separation anxiety in dog - crate him or no?
shaun
15 years ago
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shaun
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
separation anxiety - please help
Comments (8)OMG, I went through this with my little Tubby and I know how you feel. Mine was in a shelter, in a damaged cage next to his sibling. Both were deposited at the same time. When I brought the little fellow home, I was not prepared for what happened. He would not let me out of his sight for an instant. I had to put him in the car, drive back to town and get him a crate so I could bring him up to work because he mutilated himself if I was out of sight. He only stopped crying long enough to chew his tail to the bleeding point. My husband was out of state and thankfully I owned my business and it was on my property, so up to the greenhouses he would come with me. It continued, I could not go from one structure to the other without him chewing at the metal bars to the point of injury. I did just exactly as Justplaincountry said she did. He had to learn that when I was out of sight, I would return. I told him to be a 'good boy' and did the come and go routine for days, extending the time by a minute or two. Then when hubby came back he was tolerating ten or twenty minutes and we took turns being inside with him or taking him on leash to 'visit' the other. Even a month or two later we were afraid of his anxiety level if we went for more than an hour or two, so we dropped him off at our daughter' house nearby to socialise with her pooches. We used to do the same for her dogs. The moment of truth came later that summer when my cousin died and we went to her services. It was four hours and that didn't even include staying for the wake. When we got home, he was fine and has been ever since. They just need to know you'll be back. I suppose this has something to do with trusting another human who never did come back. God only knows what they went through in a previous life. I believe mine was treated well. He came trained, healthy and with manners. Somebody broke his heart....See Moreplease help with my dog's anxiety and barking
Comments (7)Obedience class will do little for her. She really needs to be in a day care situation. Is it possible to leave her with someone you know? Pay a neighborhood kid? A family member, neighbor or friend she and stay with? I would contact the local humane society and ask if they can help. Also contact the police and let them know you recently adopted the dog and are diligently working on the barking issue. Seperation Anixety is a very very hard issue to deal with if you dont have the time or someone to assist you. It took me close to a year of very careful work with my bull mastiff husky mix to help him over his anxiety - I am retired and hoave the time. You really need help with this. If you can find someone to assist you when you are at work, I do have techniques you can use when you are at home in order to combat this problem but I warn you now it takes a considerable amount of time and patience....See MoreAnxiety Dog
Comments (16)Thanks again everyone for your advice! I am going to use a topical (50% Heat-50% bitter apple). I also have an outstanding dermatology vet that I am due to take one of my other dogs in to for a check. I am considering taking Kai in just for her opinion. Dealing with Kai's issues since last April when she came along has really been a challenge for all involved. If I didn't work from home so much and have the financial blessing, things would be quite different. I am wondering how some people not as blessed take care of their pets if they can't afford it. Anyone posting a question here knows very well the $ involved, although I like to say my pets health is not about that, but in a lot of ways it is. This is especially true when the vet screws up and doesnt fix things. I really think that the profession should offer refunds, or we as consumers should be more active when things go wrong with diagnosis. I know humans make mistakes, but I have spent thousands on misdiagnosis for my pets, came close to loosing my dog at least three times, and never even gotten an apology. This is the reason I'm on my 8th vet in 16 years. Sorry, just venting,. Thanks again everyone!! SG...See MoreCan advancing age create anxiety in a dog?
Comments (13)First, I will disclaim with check with your vet to rule out any physical issues. My experience with two now gone labradors, were that they both became more anxious with age. My male started around age 9 with separation anxiety, my female was younger, yet she had issues throughout her life with stranger anxiety. There are meds available that can be used to make your pet more comfortable after you rule out any other medical issues. My first "grown up" lab was put on Amitriptyline (sp?) when he started hiding in my husband's closet when I would go to the office. After 3 weeks on the dose, he was fine with being left and we never had another incident. My female was taking so many meds when her separation anxiety set in that the above med or Qualcalm (sp?) (commonly used for anxiety) weren't an option. We used Melatonin 3 mg. during times when there were going to be thunderstorms. I was also able to adjust my schedule to work from my home office so she really spent very litle time without someone in the house. Also, we had 3 dogs, so she was really never alone. I am now realizing that it is not only older dogs who can experience anxiety as my youngest (going to be 4) lab is showing signs. We are treating him with the Melatonin as I don't want to start him so young on the heavier meds, and I think alot of his anxiety is a reaction to losing our 12 yr. old female very recently. We are hoping his anxiety will resolve given a little time. Your vet is best to guide you regarding how to deal with the anxiety. I will give one shout out to Amitrip. - Qualcalm (sp.?) is extremely expensive and the same result can be achieved with the Amitriptyline which is a very inexpensive med....See Moremazer415
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