Companion dogs commonly experience states of anxiety, fears, and phobias. Separation
anxiety and noise aversions, as discussed in this article, are especially prevalent.
Veterinarians are encouraged to recognize and treat such conditions on first presentation
to address welfare issues and optimize successful management. New data suggest new
treatment modalities, including behavioral management, pharmacotherapy, and species-specific
pheromone use. Failure to treat can result in disruption of the human-animal bond
and subsequent abandonment, relinquishment, or even euthanasia of the affected dog.
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