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Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|August 24, 2001
Summary
Single-adult households and intact males are risk factors for canine separation anxiety. Hyperattachment behaviors like following and greeting may aid diagnosis in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Behavior
- Canine Ethology
- Animal Psychology
Background:
- Separation anxiety is a common behavioral disorder in dogs.
- Identifying risk factors and diagnostic indicators is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential risk factors and behaviors linked to canine separation anxiety.
- To develop a diagnostic index for separation anxiety in dogs.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 200 dogs with separation anxiety and 200 controls.
- Review of medical records for signalment, history, environment, and behaviors.
Main Results:
- Dogs in single-adult homes were 2.5x more likely to have separation anxiety.
- Sexually intact dogs were less likely to have separation anxiety than neutered dogs.
- Hyperattachment behaviors were significantly associated with separation anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Early separation from the dam is not supported as a cause of separation anxiety.
- Hyperattachment, extreme following, departure cue anxiety, and excessive greeting are key indicators.
- These behaviors can help differentiate separation anxiety from other separation-related issues.