Dog Separation Anxiety
Dog separation anxiety is a real problem for many dogs and their owners. Some dogs will bark incessantly when you leave, while others will destroy items in your home as a result of their anxiety. Dog separation anxiety can range from mild to extreme, but there are measures you can take to help alleviate dog separation anxiety. Many holistic remedies can be very effective.
Dogs are considered pack animals, so they prefer to be part of a group, and have a “pack leader” to follow and look up to. The dog’s owner becomes the “pack leader” in the eyes of the dog, and when the leader isn’t there to follow, the dog feels abandoned. This abandonment leads to anxiety and frustration which the dog has to deal with, the only way he knows how, what we call bad behavior.
St. John’s Wort can also be used to treat your dog’s separation anxiety. This has been safely used by humans and animals for years. St. John’s Wort improves mood, eases anxiety, and allows the user to have a more restful, prolonged sleep. If you do choose to treat your dog with St. John’s Wort, be advised that your dog may develop photosensitivity as a result of the treatment. If this occurs, you may want to discontinue use.
Separation anxiety is not due to disobedience or lack of training. It is an instinctive behavior and should not be punished. The key to treating this problem is to gradually train or condition your dog to get used to your absence. When you leave home or return home make it a low key event.
Kava kava has also been used by many people in the treatment of dog separation anxiety. It is safe for use in humans, but there are not enough studies to indicate whether or not kava kava is safe for use in dogs. For this reason, proceed with caution if you do decide to use kava kava treatments for dog separation anxiety.
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