Pet care: Easing separation anxiety with the right meds
If the pacing, panting, barking or howling and damage of separation anxiety keep repeating, it will continue to worsen. People get frustrated. They鈥檝e tried everything 鈥� except the right medication. Some worry about drug safety as their dog鈥檚 suffering reaches new depths. There鈥檚 no need for that.
We don鈥檛 use sedatives or tranquilizers. Modern anti-anxiety medications like Reconcile and Clomicalm have been subjected to exhaustive research. I鈥檝e seen them make a huge difference. Side effects are possible, but they鈥檙e unusual and minor. We adjust dosages and treatments so every creature in the house can succeed. Only minor separation anxiety cases can improve without meds.
With a tailored structure your dog stands a strong chance of becoming downright civilized when he鈥檚 home alone. You鈥檒l need to lead him with baby steps. Repeat your short absences, monitoring his emotional state while you鈥檙e away. Truly helping these freaked-out pets requires change and it takes time.
A Furbo is a combination video camera/speaker/remote-activated treat dispenser that will show you what your dog is doing while you鈥檙e gone, letting you talk to him and build his confidence. He won鈥檛 think you鈥檙e a stalker. Drive away and watch the video on your smartphone 鈥� but not while driving, please. You can give simple commands for tricks or other fun stuff and then reinforce the kid by having the Furbo spit out a treat - all on the app.
As-needed medications can be added. Trazodone, clonidine or gabapentin can further settle your pupster鈥檚 nerves but only if given a couple of hours before you leave. If you need to hit the road quickly, you can give Sileo gel between your fine boy鈥檚 lip and gum. It鈥檚 safe with all of the above and it controls fear and anxiety in just 20 minutes. You鈥檒l know what鈥檚 working just by watching the little fur ball on your Furbo app.
Next week: The final installment 鈥� Beware the quick fix. What won鈥檛 help.
Anniversary
It was 30 years ago today that my first Pet Care column appeared in the 近距离内射合集. I haven鈥檛 missed a single week. It鈥檚 been a pleasure. If I turn out to be a super ager, I may still be doing this in another 30 years.
For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.
