SOOTHING SEPARATION

Soothing Separation Helping Anxious Dogs to Cope

by Julie Peterson S eparation anxiety is a common Boredom, illness or canine cognitive dys- canine problem, diagnosed in as function could result in actions and symp- many as 40 percent of dogs seen by toms such as pacing or excessive salivating veterinary behavioral specialists. When that mimic anxiety. If SAS is diagnosed, the dog is left alone, it may serenade the owners must understand that dogs aren’t neighbors, soil the house or cause damage. exacting revenge and should never be pun- Stories abound of unstuffed couches, dugished for behavior exhibited when they are up floors, destroyed window coverings and terrified, advise veterinarians. dog injury from chewing out of a crate or trying to escape through windows. Natural Solutions

In an article on separation anxiety Human Tricks syndrome (SAS) in the Journal of American A 2018 study in the Journal of Veterinary Veterinary Medicine, Stefanie Schwartz, Behavior suggests that petting a dog for one DVM, cites several studies that agree on minute before leaving may make the dog common risk factors for SAS in dogs: his- calmer during separation. Some dogs feel tory of traumatic separation, inexperience safest when left in a crate covered with a with being alone, excessive greetings and blanket. The human attitude toward separa- prolonged departures by owners, relocation tion can be felt by the dog, as well, but some and changes in routine or family structure. dogs simply need more help coping.

Symptoms vary in scope and degree, Changing the brain might be the way but SAS is painful for both dog and parent. to go. Calmer Canine is a device that sends Repeatedly returning home to complaints targeted, pulsed, electromagnetic field from neighbors or considerable damage (tPEMF) signals to the dog’s brain. Unlike can cause owners to surrender their dogs. approaches like medications, supplements and cannabidiol (CBD) that have to be Get the Diagnosis administered repeatedly as needed, “the If a dog is acting out, an assessment is dog gets two, 15-minute treatments per needed to ensure that what seems like day for four to six weeks,” says veterinar- SAS isn’t caused by underlying conditions. ian Judy Korman, at Assisi Animal Health,

in New York City and Santa Fe, New Mexico. A 2019 pilot study of nine dogs that she conducted in cooperation with the North Carolina State University of Veterinary Medicine, which developed the device, showed that the tPEMF signals reduced anxiety and restored calm.

Exercise

“I’ve tried medication and natural supplements, and have found that what works best for all three of my dogs is plenty of exercise. Long walks, especially in new locations with new smells, are a favorite,” says Kimberly Gauthier, a blogger at Keep the Tail Wagging and Dog Mom Style, in Marysville, Washington.

There is a physiological reason for engaging in walks guided by the dog’s nose. “The more the dog is able to take in scent, the more it triggers the seeking part of the brain, the more enriching life is for the dog and the more it calms them down,” says Mittsy Voiles, a behavior specialist at the Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic, in Wisconsin.

Food and Supplements

Good nutrition allows dogs to be more successful citizens. “If you make the baseline fundamentals good, it gives the dog the ability to think, process its environment and have less anxiety,” says holistic veterinarian Catherine Alinovi, at Healthy Pawsibilities, in Clearwater, Florida. Processed kibble with food coloring is doggie junk food. “Kibble Quandary: A Fresh Look at Pet Food,” at NaturalAwakenings.com, suggests healthier feeding options.

How a dog is fed can also have an impact. Putting food in puzzle toys facilitates a brain exercise that improves confidence. “Dogs who spend part of their day working out puzzles are really engaging that opportunistic scavenger part of their biology,” says Voiles.

Commonly, pet owners are turning to the hemp plant derivative CBD as a calming aid. For those considering nutraceuticals, herbs and supplements, a holistic veterinarian can make recommendations.

Accessories

Diffusing calming essential oils may relax some dogs, but a mild scent for humans could supersaturate a dog’s olfactory organ, preventing them from smelling what’s necessary. Learning how to use essential oils safely around pets is critical. But the pacifying scent of natural pheromones that mimic the comfort of nursing are hard to beat; pheromone-based products in sprays, diffusers, wipes and collars can be found in natural-health stores and pet stores. “It’s effective for dogs who need to feel safe or when adjusting to a new environment,” says Voiles.

ThunderShirts, special blankets and Dog TV are tried by many, but no one option works for every dog. “When people try things and don’t get improvement, they should seek a holistic veterinarian who can help figure out what is going on,” says Alinovi.

Julie Peterson writes about wellness and the environment. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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