Common Disease Name:
Separation Anxiety
Medical Term for Disease:
Separation Anxiety
Species Affected by Disease:
Age Animal Usually Affected:
Any
Commonly Affected Breeds:
Any
Sex Usually Affected:
Both
Disease Symptoms:
Excessive pacing, grooming, panting, barking, indoor defecation or urination, and/or destructiveness when left alone.
Method(s) of Diagnosis:
Watch your pet for symptoms.
Disease Causes:
Discourage the dog from becoming
overly attached to the owner. 
Provide quiet time during his
puppy stage where he is physically separated from the owner, but can
still see you. Crate training is recommended. Gradually increase the amount of
time you spend away from the puppy, as well as the distance you place between
yourself and him. Allow the dog to be cared for by other members of the family,
or by friends, occasionally so he knows you are not the only source of food and
attention.
Treatment:
Create a relaxing atmosphere when
you are away. Leave on a TV or radio. Take the focus off your departure by
placing a special food
treat inside a
toy that takes time for the anxious dog to remove, perhaps leaving it by the
door through which you will be leaving. Set up a hide-and-seek of food treats in
the house that takes time for your dog to find. Special plug-in pheromone
diffusers are available which release a scent, which is calming to dogs.
Medications are also available which can reduce your dog's overall anxiety
level. Desensitize the dog by going through your leaving ritual (work clothes,
keys, cologne, etc), but leave for only a few minutes. You may be able to break
the dog's link between your leaving and your being gone for what feels like
forever. 
Doggy day care or hiring someone to come
walk your dog midday, or to take it to play with another dog while
you are away are other alternatives.
Prognosis:
With patience and hard work, separation anxiety can be overcome.
Complications:
Backsliding during training is to be expected. Patience and perseverance are required.
Prevention:
See causes
Medicines Used for Treatment of Disease:
Short-term tranquilizers; drugs that increase the availability of a neurotransmitter called serotonin.
Helpful Products:
Pheromone diffusers, toys that can be stuffed with treats, chewing treats; roomy crates, door gates
