Animal Love

Anxiety is common in dogs and cats, with vets reporting that they treat up to 25 per cent of felines for this condition and a study by M Salonen and colleagues shows that over 70 per cent of dogs display some form of anxiety. There are many different types of pet anxiety, one of the most challenging of which is separation anxiety. What are the signs and symptoms to look out for and what strategies can you employ to deal with this problem? WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS TIPS FOR BATTLING SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS AND CATS

SYMPTOMS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS AND CATS

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can display an array of negative behaviours – including barking, whining, chewing on furniture/clothing/other items, defecating, and urinating indoors, and attempting to escape the home. Some dogs can actually hurt themselves while trying to escape or break free from a crate.

Cats, meanwhile, can soil the house, groom themselves excessively, lose hair, vomit, pace, become more vocal, display aggressive behaviour, withdraw and hide, and/or tremble. It is important to see your veterinarian if your pet has these symptoms. As is the case with humans, any type of anxiety is serious because it can lead to health problems like gastrointestinal and skin issues, as well as injuries (for instance, when pets chew on or swallow things they shouldn’t). Moreover, all these symptoms can be compatible with other health issues. For instance, a pet with a UTI, kidney disease, or age-related arthritis may urinate indoors. Pets should never be punished because of anxietyrelated behaviours.

ANXIETY CAN BE MORE THAN ANGER

If your dog chews on your slippers or your cat urinates in your bed, don’t presume their behaviour is the result of human-style reasoning. They probably engaged in these acts because they were anxious, not because they wanted to take revenge on you for leaving them alone at home. Take note, as well – senior pets can be more prone to separation and other types of anxiety because of the effect that ageing has on their brain.

NATURAL APPROACHES TO PET ANXIETY

Your vet may recommend that your pet undergo behavioural training, which uses positive reinforcement to promote specific behaviours. With separation anxiety, the desensitisation approach is often recommended. This involves leaving your pet for increasingly longer periods of time. For instance, you may start off by leaving the home for just a few seconds, followed by a few minutes, an hour, and eventually, a few hours. The key is to get your pet used to the idea that no matter how long you are gone, you will always return.

For both dogs and cats, exercise can help soothe nerves and reduce stress hormone levels. Healthy dogs with no underlying medical conditions should ideally enjoy two long walks with time off-leash so they can practise their running, leaping, and jumping skills. For indoor cats, a clever labyrinth and obstacles placed at various heights can get their hearts racing and keep them entertained for hours. For some pets, gadgets such as automatic ball throwing machines can keep them busy until their excess energy is expended.

SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATION

If behavioural approaches do not work, your veterinarian may suggest supplements (synthetic pheromones or L-theanine) as the first line of action. L-tryptophan (for reducing aggression and clinginess) and Alpha-casozepine (to reduce fear and anxiety) may also be recommended. A final choice if the problem does not improve or gets worse, is medication. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and benzodiazepines (used by humans for a range of issues ranging from anxiety to depression) may be prescribed under strict supervision.

When it comes to anxiety in pets, patience is key. Behavioural and supplemental treatments may take time to work, so be open to trying out different approaches. Aim to tackle the problem with a natural approach first, with a view to reassuring your pet that regardless of how long your day has been, you will always be back to feed and pamper them and to provide them with the physical activity they need to be their best, calmest selves. e

nback to CONTENTS spa YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THE IMPRESSIVE NEW INSPARYA BUILDING, CLOSE TO PUERTO BANÚS. WE TALK WITH THEIR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DR. CARLOS PORTINHA ABOUT THE BREAKTHROUGH HAIR TREATMENTS HIS COMPANY HAS PIONEERED. WE PRESENT VALMONT’S LA QUINTESSENCE DES GLACIERS, AND IF YOU WERE LEFT BREATHLESS FOLLOWING LAST MONTH’S LONGEVITY REPORT, PART TWO SUGGESTS A NUMBER OF PERSONAL STRATEGIES TO EXTEND YOUR LIFE.

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