outside with the dogs much, nor does she follow them, but I’m sure if I’m not around she’ll catch on. I can’t help but have some concerns about her scratching at the front door and I hope it will be a good day for her even though I’m not home.

I told my daughter about Darlin’s behavior yesterday. She said, “Mom, you are everything to Darlin’, she had nothing before you.” That’s true, but my hopes for her is that she learns to live as a pack member and family pet and that she doesn’t develop an unhealthy attachment to me.

I spoil my dogs, I can’t help it. Mostly with affection, then I spoil with the food and treats, toys are last on my list. Each dog has his/her own story. Chloe was born to parents that lived in the same home. I adopted her as a puppy so she has never known any hardships. She’ll be six years old soon and has terrible health problems already. Sam loved his family, but they had a baby so he had to be re-homed. Bonnie was pulled from a rabbit hutch in Missouri. I beat myself up for not pulling all the dogs, but I tried to get help. Sweet affectionate Toby was a stray that wound up urgent at a pound in Tennessee. If you knew him you would wonder like I do how that could ever happen. Darlin’, fearful, starving, abandoned, living in the woods behind a rock yard for 6 months that I know of, yet the people at the grocery store told me she had been coming there for years. That life was enough to make any dog fear people. Her past makes it easy for me to spoil her and her trusting me makes it easier for me to give her more of everything. We have both gained something through it all. I swear I must have been a sheep herder in another lifetime!

I love them all, but I can’t keep my hands off of Darlin’. I pet, pat, kiss, stroke, hug, and rub her down every second I get. I do it so much I catch the others dogs watching me and I have had momentary guilt. It doesn’t take much to realize I need to give to them all equally. Thank goodness I have two hands, though I could use a few more. Darlin’ came from nothing, she had nothing, she acted like she never had humane contact, but I know she had some contact because she’s been spayed. Her experiences must have been awful because her fears are so deep rooted. Yesterday when my husband came home she sat by my feet while I was cooking just shaking like a leaf. It’s been almost four months since she’s been here and she still has fear of my family. If I move too fast or raise my hands she becomes frightened by my actions. I told someone on Petfinder when they suggested I withhold her food until she eats from my hands that my nature is to nurture, but I don’t want to nurture an unhealthy attachment to me which may cause separation anxiety issues.

I think I’ll go shopping for a bit and give Darlin’ some time alone at home with the other dogs. I’m going to try and keep the level excitement lower. I will ignore everyone when I leave and not give anyone attention when I come back home until I put my things away.

How to Cope and Handle Fear and Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety is a condition caused by a dog’s fear of being alone. It is the second leading cause of owners relinquishing dogs to shelters or euthanizing their dogs. While the behaviors caused by separation anxiety are problematic, they are also treatable.

Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, dogs are hardly, if ever, alone. This is the reason why they get nervous when they are left alone. While the main cause of separation anxiety is being left alone, there are numerous other causes, including changes in routine, breeding instincts and loud noises or other things that jolt the senses.

Low Rider Pack at Play

Separation anxiety usually begins within 15 to 20 minutes after the dog is separated from its owner. The anxiety usually lasts two to three hours. After this time, the dog is usually worn out and goes to sleep. Upon waking, the anxiety attack will begin again. While it isn’t uncommon for puppies to destroy things while the owner is gone, this is usually caused by boredom as opposed to separation anxiety. True separation anxiety doesn’t start until the dog is over six months old.

Each dog is different. As such, the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety vary greatly. The two symptoms that are the most common are chewing on forbidden items and urinating indoors. Other signs include digging, constant barking, loss of appetite, jumping, howling, defecating in the wrong places and appetite changes. The more severe the anxiety, the more signs you will notice.

There are numerous treatments available for separation anxiety. For less severe cases, behavior modification is the suggested treatment. This includes leaving the dog with appropriate chew toys and other distractions. Spending time with the dog when you are home can alleviate some of the stress. Giving the dog its own area while you are away can help too. A dog crate is ideal for this. For more severe cases, medication is sometimes necessary to help the dog stay calm.

Wendt Worth’s Baron Relaxing

In rare instances, some dogs experience separation anxiety that is so severe it is life-threatening. In the most severe cases, dogs may hyperventilate or stop breathing all together. Without appropriate intervention, the dog will die. Dog owners that notice breathing problems in the dog should take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.

In fact, it is so common that dogs suffer from separation anxiety that there are actually products on the market made specifically for separation anxiety in dogs. You could spend quite a bit of money on these commercial remedies and you could create your own homemade medicine for separation anxiety for your dog. There are many homemade and homeopathic remedies for separation anxiety in dogs that have proven successful with other dog owners. There are also many behavior modifications and steps to take to be proactive about your dog’s separation anxiety.

While it is normal for a dog to occasionally chew a sock or a book, coming home to all the blinds in your home torn down and chewed up is not normal. And while it is acceptable to occasionally come home to an accident because you can assume the dog just couldn’t hold it, it is not acceptable to come home to “presents” all around your home. Other unacceptable behaviors are incessant barking, whining and chewing while the dog is alone.

Once you have determined your dog is indeed suffering from separation anxiety there are a few steps you can take to begin being proactive with your homemade medicine for the separation anxiety your dog has. For example, begin by crate-training your dog. This is not cruel or inhumane in fact is it commonly known that dogs feel safer in a “den” type setting. If crating is not successful try putting everything out of the reach of your dog.

Make sure when you leave and when you come home you are doing so quietly and not making a scene. When your energies change your dog senses this. If you act calm and do not cause a scene, the dog will not know if you left for four hours or ran outside to get the mail.

Dogs need exercise and there is no way around this. Try walking your dog every day for 30 minutes, more if you can. Many dog owners have noticed a difference in the severity of their dog’s separation anxiety when they walk the dog more often. When the dog is walked and exercised he is able to get rid of much of that nervous energy.

Wendt Worth’s Nature Walk

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a very well known and widely used homeopathic and homemade medicine for separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell, therefore it is believed that aromatherapy is actually more successful for dogs than for humans.

In the realm of aromatherapy there are certain “calming” scents such as lavender, juniper, chamomile, orange, basil, lemon, bergamot and frankincense. Lavender and bergamot both possess calming properties whereas frankincense has the ability to calm, relax and even reduce the stress that is felt in a separation anxiety situation. About an hour before you leave the home you can begin burning a few drops of the aromatherapy oil.

Herbal

Homemade medicine for separation anxiety in dogs can also be in the form of herbs. An herbal remedy that can be made at home is combining ginger root, valerian root, and chamomile and passion flower. It is believed that while herbal homemade medicines take longer to take effect they are natural and efficient at decreasing the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.

There is an herb called Ashwagandha root that has also been successful in curing separation anxiety in dogs. It is said that Ashwagandha root, also known as Winter Cherry, effectively treats the symptoms of anxiety and depression the dog may feel. Rhodiola Rosea L. is an herb that is known to create a sense of balance and harmony which makes it more difficult for the separation anxiety to set in.

There are certain times in which a dog needs help calming down. Some dogs can become over-stressed during car or plane rides, while others require assistance with anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks. There are also instances in which dogs become severely distressed when left alone, which is also called separation anxiety. Whatever the situation, there are usually medications that can alleviate the problem.

Wendt Worth’s Meagan being Co-Captain

Car and Plane Rides

When your pet rides in a car or plane, he may become stressed or anxious. When in a car, the movement can seem strange to him because it’s faster and different than what he is used to. In addition, the objects that are seen through the window can cause fear, as well. If your dog is traveling on a plane, you may have the option of taking him with you at your seat if he is small enough. Otherwise, he may have to travel in a separate compartment that is typically unmonitored. If you feel your dog may need medication to calm him for this ride, the safest medication to try is Benadryl. This has a sedating effect on some dogs and may provide enough for yours. Medication that will totally tranquilize your dog is not a good idea, especially on a plane. Dogs on calming drugs need to be monitored and unless you can watch your dog, using strong medication is not advised. Since the dosage of Benadryl depends upon the weight of the dog, be sure to ask your veterinarian what to give your dog.

Anxiety Medications

Dogs who have anxiety brought on by separation or fear, or dogs who have natural nervous and anxious dispositions, can be helped with medication that is prescribed by veterinarians. Clomipramide is a drug that can assist in reducing separation anxiety. Used in conjunction with behavior modification, clomipramide can help dogs calm down so that they can better concentrate on what their behavior exercises have taught them.

Valium can help dogs who are frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or thunder storms. This drug needs to be administered under the close supervision of a veterinarian, as long-term use can cause health problems. Furthermore, the dosage needs to be closely monitored to ensure the appropriate amount is prescribed.

Dogs who have generally nervous or anxious dispositions may be helped with medications such as amitryptiline or fluoxetine. These drugs may help to relieve the nervous energy your dog constantly feels. These medications are available through a veterinarian and should only be used in dogs with serious conditions.

Natural Medications

If you would like to treat your dog’s stress with a more natural approach, try using herbal or homeopathic medications. Rescue Remedy, available at pet stores, uses a variety of flower essences to calm dogs and can be used for acute onsets of anxiety or for chronic situations. In addition, other products such as PetCalm tablets and Ultra-Calm treats use herbs to help dogs relax in stressful situations. You can also try the use of pheromones to calm your pet. Dog Appeasing Pheromones, also called DAP, mimic the mother dog’s pheromones to naturally relax your pet. Available in a diffuser or spray, DAP can be helpful with separation anxiety and relieving stress.

Anxiety and fear are quite common in dogs. Many owners struggle to find ways in which to help their four-legged friend cope with fear. There are different kinds of anxiety or fear that a dog may encounter, including noise fear, separation anxiety, and object phobia. Understanding what the cause of the fear or anxiety is will help in knowing how to treat the your dog. With patience, a fearful or anxious dog, can learn to overcome it.

Instructions

****Realize the worst thing you can do when your dog is fearful is coddle him, as this will reassure him that there really is something to be afraid of. This is the hardest part for most pet owners, since it is natural to want to comfort your dog when he is fearful or anxious, but doing so only adds to the fear. If your dog is fearful of noise, such as thunder or other loud noises, act calmly as if the noise is very natural. Your dog takes his queue from you. If you are anxious, he will be more anxious. When he is calm, praise him for the behavior and give him a treat as a reward. If he is nervous or anxious, do your best to ignore the behavior and do not offer a treat as comfort since this reinforces the anxious behavior.

****Observe your dog’s behavior and what he does when you leave. Dogs with separation anxiety will often chew items or become destructive when left alone. Several examples of separation anxiety may be excessive barking, urinating in the house or destructive behavior. In some cases, all three of these examples and more are exhibited by dogs with this condition. If your dog chews up your shoes or furniture only when you leave him alone, chances are he is suffering from separation anxiety. When you know you will be leaving your dog alone, don’t make the event a big deal and do not fuss more over your dog before you are leaving, this will simply cause more anxiety. When you return home, you dog will go nuts wanting to greet you, don’t make the greeting period a huge event, keep calm.

****Your best scenario in teaching your pet not to feel scared when you are not there is to crate him for short periods of time. Slowly extending the amount of time, as the dog feels more comfortable. If you must be away for longer periods of time, ‘practice’ runs may be a possibility in between. As often as you can, recreate the atmosphere of you leaving the house, and coming back in short spurts, WHILE he is getting used to the longer stays, as well. If you find that even the confinement of the crate is causing a problem, try different locations. By a sliding door so he can see outside, or by a window, so there is lots of light. This may make a difference.

Wendt Worth’s Rhiannon..How much is that doggy in the window?

****Leave an article of clothing or a blanket or towel out so your dog can pick up your scent while you’re gone. This can comfort the dog and help with separation anxiety. Also, leave a radio on or the TV so they can hear human voices like if your were home.

Wendt Worth’s Winston Cuddling

****Act like you are going to leave, but don’t. Get your car keys and your coat, for instance, but then sit down for while. Practice doing this until your dog shows no sign of separation anxiety. Take step four further by stepping outside the house and closing the door, but return quickly. Do this over and over, each time staying on the other side of the closed door, until your dog remains calm when you “leave.” Continue to leave the house for longer and longer periods. Start with ten minutes and keep expanding the time until your dog gets used to your absence and can thus deal with separation anxiety.

****Taking your dog to a dog daycare may be an option if your dog does not like the crate and if your dog is very active. The exercise and mental stimulation at the daycare should help your dog overcome separation anxiety. Or hire a pet sitter or dog walker to stop in throughout the day to walk your dog or spend some time with him.

****Make sure to introduce your dog to any new objects in your home. Some dogs become anxious over new items in their environment such as furniture, boxes, and exercise equipment. When you bring something new into your home, allow your dog to sniff it and walk around it, and if he appears fearful, be close to him when exploring the new object. When he is not acting fearful, praise him and offer a treat.

Tips & Warnings

~ Sniffing is the way a dog familiarizes himself with his environment, so allow your dog to sniff everything new that comes into your house.

~Since dogs are pack animals, they are use to being with a group. Having another dog or even a cat can sometimes lessen your dogs fears or anxieties.

~ Some dogs will actually need medication in order to help with the anxiety. If treats and a calm disposition on your part do not help, you should see your veterinarian about other options, or seek some advice from a Canine Behavioral Therapist and Trainer.