 |
A dog with seperation anxiety becomes abnormally anxious when separated from his owner. |
The severity of the anxiety and behavior the dog exhibits varies from animal to animal. Separation anxiety can result in problematic behaviors that occur when the owner is absent such as: whining, pacing, salivation, barking, howling, scratching, chewing, digging, urinating or defecating in the house, or destroying personal items or household objects.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety – especially if he is harming himself or your property – please consult with your veterinarian to find the best method of treatment.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY ANXIOUS DOG?
MORE EXERCISE –
Go for more walks and throw the ball more often. Tired dogs are naturally less anxious.
SOFTEN YOUR DEPARTURES & RETURNS – Keep your departures and returns low-keyed and unexciting.
GRADUALLY LENGTHEN PERIODS OF YOUR ABSENCE – Stage several short departures/ arrivals throughout the day, gradually lengthening each absence as your dog adjusts.
NONPRESCRIPTION, CALMING-SUPPORT PRODUCTS – such as a Comfort Zone Plug-In.
|
| MEDICATION TYPE –
Prescription-only antidepressant
ACTIVE INGREDIENT –
Clomipramine hydrochloride
DOSAGE FORM – Tablets (also
available in generic capsules)
MANUFACTURER – Novartis
MAJOR USE – To help control abnormal behavior in dogs, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, separation anxiety in dogs over 6 months of age, and depression. It may also be used to control inappropriate barking or destructive behavior as well as some cases of inappropriate elimination. In cats, this prescription drug may also be used to treat certain behavior problems, such as urine spraying, some types of aggression, or compulsive behaviors like wool sucking.
HOW IT WORKS – Clomipramine
belongs to the dibenzazapine class
of tricylic antidepressants. While the
action of tricyclic antidepressants is
not fully understood, it is most likely
a selective inhibitor of serotonin
reuptake in the central nervous
system. Serotonin is a chemical called
a neurotransmitter, responsible for,
among other things, coping and
adapting mechanisms in the brain.
Use of this antidepressant should
always be under the direction of your
veterinarian who may combine it with
behavior modification techniques. |
|
