Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am currently working with a lab/great dane rescue who is approx 3 1/2 years old, 70 lbs, and is blind. She has adapted very quickly to my household, but suffers terribly from separation anxiety. She is scheduled for cataract surgery at the end of July, and if successful, I am hoping that will resolve the problem. My vet has her on Valium, but it hasn't helped much. She runs the gambit from messing in the house to tearing up carpet when left alone while we are at work. She works herself into a state when crated and has almost destroyed the crate. Any suggestions? Thanks - Debbie

>>I am currently working with a lab/great dane rescue who is approx 3 1/2 years old, 70 lbs, and is blind. She has adapted very quickly to my household, but suffers terribly from separation anxiety. She is scheduled for cataract surgery at the end of July, and if successful, I am hoping that will resolve the problem. My vet has her on Valium, but it hasn't helped much. She runs the gambit from messing in the house to tearing up carpet when left alone while we are at work. She works herself into a state when crated and has almost destroyed the crate. Any suggestions? Thanks - Debbie

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It may help to give her all of her food in toys that can hold food, at times when you are gone, to give her somethhing to do. Medication is probably necessary, too, and a different med may work better--be in touch with your vet about that. A veterinary behavior specialist (your vet can refer you to one) can pull together these problems and figure out how they are interacting, since this specialist is a vet who is also board-certified in the specialty of behavior.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I saw a similar problem on an episode of "Harry's Practice", a tv program here in Australia that shows the problems pets have and how the vet, Dr. Harry Cooper, (VERY famous in Aus) deals with them. He recommended making a tape recording of you and your family having a conversation (for example, at dinner time) and letting it play when you are out. The dog is comforted by the sound of human voices. Another alternative is to leave the radio on.

I don't know how successful either of these ideas are, as I have never had the problem you are facing, but they may be worth a shot. Good luck!