A new product has been released by Novartis in order to help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs with this behavioral problem become extremely stressed when they are separated from their owners. Dogs are highly social creatures, and they form very strong attachments to their owners. When their owners are absent, some dogs experience extreme amounts of anxiety, resulting in disruptive and distructive behaviors. While many owners think of this disruptive behavior as the dog being spiteful or angry, it is really more of a distress response. This is a treatable disorder that can see great improvement with behavioral modification and the drug, Clomicalm.
Clinical signs of this disorder can vary widely, and include a range of destructive or otherwise inappropriate behaviors, from mild to quite severe. The most recognizable signs of separation anxiety are summarized into distinctive behaviors:
Hypersalivation, with pools of saliva on the floor or the dogs neck and chest soaked.
Clomicalm is clomipramine hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant which is commonly used in humans. It acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters within the brain. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, dogs will have decreased levels of fear and anxiety and be more receptive to behavioral modification techniques. The drug may cause some temporary sleepiness, but not sedation. Additional side effects of the drug may include vomiting, and pupil dilatation, but it is generally well tolerated in dogs. The side effect of vomiting may be cured by giving the drug with food or splitting it into two doses a day instead of the usual one. Clomicalm should not be given in conjunction with the Preventic tick collar or Anipryl tablets. It can be given in dogs over 6 months of age.
The drug is combined with a specific behavioral modification plan prescribed for each individual situation, where the owner follows several simple steps before each departure from home. An appointment will be set up with your doctor in order to describe what will be involved. It is important to realize that the drug will not work alone, it MUST be combined with owner and dog training to be successful. Normally the drug use, paired with the behavior modification, takes up to eight to twelve weeks to be successful. Relapses may occur if there are changes in the family routine, such as moving to a new home or changing your work schedule. In these cases, behavior modification alone may prove to be the answer.
If you're still not sure if your pet suffers from separation anxiety, you can try videotaping (or even audiotaping) your dog when you are out. Since there are other disorders and illness with some similar signs, schedule a special consultation with your veterinarian. We can help you solve your pet's problems.
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Bark if it hurts
Sometimes we chalk up changes in our dog's behavior to a natural aging process. Unfortunately, because our pets can't tell us if and where they hurt, it can be difficult to know that our pet is in pain and not just "getting older". Arthritis is one such ailment that can cause pain resulting in changes in behavior. Dogs display a wide variety of responses to pain. They may be violent and vocalize, of quiet, withdrawn and inactive. They may be aggressive when approached as they try to protect themselves from further pain, or they may act subdued.
It's key to recognize changes in your pet's behavior and realize that medical intervention may often make a huge difference to bring your pet back to his old self. At Harmony Animal Hospital we work closely with dog owners to identify and alleviate the pain of arthritis in their pet. Some signs include:
- Decreased activity
- Reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump or play
- Stiffness
- Limping
- Difficulty rising from a resting position
- Soreness when touched
- Yelping or whimpering in pain
- Acting aggressive or withdrawn
- Exhibiting other personality changes.
If you notice any of these changes, see your veterinarian. The sooner the condition is recognized, the sooner your pet can be helped.
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Medications can soothe your arthritic pet
Rimadyl is a new non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug given in tablet form and labeled specifically for dogs, and is effective in relieving pain and inflammation safely, even for long-term use.
A more holistic approach for all pets that can be used either alone of in conjunction with the Rimadyl is Cosequin. Cosequin works completely differently than the Rimadyl. Cosequin works directly in the joint providing raw material to strengthen the joint's cartilage matrix and increase the lubricating fluid within the joint. Cosequin is considered a "nutraceutical", providing nutritional elements to allow the body to help heal itself.
An injectable medication used for arthritic patients is called Adequan. It not only decreases the inflammation that causes further joint deterioration and damage, but also stimulates the healing and regeneration of damaged tissue. This drug also has some applications in puppies. In a recent study, monthly Adequan injections were given to puppies during their rapid growth stage (8 to 20 weeks of age). It was shown to help prevent hop dysplasia and other bone growth diseases.
Yucca may also help naturally.
Ask us if one of these drugs can help free your pet from pain.
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Exercise and Fun with Your Pet 
If you wonder if your pet could benefit from exercise, the answer is definitely yes. Exercise is important for most pets, except those with medical problems that limit activity. Fitness in pets, as in humans, offers medical and psychological benefits. Fit pets live healthier more active lives in their later years. Regular exercise strengthens a pet's bones and muscles. Strong muscles help stabilize joints and in dogs may slow the progression of degenerative joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Exercise also strengthens the heart and lungs.
Exercise can also have emotional benefits. In dogs, those that receive regular exercise are less likely to have behavioral problems such as constant barking, destructive chewing, and self-mutilation.
The first step in a fitness program in dogs is to take your pet to the veterinarian for a weigh-in and health check that checks on the heart, lungs, muscles, bones and joints. Then you and your veterinarian can select appropriate exercises. A discussion about appropriate nutrition is also important at this visit. A good quality pet food with complete and balanced nutrition is important. Your dog's daily caloric intake will vary according to the amount of exercise it gets. A dog that gets frequent and vigorous exercise or spends a great deal of time outdoors during cold weather needs more daily calories than a similarly sized dog that spends its day jumping on and off the couch inside a warm home.
Fun and variety are two keys to any successful exercise program. Whether it's exercising your dog, cat, bird, or other pet, use play to appeal to your pet's natural instincts. Games like fetch the ball for a dog, or chasing feathers on some string for your cat, or providing your bird with freedom from the cage and new and stimulating toys, for instance, will keep your pet moving and expending energy. Variety is important. Play different kinds of games with your pet, in different places or at different times.
For total fitness remember to alternate between strength and endurance-building activities. Exercises that involve many starts, stops and turns-such as retrieving and chasing-help build strength. Exercises that impels your pet to move continuously for at least 30 minutes build endurance.
Jogging with your dog is a great endurance builder. Just be sure to start off slowly and work up to longer jogs. Conditioning is as important in your pet as it is for you. Both of you should stay hydrated too, especially in hot weather. Drink plenty of cool water. And dogs love a good wallow in a wading pool after a long, hot exercise period. Always be aware of the signs of heat stroke in your pet. If you're experiencing discomfort from the heat, your dog-with his fur coat and fewer sweat glands-is probably even more uncomfortable.
Another great exercise is swimming. It helps build muscle strength and flexibility in a no-impact medium. Daily walks are also helpful; you may even be able to get the family cat to walk along. Always when out and about, make sure you always maintain control of your dog.
With a little creativity, you can make conditioning your pet a fun and pleasurable responsibility.
Special Conditioning Considerations for your Dog
Most dogs benefit from exercise, but different dogs have different exercise needs. Here are some general guidelines.
PUPPIES: Dogs under 6 months of age need only moderate exercise. After that, you can provide strengthening exercises, but don't add endurance exercises until the dog is fully mature (12 months for small dogs; 18 to 24 months for larger breeds).
OLDER DOGS: As your dog gets older, it will tire more easily. Continue to exercise your dog daily, but reduce the length and intensity of the workout.
DOGS WITH ARTHRITIS: Provide regular exercise of moderate intensity. Stop at the firs sign of fatigue (panting, grimacing, toe scuffing). If your pet shows pain or lameness after exercising, contact your veterinarian.
OBESE DOGS: Always consult a veterinarian before initiating a conditioning program for an overweight dog. Because overweight dogs are prone to orthopedic problems they shouldn't do much running that involves quick turns or jumping until they have slimmed down.
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Choose the right breed for you.
There are 148 breeds eligible for AKC registration. Every breed is assigned to one of seven groups or Miscellaneous Class, based on the uses for which the breeds were originally developed.
Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament. Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.
Learn about the different dog breeds, compliments of the American Kennel Club.
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