Seperation Anxiety....

[jubieanna]

My dog has developed seperation anxiety:(
He was always fine when we went out. In his bed in the kitchen and was always still in the same place when we got back. Recently when we have returned he has been distressed and panting. This has happened the last few times and it's very upsetting. Why has he started doing this? Any ideas how we can help him.

[Patsy33]

I wonder if someone/ something frightened him one time when you were out? Something spooked him imo. Hope you can work something out.

[Tilly2]

Hi, Jubie!

How odd that this has developed now, Jubie. Perhaps there is an underlying medical/physical issue. I would take him to the vet if it was my dog.

[woofgang]

The usual reason that it starts is that something scary happened while you were out. Its always worthwhile getting a vet check if you have no idea what has happened. How old is the dog? Can you think of anything scary that might have happened while you were out? Loud noise? firework? thunderstorm?
The gold standard for treatment is a book by Malena di Martini-Price but it takes some organisation and commitment on the part of the owner.
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[jubieanna]

The only thing I can think of that has changed is that I've been home a lot more because I've finished work. So his routine changed

[rsvp]

Would help to have more background - how long have you had him, is he a rescue, what breed, has anything changed in his life, how old is he, have you made any household changes etc and what's his temperament and has he had recent medical problems. Lots of things need to be taken into account before a considered reply can be given.

[jubieanna]

He's a 3 year old pug.

[woofgang]

If he’s a pug.....please don’t be offended by this.......could it be a breathing issue rather than separation anxiety? I would definitely get a vet check.

[jubieanna]

No medical conditions. We've had him from a pup. Happy funny dog contented dog normally.

[jubieanna]

No issues with his breathing normally woof.

[rsvp]

Clearly something has happened to distress him or the fact that you are around much more has made him more used to company. - he's gotten used to you being around and if that's the case then even when you are there you need to 'go out' for short periods - don't put the radio just as company for him cos that will act as a trigger - have the radio on all the time - when you go don't make a fuss of him but gradually withdrawn your company prior to leaving then go out for 10 minutes as though it's the most natural thing in the world, don't even look at him when you leave and don't make a fuss of him when you get back. If hes stressed after 10 minutes then you have a problem and we need to look further.

[jubieanna]

Thanks rsvp I'll give it a go. I've downloaded the book from woofgangs link as well so I'll have a read tonight in bed.
I thought it was probably the fact that he's not on his own as much now and has just thought 'hang on I don't like this anymore'

[jubieanna]

Hi Tilly :)

Thank you all for replying x

[B00]

Fireworks?

[jubieanna]

Started before the fireworks boo. First time a couple of months ago and he was only on his own for an hour while I was at the doctors.

[ladybirder]

Forgive me j, but how would you know if one went off when you weren't there? There's always some idiot happy to let one off at any time of the day or night.

[jubieanna]

They weren't in the shops a couple of months ago ladybirder. We haven't had hardly any around here at all. I've only heard one or two and that's been this week.

[rsvp]

Be interested to hear how you go - good luck

[Khandro]

Try leaving the telly or radio on while you are out. Just a thought

[ladybirder]

Oh I see. Well I suppose a good start to recovery would be leaving him for very short periods to start with, no more than a few minutes at a time and gradually lengthening the time as he improves. Don't make a fuss when you leave or come back. Poor boy, I hate to see or hear a distressed dog. Yes do let us know how he goes on.

[jubieanna]

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/110x3bn.jpg[/IMG]

Thought you'd like to see him.

I'll keep you all updated. We have to leave him on Friday to go to a funeral.