WHAT DOES SEPARATION ANXIETY LOOK LIKE IN A DOG?
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
One of the hardest things about being a pet owner is leaving your furry friend at home when you go to work or run errands. For some dogs, this can be no big deal. They may curl up on their bed for a nap or chew on a toy until you come back. But for other dogs, being left alone can cause a great deal of anxiety. If your dog seems stressed or frantic when you leave them alone, they may be suffering from separation anxiety. Keep an eye out for these signs of separation anxiety next time you have to leave your pup behind. Set up a camera to see what your pup is doing whilst you are away from home.
Pacing or Excessive Movement
If your dog seems restless and unable to settle down when you leave them alone, it could be a sign that they're feeling anxious. They may pace back and forth, unwillingness to sit or lie down, or follows you around constantly when your home. Some dogs may even try to escape by chewing through doors or fence, so be sure to do a thorough check of your pet-proofing before you leave them unsupervised.
Excessive vocalization
Barking, whining, and howling are all common signs of distress in dogs with separation anxiety. If your usually quiet dog suddenly starts making noise when you leave them alone, it's worth looking into whether they're feeling anxious or frustrated. Some dogs may also start urinating or defecating indoors as a way of seeking attention from their owners. This is obviously an undesirable behavior that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Destructive Behavior
Dogs with separation anxiety may act out by chewing on furniture or destroying household items when left alone. This is often done out of boredom or frustration, so providing your dog with plenty of toys and bones to chew on can help alleviate this issue. If your dog does exhibit destructive behavior, be sure to clean up the mess and provide positive reinforcement when they behave calmly instead of destructively.
Separation anxiety is a real problem for some dogs that can manifests itself in several different ways. If you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options and ways to make time apart more bearable for both you and your pup. Remember, the best way to prevent separation anxiety is through socialization and training starting at an early age! With patience and proper training, you can help your pup cope with being away from you.
By understanding the signs of separation anxiety in dogs, owners can identify the problem early on to ensure their pet is receiving the best possible care and attention. Through regular visits to the vet, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pup at home, and providing plenty of exercise and stimulation, owners can help keep their pup healthy and happy while they’re away. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include excessive barking or whining, destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or digging holes in the backyard, pacing or panting, shaking and trembling, defecating or urinating indoors, depression-like symptoms such as refusing to eat, and displaying clingy behavior when the owner is home. If you notice any of these behaviors in your pup, it’s important to take them to a vet for diagnosis and treatment options. The sooner the issue is addressed, the better chance there will be for successful treatment. Additionally, owners can also make sure their dog has plenty of access to food and water during the day, provide toys and chews as stress relievers when left alone, leave familiar scents around the house like their own bedding or clothing items from family members, and slowly acclimate their pup to short periods of alone time. With proper care and attention, dogs with separation anxiety can still live happy lives with their owners.
To start the process of treating your dogs Separation Anxiety get yourself a SA Pack from Ted & Co and have a chat with Jo to help you through it.