What Is Separation Anxiety In Dogs And Cats?
Separation Anxiety Medical terms: psychogenic grooming, barbering
All puppies experience some anxiety. Dogs are pack animals and feel most secure when in the company of members of their pack—their guardians or other dogs.
The pet becomes anxious when away from their human companions. They exhibit pet separation anxiety with
both physical and psychological problems. Puppies need to learn how to be alone gradually, as their guardians leave them for increasing amounts of time.
The Humane Society says:
typically, .
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How serious is feline and canine separation anxiety?
Behavior problems are the #1 reason pets are euthanized. Pets with behavior problems frustrate their owners, and frustrated people often mistreat
or relinquish their pets. Fortunately, you have the knowledge to prevent or cure separation anxiety.They may have been left alone too long as puppies and were
traumatized by it, or they were neglected or abused and are insecure. These dogs often wreak havoc on a house—chewing on doorways, destroying furniture,
barking and scratching incessantly on the door.
Why is separation anxiety so bad? Won’t the pet just get over it?
Unfortunately, no. Pets with separation anxiety generally get worse rather than better if they aren’t helped; they don’t just get over it.
Anxiety eventually causes physical illness; besides, the pet is miserable when it doesn’t need to be. To start, change your routine before you leave. Try to make it less drawn out. Put your keys in your purse ahead of time, for example, and have your shoes ready to put on at the door. Dogs know the routine of leaving, and if it’s drawn out they become increasingly anxious.
How long does my pet experience separation anxiety?
The symptoms of separation anxiety are generally worse the first 15 minutes the pet is alone, but can persist the entire time you’re away.
The key is to take the time to find what works best for you and your dog. Remember that dogs are different animals than we primates—they’re pack animals, and being left alone is hard for them.
Does having 2 dogs rather than 1 make it less likely they will have separation anxiety?
No. Dogs from multi-dog households are as likely to have dog separation anxiety as dogs from single-dog households. The company of other dogs
doesn’t prevent dog separation anxiety because it is the relationship the pet has with the person that causes anxiety.
Dogs from multi-pet households can also develop pet-centered separation anxieties when their pet companions are absent.
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Does having 2 cats rather than 1 mean the cats are less likely to have separation anxiety?
No. Cats from multi-cat households are just as likely to have cat separation anxiety as those from single-cat households.
Remember that the significant factor is the relationship the pet has with his guardian.
Cats from multi-pet households can also develop anxiety if their pet companions are absent. Although you would think your cat would leap with joy
when their pet companion returned, this doesn’t always happen. Separated pets can physically harass each other when reunited, even after short
separations. Harassment is more likely if the returning pet smells differently, as it often does after spending the day at the veterinary clinic. Slowly
reintroducing cats avoids violence. Provide
"Comfort Zone Feliway" a pheromone that makes cats feel peaceful when reintroducing pets. For cats
that become hysterical and aggressive, provide herbal calming, such as "Quiet Moments" tablets or
"Composure Liquid". All found in the "Anxiety" menu in
1-800-PetMeds
What is barbering or psychogenic grooming?
Barbering is a compulsive, repetitive grooming that pulls out (barbers) hair and creates bald patches. It is also called psychogenic grooming.
The bald patches are never on the head or neck where the cat can’t reach, but are on the flanks, belly and hind limbs that are easily reached.
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Barbering can be caused by many factors:
- anxiety (separation from family)
- allergies
- external and internal parasites (fleas, ticks, roundworms, tapeworms)
- pinched nerves
- autoimmune disease
- endocrine disease (hyperthyroidism)
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With some problems, especially fleas, the skin itches and the itching stimulates the cat to lick and groom until over-grooming becomes a habit.
With other problems, the cat has a psychological urge to lick, and the licking creates bacterial or yeast infections. These infections cause itching so
the grooming behavior never stops.
Treatment for barbering requires a veterinary consult to determine the cause. Your veterinarian may suggest homeopathic medications, such as
HomeoPet Anxiety Relief , or prescription medications, such as amitriptyline , Clomicalm, Clomipramine, fluoxetine, diazepam, alprazolam, and buspirone.
Your veterinarian will encourage you to keep your cat flea-free, and may recommend Frontline Plus or Advantage. All found in
1-800-PetMeds
Is my pet more likely to develop separation anxiety if it is boarded at a kennel?
That depends. Some pets develop separation anxiety gradually; others develop it suddenly after a precipitating event, such as boarding. If your pet
will be boarded, prepare it with short pleasant stays at the same place. Provide the boarding establishment with the pheromones Comfort Zone D.A.P.
for dogs and Comfort Zone Feliway, for cats because they can help relax your pet. Provide calming herbs, such as Composure or Quiet Moments, find them here 1-800-PetMeds
and arrange for your pet to have plenty of exercise and human interaction.
 
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment
of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice
concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions,
drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet.
It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.
Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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