What do you feel about Clomicalm? A drug for separation anxiety?

Question

My 2yr and 8mos Bichon/Poodle suffered from MILD separation anxiety when he was young, he eventually grew out of it...UNTIL we moved to our new apt. We placed a baby gate on our hallway that leads to the front door because he will scratch and chew on the door and carpet. It gets so bad to the point where he got torn nails and now a superficial wound on his paws! He somehow was able to jump over the baby gate!
A vet mentioned Clomicalm and I was wondering if anyone used is or is using it and how is it working out for you?

thank you!

-a respond to the girl who said i should not have my dog...
----mind you, i've had my dog since he was a puppy, obviously you didnt read what i said...WE JUST MOVED TO A NEW PLACE...keyword NEW...so pls. read carefully before you give some dumb comment..
TO THE OTHERS WHO ARE ACTUALLY LEAVING A SINCERE ANSWER I REALLY APPRECIATE IT

Answer 1

Drug therapy can be of use in some dogs, but is not a fix on its own. I would strongly recommend that you seek advice from a veterinary behaviourist- your regular vet should be able to refer you to a specialist, or there may even be someone at the clinic who has done further training in behavioural problems.

Separation anxiety problems require training and behavioural modification- drugs such as clomicalm can help to make this process easier, but they are not a quick fix. The onset is actually quite slow too- from memory it takes up to about 8 weeks for clomicalm to begin taking effect.

Another thing to consider trying, if it is available where you are is DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone). You may have heard of the product Feliway, which is used in cats for disorders such as anxiety related urine spraying. This is a similar product for dogs- it comes in a small diffuser that plugs into a power point. Again, on its own it's not going to solve your problem but may help to reduce it.

Answer 2

My mom got me some calming stuff at Walmart...I can't remember what it's called, but it's got things like valerian root and chamomile in it. It's all natural and has no drugs at all. It really helped my dog, it didn't drug her, she just didn't care that I was leaving. Now, after she finally figured out that I will not leave her forever, she doesn't even need it anymore. Other things you can do is get her a Kong and fill it with peanut butter paste and then freeze it for an hour or so before you leave so she's got something to do, or Busy Bones, or Nylabones, or puzzle treats, anything to keep her busy.

Answer 3

For dogs with severe separation anxiety that don't respond to recognized techniques or behavioral modification methods, there are medications that can be used.

However, before you go that route, do make sure you've tried the simpler solutions. Things such as leaving a TV on when you're out, adding some interactive toys to keep him busy, using behavior modification training, or even hiring a relative/friend/neighbor to visit when you're out, can all help.

There are also several different natural products that can have a profound relaxing and calming effect on your dog, without that 'medicated' feeling.

You can find links to information on all the above at this url http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/separation-anxiety-in-your-dog.html

Best of luck.

Answer 4

I am single mum. I have been suffering for panic attacks for some 15 years now, though it was not until recently I understood what they were. They were progressively getting stronger and more frequent, stopping me from some days even leaving my house. I read this book and it all made perfect sense.

I am not saying I was not terrified of putting theory to action, I was more scared of that than the next attack! But I decided to view it as a game, one I had control of and could therefore not lose!

Answer 5

You are not going to like my answer, but you did ask. I offer this advice with friendship and respect and with the benefit of the experience of owning a dog for all of my 46 years. I hope it is received the same.

I feel if you must give your dog drugs for separation anxiety, you should NOT have a dog.

It is a disgrace to our noble and beloved best friends. Owning a dog is not for everyone. Not for people who are gone so much that the dog SUFFERS because of it. Think of the health of your dog, the emotional health. If he needs drugs just to live with you, maybe he shouldn't live with you.


ADDED LATER:
I am not a "girl", I am a grandmother. And I did read your question THOROUGHLY, perhaps you didn't...because you mentioned that your dog had separation anxiety before. Not all answers will be ones you hope for. When you ask for advice, you'll get it. If you don't want help from knowledgeable people, don't ask for it.

I stand by my answer.

Answer 6

I would try Melatonin first.

This is a link about separation anxiety and gives info about melatonin, a more natural alternative./ (the dosing info they give is for a 35-100 lbs dog)
http://www.dogdoright.com/canine-seperation-anxiety.htm

here's another link about melatonin
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/melatonin.htm