Pies: Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time

Evidence: 86 • authority: 72

A lick granuloma, also known as acral lick dermatitis, is a skin disorder found most commonly in dogs, but also in cats. In dogs, it results typically from the dog's urge to lick the lower portion of one of their legs. The lesion can initially be red, swollen, irritated, and bleeding, similar to a hot spot (wet eczema). The animal's incessant licking of the lesion eventually results in a thickened, firm, oval plaque, which is the granuloma. A major cause of lick granuloma appears to be psychological, related to stress, anxiety, separation anxiety, boredom, or compulsiveness. Lick granulomas are especially seen in active dogs left alone for long periods of time. One theory about the cause of…

Evidence: 52 • authority: 88

Frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, and noise phobia, alone or in combination. Abstract Objective —To determine the frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, noise phobia, or any combination of these conditions and determine whether these conditions are associated in dogs. Design —Case series. Animals —141 dogs. Procedure —Diagnoses were established using specific criteria. Owners of dogs completed a questionnaire on how frequently their dogs exhibited destructive behavior, urination, defecation, vocalization, and salivation when the owners were absent and the types and frequency of…

Evidence: 43 • authority: 80

How to help dogs and cats manage separation anxiety when their humans return to work

Evidence: 43 • authority: 80

Tackling separation anxiety in dogs

Evidence: 43 • authority: 80

The role of oxytocin in relationships between dogs and humans and potential applications for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs

Evidence: 43 • authority: 92

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs for Adults with Mental Health Conditions: Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Challenges.. Psychiatric assistance dogs (PADs) are increasingly recognised as complementary supports for individuals with mental health conditions, yet their role in everyday functioning as well as handler and animal welfare remains underexplored. This study explored how PADs are used by individuals with a range of mental health conditions, the benefits they provide, and any challenges experienced in terms of both handler and animal well-being. An online mixed-methods survey was conducted, yielding 85 valid responses. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses we…

Evidence: — • authority: 38