(Originally
printed in Celebrating Greyhounds Magazine)
One of the most common complaints heard from the owners of companion dogs is that their
dogs engage in disruptive behavior when left alone1. This disruptive behavior,
commonly referred to as separation anxiety, is actually a distress response to separation
from the person or companions to whom the dog is attached. Ex-racing greyhounds that are
placed in homes as lone dogs often exhibit separation anxiety. This can be explained by
understanding their unique past and realizing that they have never been alone, or out of
the company of other greyhounds before. Combine this with the fact that they may have
never been inside a real home, with humans that actually want to love and pet them, and
you have a dog that could become anxious when left alone.
Separation anxiety behaviors are exhibited by male and female dogs with equal frequency
and are not breed or age related (except at the time of weaning). One of the key
differentiating features between other behavioral disorders and separation anxiety is that
the dog engages in separation responses within a short time after being left alone - often
within minutes. These behaviors typically peak within 5-30 minutes of being left, and then
gradually decline. The disruptive behaviors associated with separation anxiety are
commonly broken down into the following categories: Elimination behaviors; Destructive
behaviors; and Excessive vocalization1. One of the most important things an
owner can do is to realize and accept that the dog is not being disruptive on purpose.
Dogs don't understand complicated human emotions like spite or revenge, they are simply
responding to the stress they are feeling by acting out behaviorally and physiologically.
There is a fascinating sequence of events that take place inside a dog in response to
stress. The sequence starts with the dog interpreting the situation as
"stressful" in the cerebral cortex and then passing this information down to the
limbic system via nerve impulses. The limbic system, the part of the brain where emotional
responses are made, creates a physical display to suit the emotional response as well as
physiological changes in the body. These physical adjustments: rapid bounding heart rate,
prolonged rapid panting, eye pupils large and dilated, extensive drooling and salivation,
adrenaline release to increase blood pressure, and loose fluid bowel motion, occur
automatically, with no conscious effort on the part of the greyhound2. Since
the dog is not doing this on purpose, punishing is not the key. Punishment used
incorrectly can result in negative side effects that actually magnify separation anxiety.
For example, a dog will not associate punishment with separation anxiety if it is punished
at the spot of misbehavior after the owner returns; instead, the dog might learn to
anticipate punishment when the owner returns and exhibit fearful submissive behavior which
the owner interprets as guilt.
The goal is to gradually acclimate the dog to being alone. Initially you should set-up
many short separations from the dog that last less time than it takes the dog to
demonstrate the anxiety response. For some dogs, this period (initially) may only be one
or two seconds long, and you might only go to another room in the house. As you have
successes, gradually increase the duration of the separation periods. Present the dog with
a safety cue when leaving. This cue should be a consistent statement ("Be Good I'll
Be Right Back") or action (leaving a TV or radio on). Leave the dog with something to
occupy it like the Buster Cube or a hollowed out bone stuffed with peanut butter or a
jerky strip. The Buster Cube is a toy that holds 1 1/4 cups of dog kibble inside its
compartments, and releases small amounts of the kibble as the dog works the cube and rolls
it a certain way. Studies have demonstrated that dogs respond better to departures when
the lengths are varied (e.g., 1, 2, 1 ,3 ,2, 4, 1, 4)3. A dog that can tolerate
being alone for an hour can usually tolerate being alone for an entire day.
Confining a dog with separation anxiety may work, but the experts feel that the
confinement of a crate can add to the panic and stress of the dog. Crates are not
recommended in the treatment of separation anxiety, but confining the dog to your bedroom
with a babygate can provide a soothing secure environment for the dog.
Drug therapy is the new frontier in treating separation anxiety. PLEASE be extremely
careful when using any anti anxiety medication on a greyhound (or any sighthound) because
of their unique liver metabolism. Dr. Harry Newman, a sighthound experienced Veterinarian
who works with adoption groups in the Buffalo, New York area provided this information:
"In greyhounds as in other dogs, I strongly urge owners to try behavior modification
techniques and only resort to anti-anxiety medication as a last resort. I recommend
running a complete blood panel prior to starting these drugs and a repeat panel 1-2 weeks
after starting them. I closely monitor liver enzymes as well as all the other organ
functions. Some of the current drugs used are Prozac, Amytriptylline, Buspirone, and
Inderal. This type of therapy is new and there is not much data out on reactions observed
in greyhounds." Regardless of the drug or the dose regimen used, owners should be
warned of the range of side effects, and it must be stressed that these drugs should be
used temporarily3. The subject of separation anxiety comes up frequently on the
Greyhound-l E-mail list and seems to afflict lone dogs. There is one cure to separation
anxiety that has worked near miracles for the owners on that list, and that is the
addition of a second dog into the household, preferably another Greyhound.
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Jan
1985)
- From Care of the Racing Greyhound
- Separation Anxiety in Dogs, Pilot Mt. Animal
Hospital, Lynn McElroy D.V.M., July 1989
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