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Pet can have emotional problems, too

Nadine Lober
Vail, Colorado

If your cat starts urinating in unusual places, he may be upset.

Usually if the urination is a small puddle and occurs frequently, this implies a bladder infection is present and needs medical attention. If the puddles are bigger and infrequent, then the psychoanalysis begins.

Us veterinarians play the role of psychoanalysts quite often when it comes to cats and their routines. When your cat starts urinating in the house, we try to find a reason that could have perturbed him. Sometimes a new pet, a new human baby, an outdoor animal roaming your property, a new significant other visiting more often, a dirty litter box are all possible reasons for your cat to be mad.



Once the behavior is established, it is important to clean up the mess and remove the odor. Then, locking your cat in an un-carpeted room for a while until he only uses the box, is the next step; also try to block off the area where your cat urinates.

Because these disorders are anxiety related, cats are often given medication.

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Your dog may have separation anxiety if he or she goes nuts when left alone. Signs are destroying things, barking and urinating. The behaviors are usually worse during the first 15 to 20 minutes of separation and some may become apparent as you are getting ready to leave.

There are several ways to deal with this behavior. First, prevent your pet from hurting itself by putting it in a crate though confinement also can worsen the problem. Because it can help to have someone with the dog while treating the problem, doggie day care may help.

Another way to treat the problem is to try to change your dog’s response to cues that initiate the behavior. For instance, because grabbing the keys or your briefcase may make the dog anxious, try grabbing the keys or briefcase, going to the car and coming right back in a few times a day without actually leaving.

Anti-anxiety drugs, natural supplements and herbal remedies also can be used.

If your dog barks when you leave, then remember that bark collars may simply mask the problem without treating the anxiety.


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