Most of the dog owners think that their new puppy brought from pet shop only suffer separation anxiety. No!!! There is every possibility of occurrence of separation anxiety among good old dogs.

One of my friend Jack adopted an English Sheepdog - Roofers at the age of 4 years. He is thought to have been badly treated by his previous owners. He bonded closely to Jack, following him everywhere at home and sleeping beside the bed. In old age Roofers has become increasingly blind, deaf, and arthritic.

In the last 5 months Roofers has been messing in the house whenever he is left alone. He is not incontinent at other times, and a veterinary checkup revealed no urinary or digestive problems. He compulsively licks his forepaws and left foreleg.

As there is no medical cause, Roofers incontinence can be attributed to separation anxiety caused by his increasing dependence on his owners, particularly Jack, as he becomes increasingly deaf and blind, and contact is mainly by touch and scent. Roofers is particularly distressed by his growing isolation because of his mistreatment by his previous owners.

How To Solve This Problem of Separation Anxiety?

• Roofers should be given plenty of attention and physical contact by JACK’s wife when both of them at home.
• Roofers should be provided with warm, comfortable, draft-free bed.
• Jack needs to have exercise and food before being left and he should be given an opportunity to relieve himself.