He s miserable, and so are you. An advertisement in your favorite magazine suggests that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and that a new drug may help him. The FDA s approval of Clomicalm , the formulation of clomipramine designed specifically for dogs, is a milestone in the long journey toward increased recognition and acceptance of the field of animal behavior. As recently as ten years ago, pet psychology was not considered a serious concern of veterinarians. Now veterinary students receive training in animal behavior, and most veterinarians agree that behavioral disorders that develop in pets and often lead to relinquishment of pets by their owners can be treated with an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan that may include drug therapy.
Separation anxiety is perhaps the best-known behavioral ailment affecting our canine companions.
Affected dogs become inordinately attached to their human family members, shadowing their owners steps at home, feeling anxious when owners prepare to leave, and becoming distraught when finally left behind. Alone, they bark, howl, urinate, destroy household furnishings, and in many cases attempt to break through the physical barriers including doors and windows that separate them from their beloved humans. I left in the morning with a lot of anxiety about what I d find when I returned home, so it affected my work. He was just so terribly miserable. While Clomicalm can be a valuable treatment tool in certain circumstances, it should not be considered a quick fix for all behavior problems.