How to Give My Dog Clomicalm for Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety become extremely destructive and anxious when left alone.

Separation anxiety causes dogs to become extremely anxious when alone. As a result, many will display destructive behaviors, such as digging at the carpet, attempting to break through walls and eliminating all over the home. Clomicalm, also known as clomipramine hydrochloride, is the only approved drug to treat this condition. Along with behavior modification, this drug can help your dog overcome its separation anxiety.

Things You'll Need

• Clomicalm
• Crate

Instructions

1. Consult your veterinarian if you want to use Clomicalm to treat your dog's separation anxiety. Clomicalm is available by prescription only.

2. Give your dog 1 to 1.5 mg of Clomicalm per pound twice daily. For instance, if you dog weighs 50 lbs., it should receive 50 to 75 mg of the drug twice a day. Start with the lowest dose first, then increase it if it doesn't seem to help.

3. Practice behavior modification with your dog while it is on Clomicalm. For instance, do not say goodbye to your dog when you leave. If you make a big production out of exiting, your dog is likely to make a big production out of it too. Another modification exercise is leaving your dog for short periods of time---between one and five minutes. In addition, give the dog a cue when you leave, such as leaving the television or radio on. Implementing this technique teaches the dog you are only gone for a short time and it can be good when left alone. When your dog begins to feel comfortable with this, gradually increase the time by three- to five-minute intervals.

4. Consult with your veterinarian regularly about your dog's behavior while it is on Clomicalm. Continue giving your dog the drug as long as your vet recommends.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise your dog. Canines that are anxious can often benefit from exercise. Allowing some of that nervous energy to burn off can help a dog with its separation anxiety.

• Some dogs benefit from the comfort and security crates can provide. Crates mimic dens and placing your pooch in one while you are gone may prevent it from acting out.

• Clomicalm can interfere with certain medications, therefore, let your veterinarian know about anything your dog is taking before it is placed on this drug.

• Clomicalm can harm those with liver impairment. Ask the vet to test your dog's liver functions regularly while on this medication.

• Dogs with seizure disorders, glaucoma, heart problems and slow gastrointestinal tracts should avoid taking this medication.

References

• Pet Place: Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
• Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference: Separation Anxiety in Dogs
• Stacy's Wag 'n' Train: Separation Anxiety

Resources

• Novartis: Clomicalm