I need to hear from anyone who has administered melatonin to treat canine separation anxiety. Other advice?

Question

I need recommendations from anyone who has successfully treated their pet with S.A. If euthanization was your only alternative, please do not respond.

Dear Dog Trainer - Thanks so much for your detailed info. I should have been more detailed, myself. This is a mature dog. DOB:08/01/98. She was successfully treated for S.A. years ago in California. I have been following all instr. you've provided. I am now looking for alternative meds to take the "edge" off. Unfortunately, we live in Texas where their famed Southern Hospitality is NOT extended to Pitbulls and I cannot seem to get much support from our vet. I am desparate to save her from herself with little to no support! I want to try an anti-anxiety med to calm her without making her loopy.

Kimber - That is an excellent idea! I have used Rescue in the past to calm my kittens relocation fears! I will try it and thank you!

Answer 1

Use Rescue Remedy. I used it for my cat when he had to travel 3.5 hours one way to get chemo. Put a little on his/her nose and they will relax. A friend uses it for his dog when they travel 8 plus hours home to visit his parents.

Answer 2

I'd use drugs (and euthanasia) ONLY as a last resort - never tried melatonin.

Get a heavy duty plastic airline crate like a Vari-kennel in a size that will give the dog plenty of room to stretch out. A dog is far more like likely to break out or be injured in a wire crate. Get a bowl or water bottle that bolts to the side, so the dog can't spill it.

There are several behavior modifications (yours!) you can do before you try medication. First, make sure the dog is getting PLENTY of STRENUOUS exercise. At least two brisk half hour walks or runs a day - especially right before you leave, to take the edge off.
Do not talk to the dog at all for at least 15 minutes before you leave and after you arrive home. Don't let him out of the crate if he's racking or panting or whining - completely ignore that behavior. Trying to correct it is actually a reward - from his perspective, at least you paid attention to him! It's very stressful for the dog to be petted and praised and all wound up - and then you leave! Then the dog has to wait all day for your hyper-excited return. No wonder dogs have separation anxiety.

Leave a tv or radio on to give the dog the feeling that he is not really alone. Buy a rubber Kong toy and smear the inside with peanut butter. Put him in the crate fifteen minutes before you leave and put the toy in with him. Leave quietly, without a word to him - anything you say will not be "reassuring" but will get him upset again.

Try to have a predictable routine. Dogs are much less stressed when they can know you'll leave and be home at the same time every day.

If you don't want to go to all this trouble, consider "doggie day care" if you can afford it.

Answer 3

I had a foster that I had to use the medication clomicalm. Seemed to work decently combined with behavior modification.