Separation anxiety

[Patricia Sciallis]

Hi Everyone!!  I posted in here when we got our Bandit.  He has severe separation anxiety and it hasn't gotten any better.  He is such a wonderful dog until I leave him.  We now crate him and when I come home, his cage is covered in saliva.  I contacted a dog behavorialist and he recommended Pet Rescue.  My vet had never heard of it and recommended these relaxing treats for his anxiety.  They do contain tryptophan and now I have read that turkey is not good for dogs!  Has anyone ever heard of that?  I really have tried everything to alleviate his anxiety and don't know what else to do.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank You. Patty

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Joanne....You crack me up!  No mincing words for you!  Love and agree, with your first sentence!  What works for some, just doesn't work for all.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I would definitely try medication. This is such a dreadful experience for him it must be worth a try. I had a dog for 12 years with severe separation anxiety. We did get a second dog and that did help somewhat but not completely. Meds weren't available then but I think it's great that there are options.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have a dog with severe separation anxiety - since puppyhood - he is 10 now. We consulted a trainer  when he was a puppy, who gave us bad information - just leave him outside when we leave until he grew up - what?!  He only has it when we leave him.  As a puppy it manifested itself in lots of destruction.  He was one of those who couldn't be crated and could escape from lots of confinement.  Anyway, we have tried different over the counter meds and collars, leaving the tv or radio on,  with no success. We had another dog at the time and Gordie learned to be contented when he was left home or in our RV with him.  He has since passed away, but Gordie is okay when left at home when he is with our other dogs.  He is only okay in the RV now for a short period. We have put bark collars on the two doodles when in the RV to hold the 'excitement' down and it worked all summer, but this fall it didn't keep him from barking and howling in the RV so we are back to square one.  We have resisted on-going meds because he is fine as long as he is with his people, but in reality, he isn't fine.  I would strongly suggest that you consult a behaviorist  who specializes in anxiety- a real behaviorist, no matter what it costs.  Your dog is young and you can beat this.

Gordie is better staying with certain dogs but not with others - especially if they have some anxiety themselves. We had a foster with the same problems and when we had to leave them home together, they were absolutely NO comfort to each other and it was as if we left each one of them alone.

Here are some some behavior suggestions to try.

-Make absolutely no big deal about your comings and goings. Begin by doing things that you might normally do when getting ready to leave, but don't leave.  Do not make a big deal when you return either. Ignore your dog when you first get home until they calm down.

 -Leave him home for gradually increasing periods beginning with 5 minutes. (Just wait outside for these short periods).  Do this so often that he finally gets used to it.

[Patricia Sciallis]

Hi Everyone,

Well, last night I gave Bandit another relaxing treat and had to go grocery shopping.  An hour later, my son came over and Bandit(aka Houdini) had escaped from his crate, which was butted up against a door because he has gotten out before.  He was still in laundry room(41" gate blocking den).  He got into some trash which I forgot to pick up and ate yet another pair of curtains.  He is such a brute, lol.  Today, I am home and going to try the rescue remedy and change things up a little.  Wish me luck!!  If unsuccessful, will call vet on Monday for medication, last resort.  All of your dogs are so beautiful and I thank all of you dearly for your comments, suggestions and support.  Will keep you posted.  :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Yikes...Houidini is right! Wishing you luck, with some positive results. Don't forget to read the directions. I suggest NOT putting it in water. For our dogs, we always put in on a snack of some kind. With our cat, we rubbed onto ( not into) her ears. For us it took about 40-45 minutes to take effect. You may have to play around with the amount that is given.
PS: Hoping you were not fond of the curtains! ;)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good instructions, Rosemary.

It does do some upsetting tricks to the tummy  :(

Patricia, please be careful.  Separation Anxiety is real and severe in some cases.  Whatever you decide, know that this dog is suffering.   We had some real issues and injuries with a dog who could not tolerate the crate.  Be careful.

Best wishes poor little Bandit

[Patricia Sciallis]

Thanks Rosemary and Joanne  I am not going to be putting him in the crate and I am home and will be monitoring him today.  We both need to alleviate the stress this is causing, so I am on the warpath, lol.  The curtains were brand new Rosemary and I loved them.  I sew, so I will be able to hopefully fix them to a little shorter version.  Actually just did my normal getting ready to go out routine, put on my coat for 15 min and Bandit settled down(Not locked up).  I will take that as a good sign. Usually he gets real skittish,barks at me and runs from me.  Step 1!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Wondering how it all went yesterday. Hoping both you and Bandit had a stress free day!

[Patricia Sciallis]

Hi Rosemary,  Yesterday went well.  I did not go out as it was snowing but Bandit and I did some training and lots of playing games.  I gave him 4 drops of the RR this morning and so far have not seen any results.  We do have to go out for a little bit now so we will see.  Thanks for your concern!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

How much does he weigh? We use to give 2-3 drops to our big Ragdoll cat, before we saw any effect.

[Patricia Sciallis]

Rosemary, I gave him 4 more dorps before we went out tonight and it did not help.  He weighs roughly about 51 lbs.  I also gave him a relaxing treat tonight and did not see any result either.  I am going to consult my vets office in the morning.  Will let you all know, Thanks, Patty

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Good luck tomorrow! I'm a firm believer of a Vet's visit is never wasted. Hopefully, you will get some direction.