Separation Anxiety

A dog demonstrates separation anxiety in many ways. While you're gone, or preparing to leave, your dog may:

• Destroy things
• Lick himself excessively
• Urinate or deficate inside the house
• Whine or bark continuously
• Hyper-salivate
• Pace obsessively
• Refuse to eat when you're not around
• Greet you excessively when you return home
• Be restless or depressed as you prepare to leave

A dog's level of anxiety can vary. But with Separation Anxiety, his behavior when you're away is consistently different from his behavior when you're around.

Keep him calm and collected. Any dog who demonstrates these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian with a strong background in behavioral medicine. When a diagnosis of Separation Anxiety is confirmed, several treatment strategies may be put in place:

1. Control the dog's environment. A busy dog is a satisfied dog. Give him something to do-such as a fun treat that requires some time to eat-and he may not be as concerned that you're gone.
2. Shift his behavior. Don't punish him for feeling anxious, that may make things worse. Try these suggestions: Avoid playing with him prior to leaving the house. Practice graduated departures. Go through some of the steps associated with you leaving the house several times per day, but don't leave. Practice departure exercises. Go out two times per day for 10-15 minutes each time. He should be taught to sit (or lie down) while you go toward the door, step outside and remain for a short period of time. Increase your time away gradually so he gets used to you going - while feeling reassured that you will return. The goal is to teach him that he can be obedient and relaxed when you're not there. Practice independence training. During day-to-day routines, such as watching television, instruct your Dachshund to stay some distance away instead of allowing him to sit in your lap or be touching you. While you're out, provide soothing music or a television at a low volume. To an anxious dog, silence can be deafening. Make sure not to make a big deal when you leave or come home. Ignore your dog for 10-20 minutes before leaving and after arrival - as difficult as this may be, it works. Don't reward clingy behavior. Ignore your Dachshund if he follows you around or demands attention. And reward him when he lies quietly.
3. Medicate. There are prescriptions that may help ease your dogs anxiety. Consult your vet for full details and options.