Treatment of separation anxiety and fear of noises, confinement and unfamiliar people in a dog using escitalopram and clonidine

Abstract

Abstract A 3‐year‐old, 8.9 kg, neutered male dachshund was presented for fear and anxiety that significantly affected his daily quality of life. Distressing situations included being separated from his owner, confined in crates, exposed to noises and introduced to unfamiliar people. Clinical signs frequently included trembling, barking, hypersalivation, urination and attempts to escape or hide, with a recovery time of 20–40 minutes. Previous treatment with fluoxetine, a cannabidiol supplement and trazodone, alongside working with two certified trainers, resulted in no improvement over several months. On presentation, physical examination, bloodwork and urinalysis were unremarkable, and the dog was diagnosed with separation anxiety, noise fear, confinement fear and fear of unfamiliar people. Escitalopram and clonidine were prescribed, and a behaviour modification plan was implemented, leading to marked improvement and successful discontinuation of clonidine after 6 months. Clinical signs recurred after escitalopram was discontinued without veterinary guidance and later improved again when restarted.