Diagnosis and Treatement Methods in Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Abstract

Dogs have been one of the closest domesticated animals to men who live with them, and in the majority of cases bond in such a way that they represent another family member, reason why their behavior affects the common welfare directly. Changes in dog’s behavior represent a serious problem that threatens not only the physical integrity and general wellbeing of the dog but also that of the people around it. One of the most frequently behavior disorder in dogs is separation anxiety. For this reason our study is focused on resolving separation anxiety problems and therefore indirectly helping in enhancing the family’s life quality and even the community’s; likewise to reduce the pet’s home exclusion risk, since the majority of dog behavior problems usually lead into the dog’s sacrifice or abandonment. We study a group of 60 dogs from different races, ages and genders. In the dignose of separation anxiety we used clinical, semiological methods and also paraclinical test, but the most important and relevant were the anamnetic dates that the owners provide us. To correct or minimize behavior disorders consequence of anxiety we used behavior modification techniques (playing and training them) and psychotropic drugs, an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac and Fluoxin).