Sounds like Tilly has a very bad case and it would be beneficial to both of you to find a solution. Here's some information from the web about a medication called Clomicalm.
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION BEST MEDICINE IN TREATING DOGS' SEPARATION ANXIETY
MANHATTAN -- For the most part, Kasey is a wonderful pet. But during tax season -- the busiest time of year for her owner, Karen -- the 2-year old beagle's behavior takes a nose-dive. The long hours Karen is away and the reduction in attention Kasey receives makes the pet excruciatingly anxious, causing her to urinate on furniture in the house.
Kasey's problem may be deeper than revenge. She may be suffering from a disorder the canine world is beginning to take seriously -- separation anxiety. The malady is one of the most common reasons owners euthanize pets.
Separation disorder, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian, becomes a problem when pets are separated from their owners. The ailment occurs when the pet, because of an abnormally close bond between it and the owner, becomes extremely distressed or anxious when separated from the owner. The four predominant signs a pet may suffer from the malady include destructiveness, excessive salivation, excessive vocalization or house-soiling when the owner is absent.
Cats can also have separation anxiety, but tend to suffer from the problem less than dogs. Cats are typically loners and not apt to get as distressed when the owner is away. Anxiety is more common in dogs because they tend to be social or pack animals.
Separation anxiety seems to be more prevalent in dogs that are either raised as orphans or shelter dogs that have been previously abandoned. These dogs subsequently develop an "abnormally strong" bond with the owner and will follow the owner from room to room, never letting the owner out of sight.
That type of bonding is inappropriate because the pet becomes too attached and dependent. The dog needs to learn to be confident and independent.
A medication, Clomicalm, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat separation anxiety in dogs. The tricyclic anti-depressant is typically not used for depression in dogs, but to reduce the anxiety associated with separation and facilitate behavioral modification.
Dogs can be given medication for a specified period of time, in which the dog can relax, be less anxious and more confident. Owners should help their dog relax and not reinforce anxious behavior.
While some are heralding the drug as a speedy cure, Clomicalm alone is not the answer for treating separation anxiety. The drug should be used in combination with "behavior modification" for the pet. Behavior modification for separation anxiety includes not making a big production about leaving or rewarding the dog for being anxious.
Owners should ignore the pet for 20-30 minutes prior to leaving to avoid an abrupt discrepancy from giving it lots of attention, then leaving. A pet's anxiety is less worse if an owner tries to ignore their pet before leaving and just quietly slips out the door.
Another part of behavior modification for separation anxiety includes teaching the dog to relax when the owner comes home. Owners should ignoring a jumping dog, waiting until the dog settles down before acknowledging its presence.
Behavior modification alone can help the animal overcome this problem; however, in many instances time is of the utmost essence in the training process.
Often by the time an owner has consulted with a vet, they're at the point where either the dog goes or they get the problem fixed. Having six months to work with anxious dogs might not be an option, and a quicker time of improvement is needed. That's when medication is typically used.
Clomicalm is not for every dog. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian first to see if the drug is a proper treatment option for their pet.
Updated July 2005 |