Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine potential risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety and develop a practical index to help in the diagnosis of separation anxiety in dogs.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
200 dogs with separation anxiety and 200 control dogs with other behavior problems.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history of behavior problems, home environment, management, potentially associated behaviors, and concurrent problems.


RESULTS
Dogs from a home with a single adult human were approximately 2.5 times as likely to have separation anxiety as dogs from multiple owner homes, and sexually intact dogs were a third as likely to have separation anxiety as neutered dogs. Several factors associated with hyperattachment to the owner were significantly associated with separation anxiety. Spoiling activities, sex of the dog, and the presence of other pets in the home were not associated with separation anxiety.


CONCLUSIONS
Results do not support the theory that early separation from the dam leads to future development of separation anxiety. Hyperattachment to the owner was significantly associated with separation anxiety; extreme following of the owner, departure cue anxiety, and excessive greeting may help clinicians distinguish between canine separation anxiety and other separation-related problems.
Flannigan
G
G
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Dodman
N H
NH
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001010:Anxiety, Separation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004285:Dogs; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution