**Canine separation anxiety** is one of the most common behavioral issues reported to veterinarians, often manifesting as **destructive behavior, vocalization, and inappropriate elimination** when the dog is left alone. Left untreated, it can damage the human-animal bond and lead to relinquishment or euthanasia.
In this pivotal 2007 study published in Veterinary Therapeutics, **B.S. Simpson and colleagues** evaluated the safety and effectiveness of **Reconcile**—a chewable, beef-flavored tablet formulation of **fluoxetine (1–2 mg/kg/day)**—used alongside **behavior modification techniques**. The research involved a controlled clinical trial in which dogs diagnosed with separation anxiety were treated with either the medication, behavior training, or a combination of both.
The combination of **fluoxetine and behavioral therapy** resulted in significantly greater improvement in anxiety-related behaviors compared to either intervention alone. Treated dogs showed notable reductions in distress behaviors, and owners reported the medication was **palatable and easy to administer**.
This study provided strong clinical support for **integrated treatment plans** combining pharmaceuticals and behavior modification, now a **standard approach** for managing separation anxiety in dogs. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety symptoms, while training addresses the behavioral triggers and maladaptive responses.
The findings also underscore the importance of early intervention and structured management strategies for dogs with anxiety disorders—an approach that protects both canine welfare and the emotional wellbeing of their human companions.
Source: B.S. Simpson et al. Published in Veterinary Therapeutics: Research in Applied Veterinary Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 1, Pages 18–31, 2007.
