Elderly Dog With Separation Anxiety

[kwirky]

Hi,

We have a wonderful 11 year old male golden who has had separation anxiety his whole life. He will lick at any area of his body which is irritated (say an insect bite) until it is very sore. His vets have been seeing the effects and after full checkup believe it is as a result of being alone during the day. They believe that a puppy may help.

Does anyone have any experiences with this? We are able to get a female pup but are really not sure if this is the right thing to do. Our boy has been an only pet since a pup and is totally spoiled. We love him very much despite how much care is needed for him.

[corvus]

The literature says getting another dog is not likely to help. If the attachment is towards a person or several people, the dog won't feel any better having another dog around. Separation anxiety is a complicated problem because there are several possible reasons for the symptoms. IMO it's best to get a vet behaviourist to diagnose SA first. If the only symptom is paw-licking, there's no guarantee SA is even the cause. It could be allergies, for example. If it were me, the least I'd do is video tape the dog when everyone is away to see what he's doing. If he is getting anxious when he is left alone, get a professional (not just a vet or trainer) and go from there.

[Aidan]

I agree with Corvus, this alone is not an indication of SA and getting another pup isn't guaranteed to help even if it is.

I would seek a second medical opinion, preferably a veterinary behaviourist.

[persephone]

Another here who thinks a veterinary behaviourist would be the best possible person to consult.

The only one I know of is in Melbourne.... link No doubt there are others

[Nekhbet]

is his compulsive licking the only problem he has when it comes to anxiety? Does he whine, bark, scratch at doors, tear things up as well?

Vets do not really know what separation anxiety is unless they are specialists in behaviour. Most of them think anything left of normal = SA. Also a puppy wont necessarily fix it either.

[Golden Rules]

I had a dog with separation anxiety put on puppy Prozac. Worked wonders! :rolleyes:

But if your dog is just licking and not doing all the other usual things like barking constantly and destroying stuff when you leave, I would be inclined to think allergies rather than SA.

[Mason_Gibbs]

If I were you I would get allergy tests done and then you will know if he has allergies and how bad they are. My allergy dog used to lick himself raw until he was on the right meds and food.

[Loving my Oldies]

After behaviourist and veterinary tests, perhaps fostering an older happier Golden for a rescue group to see how that goes.

Just a thought.

[persephone]

It could be many things, including a form of obsessive-complusive disorder.... so hopefully, after you do consult with the vet.behaviourist, you will have more idea what to do to help your dog :rolleyes: