Lecture 8: Separation Anxiety (Curtis) Flashcards
separation anxiety manifests as what behaviors?
- vocalization
- destruction
- elimination
- excess salivation
- escape attempts
- “depression”
what is canine separation anxiety?
the distress and problem behaviors dogs engage in relating to absence or perceived absence of family members
what is virtual separation anxiety?
pet perceives owner as being gone (i.e. when they are in shower, out in the yard, etc.)
In what time period does SA usually occur in dogs?
w/n 5-30 min. after departure
describe behavior on return in dogs with SA
increased excitement upon return and lasts a long time
common triggers for on-set of SA
- since puppy hood
- changes in household
- post-boarding
- post-vacation
powerful diagnostic tool of SA
video! Helps owner “see the panic”
common owner misconception for SA
owner thinks pet has SA and destructive behavior out of spite, anger,etc.
T/F: dog associates punishment for destruction upon owner’s return with act of creating mess
FALSE. Rather, dog associates the punishment with the combined presence of the angry owner and the material on the floor. Dog then acts to APPEASE the owner
definition of SA
a distress response specificlly related to being separated from social group members. Dog is panicked!
improper punishment may result in what behavior:
fear, defensive aggression
DDX of SA based on presence of:
+/- evidence of strong attachment
- behavior in o’s absence, shortly after departure
- distress behaviors
- excessive excitement upon o return
DDX of destruction
-can have element of play/exploratory behavior, territorial display, or during phobic episodes
DDX of vocalization
can result from: outside stimuli, social facilitation, territorial display, or play
possible causes of improper elimination in dogs
- incomplete house training
- medical/endocrine
- excitement or submissive urination
- urine marking
- cognitive dysfunction