Dr. Lisa Radosta

There are several ways that we approach behavior modification in dogs with separation related disorders (SRPs) 🦴 Distraction: Provide a food toy before you leave! -Use value and low fat foods. -Use dog safe toys. -Give the food toys before your dog gets upset. -Ensure they last as long as possible for your departure -The most recent study looking at the use of food toys for SRPs demonstrated that the dogs were calmer when eating and also for 20 minutes after they were finished. 🧘‍♂️ Desensitization & Counterconditioning: This involves gradually exposing your dog to short departures while reinforcing calm behavior either with or without food. -These techniques take 6-12 months. -The latest study looking at DSCC without food showed that after 90 missions the most improved dog could be left for 5 minutes. -Using food for DSCC is tried and true. It generally is effective. -It is helpful to train dogs to relax first or to stay comfortably in a sanctuary space. -Only attempt DSCC with a highly qualified trainer. It is very easy to mess up. 📱 Tech to the Rescue: Devices like Furbo or Go Dogo can reinforce calm behavior remotely, helping dogs adjust much faster than traditional methods. -These are super easy to use and some (Go Dogo) work without lifting a finger. The behavior modification for separation related problems is probably about the most tedious of the behavior modification that I recommend. Always find a highly qualified dog training, professional before you attempt treatment. You can start treatment with a SRP course and then follow up with a trainer to check your work. Mundell P, Liu S, Guérin NA, Berger JM. An automated behavior-shaping intervention reduces signs of separation anxiety–related distress in a mixed-breed dog. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2020 May;37:71–5. Kong toys-Kang OD. Effects of Environment Enrichment on Behavioral Problems in Dogs with Separation Anxiety. J Environ Sci Int. 2022 Feb 28;31(2):131–9. Bu

Feeling a bit fired up today 🔥 and here’s why: A client shared that their dog trainer recently recommended a supplement for their dog—a dog already on two prescribed medications and showing amazing progress. Here’s the issue: supplements, medications, and even diets can alter your pet’s health and neurochemistry. These changes aren’t something to take lightly, especially without professional guidance. In this case, the recommended supplement reduced fear by encouragint more boldness—the exact behavior we’d been carefully managing for months. While I love that particular supplement for fearful dogs, not THIS fearful dog. Dog trainers are incredible professionals who do so much to help pets and their families. But unless they’re a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, they don’t have the specialized training to make recommendations that affect your pet’s brain chemistry or overall health. If your trainer suggests a supplement, pause 🛑 and check with your veterinarian first. They can guide you or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist if needed. Working together ensures your pet’s safety, progress, and well-being. Let’s all stay in our lanes for the sake of the animals we love 💖🐾. #dogtrainer #dogtraining #veterinarian

🧠 Managing Separation-Related Problems in Dogs: what you need to know about medications supplements and foods 💊 When helping dogs with separation-related problems (SRPs), we have a toolbox of options to tailor to their needs. Here’s the breakdown: 🛠️ 🥗 Foods: The Slow & Steady Approach Certain specialized dog foods contain ingredients that help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress by altering brain neurochemistry. However: ⏳ Timeline: Takes ~2 months to see results. ⚠️ Note: Best used with short acting medications or supplements for faster relief. 💊 Antidepressants: The Long-Term Helpers In the U.S., two FDA-approved antidepressants target SRPs: 1️⃣ Reconcile (fluoxetine/Prozac) 2️⃣ Clomicalm (clomipramine) Always use the brand name whenever available. Why brand names matter: ✔️ Better quality control. ✔️ Support from veterinary professionals in case of adverse events. ✔️ Known pharmacokinetics and dynamics, known side effects. ❌ Generics may vary by 20-25% in active ingredient amounts, potentially impacting effectiveness. ❌ Unknown inactive ingredients which can cause side effects. ⏳ Timeline: Takes ~6 weeks to take effect. 🌿 Supplements: A Versatile Add-On Supplements often complement other treatments. While most take 4-6 weeks to work, some can provide immediate calming effects. 🚨 Short-Acting Medications: Immediate Relief For quick calming action during departures: ✅ Gabapentin ✅ Pregabalin ✅ Clonidine ✅ Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) 🕒 Timing is everything: Dose your dog before stress ramps up to prevent anxiety from escalating. 💡 The Strategy: 1️⃣ Start with short-acting meds for immediate relief. 2️⃣ Add long-term solutions like foods, antidepressants, or supplements to build sustained calm. Every dog is unique, and a personalized plan is key. Always consult your vet for the best approach! #separationanxietydogs #separationanxietydogowner #separationanxiety

There are things that are unique to separation-related problems (SRPs) in dogs that you should know if you are dealing with this in your home. 1️⃣ There isn't one treatment that applies to every dog. SRP describes a spectrum of disorders related to separation and isolation. Each dog is unique, which means there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. 🛠️ A personalized treatment plan, often crafted by a vet or veterinary behaviorist, is one of the keys to improvement. 2️⃣ Treatment of SRPs almost always requires something added to change brain neurochemistry. Severe cases involve deep-seated panic or phobia, which can’t be resolved with training or environmental tweaks alone. 💊 3️⃣ Relapses are common. Dogs rely on patterns that predict safety or lack of safety. With treatment, your dog may come to feel safe with your departures. They look a certain way, and that means that you will return. Your dog is safe. A sudden change, like a vacation, can disrupt that. Even if your dog has someone that he loves with him, the picture is different. He can't be certain that the situation is safe because all of his safety cues aren't there. With quick intervention, stability can return in as little as two weeks! ⏱️ 4️⃣ Environmental management + medication can work wonders without intense behavior modification. Unlike other issues (like noise phobias or aggression), SRPs can see profound improvement with these tools alone. 💡 Takeaway: If you suspect your dog has SRPs, act fast! 🐕 Early intervention = better results. Every dog deserves to feel safe, even when you’re away. ❤️ #separationanxietydog #separationanxietydogs #separationanxietydogowner

Let’s talk about the treatment of SRPs. SEPARATION RELATED PROBLEMS (SRP) We treat SRPs with medication/supplements, foods/pheromone analogues, environmental changes, behavior modification and evaluation of health and wellness. First up, how what you do affects your dog’s behavior. There are a lot of myths out there. Some of them you might of heard from me in the past. But we know more with the most recent studies, so now it is time to bust myths. ❌ Ignoring your dog before leaving: We know now that this can make your dog more upset by making the difference between when you are home and when you are not starkly obvious. dogs need information that is predictable when you act unpredictably it just serves to increase anxiety. ✅ Pet your dog before you leave: Studies show this can actually calm them down! 🐶💖 ❌ Keeping departures and returns super low-key: Turns out, leaving or greeting your dog with excitement doesn’t appear to be associated with an increased risk of separation related problems in dogs at least in one study. I wouldn't go absolutely crazy every time that you come and go but acting like a robot isn't going to help your dog. ❌ Randomly picking up and putting down the things that signal your departure. Again, this is about information. Dogs thrive on clear signals. What information are you giving your dog? Randomly picking up and putting down objects only confuses them. I’ll talk later about how you can change your dog’s feelings about your departure cues. Teixeira AR, Hall NJ. Effect of greeting and departure interactions on the development of increased separation-related behaviors in newly adopted adult dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2021 Jan;41:22–32. Mariti C, Carlone B, Protti M, Diverio S, Gazzano A. Effects of petting before a brief separation from the owner on dog behavior and physiology: A pilot study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2018 Sep;27:41–6. #separationanxietydog #separationanxietydogs #se

People like to know the “why” of how their pet got to the vet behaviorist’s office. As for separation-related behavior (SRDs), there isn’t one singular cause. Instead some factors may contribute to the development of the SRDs. ⚠️ A PREDISPOSITION is not a CAUSE or PREDICTION that your dog will get something. The reverse is also true. If your dog has no predispositions, he may still get an SRD. Predispositions are things to be aware of and avoid if possible. Studies on SRDs ask specific questions. There is no way for a researcher to ask every single question. For that reason, even though we have published studies, we are missing much information on how these disorders develop and progress. Take everything with a giant capsule of 🧂. 🧬Genetics-There is one study in Golden Retrievers that suggested a genetic link, with some genes possibly protecting against or predisposing. 🏠Family structure-Single parent households and dogs who are left for short periods. 🐶 Adoption-Dogs adopted from shelters, rescues and pet stores are more likely to have SRDs. 🦠 COVID-19-Puppies adopted during this time. What doesn’t cause SRDs? 🐶Loving your dog-Spoiling them, feeding them from the table, or letting them sleep in your bed. 💁🏻‍♀️Your behavior does matter, even though it may not be the CAUSE. If, for example, you want to feed your dog from the table, you need to watch the nutrition of that food, and you can choose to reinforce behaviors with that food that are desirable, such as lying on a bed instead of whining, crying, and lying under the table. We will talk more next week about what you can do to prevent and treat SRDs. References below: van Rooy D, Thomson PC, McGreevy PD, Wade CM. Risk factors of separation-related behaviours in Australian retrievers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2018 Dec;209:71–7. Sherwell EG, Panteli E, Krulik T, Dilley A, Root-Gutteridge H, Mills DS. Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the

🐕‍🦺 Living with or training a deaf dog? Here are three essential tips to help create a stronger bond and clear communication from my friend and colleague Terrie Hayward, M.Ed., KPA-CTP, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT (www.positiveanimalwellness.com) 1️⃣ Reinforce check-ins Encourage your dog to look to you for cues. Building this habit is a foundational step for effective communication. 2️⃣ Streamline your body language Dogs, especially deaf ones, are masters at reading the room. Make sure your movements and gestures are clear and consistent to avoid mixed signals. 3️⃣ Remember: all interactions are training Every moment with your dog is an opportunity to teach and reinforce behaviors. Being mindful of your actions helps guide your dog in the right direction. Training isn’t limited to specific sessions—it’s part of every interaction you have. With patience and understanding, you can help your deaf dog thrive! 🐾✨ #deafdogs #deafdogsrock #dogtraining

This month, I am turning my focus to separation anxiety in dogs. Lots have changed in the way that we approach these types of problems and it is time for an update. Now, we recognize that there is a spectrum of separation related problems, not one disorder called separation anxiety. While the different types of problems on the separation related problem spectrum are similar, and some of the treatments are too, there are also differences that will affect not only behavioral treatments, but medication choices. Here's the scoop: Some dogs anticipate the pet parent’s departure and get upset, then calm down when they are gone-we call this sepration anxiety. Others are fine at first but struggle after the pet parent leaves-we call this separation fear. Some experience both—we call this one phobia. 💔 We used to think that the pet parent had to leave the house entirely for separation related problems to be diagnosed, but things have changed. We know now that dogs can experience stress and panic with full (like leaving the house) and partial or virtual (like stepping into another room behind a baby gate) absences. You might be wondering if your dog just wants your attention. Well, he probably does. That is what dogs do. But, if your dog is showing signs of panic, there is more going on. Key signs to watch for: excessive scratching, circling, drooling, urination, defecation, intense barking, or whining. Remember, it’s not just about seeking attention—it could be genuine stress or panic. Stay tuned for more myth-busting and tips to help your furry friend feel safe and secure! 🌟 #separationanxietydog #veterinarian #doganxietyproblems

What happens to our pets when they cannot live up to our expectations? Just like with our kids, spouses and ourselves, sometimes, we dream of one thing for our pet and receive something entirely different. How we handle that disappointment or deviation between expecatation and reality can be the difference between a happy relationship with our pet and a behavior problem. Maybe you expected that your dog would pick up your kid at ballet or soccer. Maybe you thought that your dog would travel everywhere with you, going to restaurants and living in your van. Maybe you thought that your cat would love your new partner. Animals aren’t robots. They are sensient beings. What if the dog or cat can’t meet your expectations? Well, what if the dog or cat coudn’t meet your expectations physically? If your cat couldn’t jump up on the expensive 5 foot tall cat tree, would you buy some lower cat trees or would you continue to purchase things that he couldn’t enjoy? If your dog couldn’t take a jog with you because of arthritis, would you continue to make him jog 3 miles a day if he was in pain? A loving pet parent would not continue to push an animal into a place where they physically couldn’t thrive. But why then do we do it emotionally? Emotional suffering is real. Let’s meet in the middle. Celebrate what is possible. Work together to find joy in what your pet can do. Radically and completely accept that your pet is exactly who they are. Avoid the stress if possible of wishing for something that they cannot be. Celebrate who they are. And when it feels tough, remember – every relationship, furry or human, thrives on understanding. 🐕✨ Here’s to finding beauty in the unexpected. ❤️ #dogbehaviorexpert #DogAnxiety #catanxiety

Why use two medications instead of one? 🤔 It can feel like a lot of medication when your pet is on multiple instead of one. There are lots of reasons why a vet might choose multiple behavior meds instead of one. 1. That is what it takes to alleviate clinical signs. Different behavior meds do different things. Sometimes you have to choose a medication that is targeted for that pet. 2. It is healthier for the pet. For example, using a low dose of two medications can spread the workload across different organs—like one processed by the liver and the other by the kidneys. That way, no single organ is overloaded. 3. The pet may only be able to tolerate a certain dose of a medication. That medication does a good job, but it can’t be increased for whatever reason. The vet may decide to keep the pet on that medication at a lower dose and add in another medication to help alleviate clinical signs. It might *seem* like a lot, but sometimes, a low dose of multiple meds may be better than a high dose of one. If you feel like your pet is on a lot of meds, that is the time to talk to your vet and ask what each med dose and why your pet needs those meds. #dogbehavior #dogbehaviorhelp #dogbehaviorexpert #DogAnxiety #catanxiety

Have you ever felt frustrated when your pet is taken to "the back" at the vet's office? 😠💔 It’s a common and justified feeling. I have talked a lot about what to do when this is offered to you as a pet parent. Here's a little insight into why it happens in most clinics: 🐾 Veterinary teams work hard to balance the needs of every pet and pet parent. Pets need care. Pet parents need to understand what is going on with their pet, the cost of the treatment, the options they have for treatment, and how to care for their pet at home. With limited time, they aim to diagnose, treat, explain, and care for *every patient*—all while keeping wait times as short as possible. From experience, people in South Florida don’t like to wait. 🐾 To be efficient, the “best of the best” team members handle specific tasks. For example, the most skilled phlebotomist or the most experienced cat handler often works in a central area where pets are brought to them. This helps ensure your pets get care from the highest-skilled professional in a reasonable amount of time. 🐾 It’s not about secrecy or rushing through care—it’s about working within the constraints of modern vet medicine. 🐾 I hope that you are all advocating for your pet to stay with you whenever possible. If your veterinarian uses the system above, which most do, that may mean a longer appointment and a higher fee. Sometimes, there are trade-offs for our pets to get the care that we desire. 💬❤️ Veterinary teams are not perfect, but often they’re doing their best within a challenging system. Let’s keep the dialogue open and supportive—because we all share the same goal: happy, healthy pets. 🐾✨ #veterinary #veterinarytechnician #veterinarian

I’m back with my friend Sandra Machado, and we’re talking about how humans often forget the social and physical pressure they put on dogs in everyday situations. Just your presence changes the situation. If you stand close to your dog, it could distract him from eating. You could train him to eat only when you are near, or, as Sandra discusses, standing close to your dog while he is eating can freak him out. Who would want to eat their food with a family of people watching over them? 😳 How would you like it? I certainly would not! Observe your dog’s body language when you are in different parts of his personal space. You might be shocked at how much his body language changes when he has a little space to breathe. When in doubt? Add space. 🐾 It’s such a small thing, but it can make a difference for dogs *and* for us. 🌟 #dogaggression #behaviorismedicine #resourceguarding #VeterinaryBehavior #veterinarian