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Posted On Oct 18, 2015

Updated On Jun 25, 2025

Relationship - Cognitive Dysfunction & Separation Anxiety

Behavior

This question was submitted during a past webinar titled "Cognitive Dysfunction" ...

Question:
Do you see many connections between cognitive dysfunction and increasing separation anxiety type behaviour?

Answer by veterinary behavior expert E'Lise Christensen, DVM, DACVB:

Thanks for joining us in the webinar and for this great question.
I see this all the time! The first thing I think about in a late-onset separation anxiety case is ACK! Cognitive Dysfunction. Mayday! Mayday! This impacts my medication choice for those patients. I may likely still use a benzo for immediate coverage, but then the decision between Anipryl and Clomicalm is addressed with the client directly. I never choose fluoxetine in these cases because I have to wait way, way too long (if it fails) to start Anipryl. Six weeks is an eternity when your dog is jumping out the window.