Separation anxiety is a very real – and sometimes frustrating – problem that dogs of all different breeds, shapes, and sizes suffer from. As a pet owner, this can be extremely frustrating, for many different reasons. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig, or even try to escape your home when you are not there. Sure, these behaviors may also indicate that your dog could stand to go back to training and needs to be taught proper house manners, but they also can be symptoms of distress or separation anxiety.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety for numerous different reasons. One of the most common types of anxiety dogs experience is separation, or when their owners leave them for any amount of time. Separation is typically triggered when dogs become upset that they are separated from their owners, the people they are most attached to. This separation anxiety comes out in numerous different ways (see above) and depend on the dog and situation.
In some instances, dogs suffering from separation anxiety may appear agitated or distressed when their owners are getting ready to leave, whereas others seem anxious or depressed prior to their owner’s departure. In most cases, dogs with separation anxiety problems begin barking and displaying other behavioral issues the moment their owner walks out the door.
What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like?
We briefly discussed a few of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety, but let’s take a closer look at what this problem looks like in dogs:
- Destructive behavior (such as chewing pillows and furniture, destroying plants, or scratching at doors and windows)
- Constant barking, whining, or howling
- Urinating and defecating in the house
- Excessive pacing
- Escape attempts from a specific room, crate, or the house in general
- Physiological responses, such as excessive panting, dilated pupils, and other signs of distress
How to Care for a Dog with Separation Anxiety
It is important to recognize that not all ‘bad’ behaviors are signs of separation anxiety. In fact, the majority of unwanted behaviors do not indicate your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, but rather that he or she simply finds this activity enjoyable and your absence happens to be the perfect time to chew away, without risk of being caught. However, if the behavior occurs every time you leave and only in your absence, it may be separation anxiety. Another way to tell if you do have this problem on your hands is if your dog displays anxious behaviors before you leave or even as you are putting on your jacket and grabbing your car keys.
Thankfully, separation anxiety is treatable in most cases. It is important to teach your dog that leaving him or her alone is not a bad thing, in fact, they get rewarded when they are left alone (more on that in a minute). Here are a few effective techniques to help your dog overcome separation anxiety:
- Leave KONGs (or other similar toys) stuffed with peanut butter or cottage cheese for him or her to focus on when you leave
- Hide treats around the house or in their bed or crate
- Tuck his or her favorite toys in hiding places throughout the house
- Wear him or her out by taking them out for a long walk or playing with them in your yard before you leave
We hope the above information has helped you learn how to care for your dog suffering from separation anxiety the right way. If you have any questions about this behavior or would like to discuss your specific case, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
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