Separation anxiety is a common canine behavior problem, which affects 20% to 40% of dogs and goes past the occasional whimper when you leave the house. It’s also not the same as boredom, and unlike a little mischief when your dog is left alone, separation anxiety is the result of legitimate stress.
Signs your dog may be dealing with Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit distress and behavior problems when they're left alone. Some of the most common ways they do this:
- Howling, barking, and whining.
- Destructive acts, such as chewing or digging, particularly around doors or windows.
- Anxious behaviors like pacing, whining, or trembling while you’re gone or as you prepare to leave.
- Urination and defecation (even with otherwise house-trained dogs) where you are likely to find it such as your bed or sofas.
What causes separation anxiety?
It's not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety; however there are several theories as to why separation anxiety gets developed in early years. Some of them may be:
- Being left alone for the first time.
- Change in Residence : Moving to a new residence can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
- Change in the family's routine or structure, or the loss of a family member or other pet.
- Suffering a traumatic event, such as time away from you in a boarding kennel.
Steps to Easing your dog's separation anxiety:
Separation anxiety is a treatable condition. As with most conditions, the sooner you get a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better the prognosis.
Here are some easy tips to help your dog's separation anxiety:
- Don’t make a big deal when you leave for the day or when you return. This way, you are communicating to your dog that the time apart is no big deal. It’s just business as usual! Depending on the severity of the dog’s anxiety, you may need to practice the rule for five minutes or up to an hour before you leave and when you get back.
- Start Out Small by Leaving Your Dog Alone for Just Five Minutes: Leave your dog alone for five minutes, then extend the time to twenty minutes, then an hour. Continue to increase the time you spend away until you can leave for a full eight hours without any more dog problems
- Establish a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you’ll be back.
- Creating a safe space: Confine the dog loosely (a room with a window and toys, not total isolation). Contain busy toys for distraction. Have dirty laundry to lend a calming scent cue or other safety cues.
- Ask your veterinarian about drug therapy to reduce your dog’s overall anxiety.
- Leave Your Dog with a Good Audiobook: Studies have now shown that audiobooks can have a calming effect on dogs and help to lessen their separation anxiety. The sound of a human voice can help reduce their stress while you’re not at home.
What won't help
- Punishment: Punishment isn't effective for treating separation anxiety and can make the situation worse.
- Another dog: Getting your dog a companion usually doesn't help an anxious dog because their anxiety is the result of their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.
- Obedience training: While formal training is always a good idea, separation anxiety isn’t the result of disobedience or lack of training.
Thank you!
For taking the time to read this blog! We hope we helped you and your loved one. For any additional queries or information feel free to reach out to us!