Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Posted by Animals at 6:08 PM Thursday, August 27, 2009

Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Is Your Pet Lonely? Check These Symptoms

Posted: 26 Aug 2009 10:17 AM PDT

CarmiePortraitSmall I continue to learn so much from writing this blog. Not only from Dr. Larry - who shares his expert vet advice and insight on a regular basis - but from Purina®, itself. Or, rather, the Purina brands who work hard to help us keep our pets healthy and happy. Funny, isn't it - how a "slogan" can be so true? They do work hard to make sure our cats and dogs are not only healthy, but happy.

Here's a case in point - helping pet parents understand separation anxiety in their pets. Yep. Your dog could be suffering from this right now. Why? Because, "Pets that have spent more time with a family during the summer can get separation anxiety as children prepare to go back to school." That from our own Bill Craig, who helps us understand PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance, over at the pet health insurance blog.

Dr. Craig says, "...dogs and cats suffering from post-summer stress can exhibit a wide range of abnormal behaviors that include: (1) Hyper-salivation or drooling, (2) Soiling the pet owner's belongings, (3) Chewing or scratching at doors, (4) Non-stop howling, barking, meowing, (5) Compulsive grooming or licking, and (6) Tearing up furniture or pushing items off counters."

Ok - Carmie did those things, way back when the last kid left for college. I wonder if she was experiencing separation anxiety and I just didn't see it? That's when she started licking her leg - and the story of her growing lick granuloma has been documented in this blog!

Our friend, Romeo the Cat (who DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM), wrote about this, too. And he included ways to help our pets (especially dogs because dogs are more social than cats) get over this anxiety, with this list taken from the press release:

1. Slowly get your pets used to a post-summer schedule. Practice positive reinforcement with praise and treats for appropriate behavior.

2. Go back to regular walking and leash routines.Sad puppy

3. Make sure your pet doesn't associate you grabbing your keys and coat with their being left alone. Sometimes grab these items even when you're not leaving.

4. Create a place in the house that feels "safe" to your pets - a well lit area where the family usually gets together. Turn on the TV and keep toys and clothes with the family's scent in the room so your pet feels comforted while there.

5. Don't punish bad behavior related to anxiety; it only reinforces the stress.

Kitty-home-alone 6. There are medications available, but they usually need a behavior modification program, so be sure to discuss with your vet.

Now you know that your dog and your cat really do miss you when you're gone. Why, just this week we had to leave the Wabby with the son for two days, and she was delighted to see us when we got back. I don't think she suffered any anxiety - but I do think she was lonely. While the son is very good to her, she loves us best.

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