Separation Anxiety

Question
Hi,

Im having this problem with my dog. He's a pug and has HUGE separation anxiety. This is what he will do:  he runs out the door before we get a chance to, he barks and barks and barks when we try to leave, or even if we are going to another part of the house where we have to open a door, he barks for 4 hours when we go on a trip, driving trip and he is put in his kennel. Well, according to my local pet store , I was told that at the beginning of the new year, there will be a new law for pets being required to be in a kennel. Im not sure what to do. We have consulted his doctor and they said to give him medication for the ride which is medication to get his nail trim. Well, I DON'T agree to medicate a dog to get him to one place or another. I don't feel right about that.  He hates nail trims. He also doesn't like his paws to be touched and the doctor for this told us we would need let him know that its okay to touch his paws. Well, we did that and the matter seems to be getting worse.  Our dog licks the air during the day. I'm not sure why he does that. Any advice will be great. Thank you.

Crystal

Answer
Well Crystal, it sounds like  your furbaby is a bit neurotic. Have you tried giving him benadryl? This may help him calm down a bit and is supposed to make  him sleepy, although it does not make our pugs sleepy.

We have some rescues here that lick the air too. But once Maggie gets calmed down and feels secure, she stops.

I am afraid as far as I know, medicating him and crating him is the only thing I would know to do. Just make sure anytime he travels you make it a wonderful experience for him. Get him a hamburger or something he loves as a treat.

Good luck and thanks