Question:
I am writing about separation anxiety in dogs.I have a rescued male cocker spaniel that is about 5 years old. He is very clingy and often follows me around the apartment, especially when he knows I am about to leave (a sure sign of separation anxiety, I know). The odd thing is that it mostly seems to trouble him in the morning when I leave for work. I come home at lunchtime to walk him and then either do homework at home in the afternoon or go to class (I'm a graduate student). Overall, I am usually out of the house for a lesser portion of the day than someone who works full-time, and I always walk him midday. In general, he is fine when I leave in the afternoon or evening. However, he gets very anxious and upset in the morning. This manifests itself not in barking or whining but by urinating on the kitchen floor every day while I'm at work.I have done everything I've ever read or heard of as a suggestion for separation anxiety. I give him a Kong when I leave, stuffed with delicious food. I do not make a big
J.M.C., Waldorf, Md Jun 03, 2007
Answer:
You have tried many possible remedies for your dog's separation anxiety, and I applaud your efforts. This is all too common in live-alone dogs and cats.One solution may be a short course of treatment with valerian or passion-flower herbal tincture or capsules for seven to 10 days, last thing at night and as soon as you get up every weekday morning.Part of the separation-anxiety syndrome is conditioned emotional reactions. In your dog's type, his emotional conditioning involves urinating soon after you leave in the morning. You should try breaking your routine.Start by leaving the apartment and coming back at short, frequent intervals, the duration and number of which you can fine-tune according to your dog's reactions. The best solution might be to have two dogs, or adopt a cat.
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