It’s not terribly uncommon. Learn to spot the signs of dog separation anxiety and how to deal with it.
Dog separation anxiety is not terribly uncommon; unfortunately, up to 40% of pets in the US may be dealing with dog separation anxiety. Do not be impatient with your pet. All pets, despite their challenges, need your care to overcome whatever obstacles they may have and become the creatures they were meant to be. Dealing with dog separation anxiety looks like recognizing the signs, identifying the problem, and taking steps to turn things around.
Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety
What are signs that your dog is experiencing this form of anxiety?
- Excessive barking: Your dog might end up barking and howling a lot when you leave or are away from home.
- Urinating and defecating: Dogs may urinate or defecate out of anxiety. It could be separation anxiety if your pet is doing it out of place when you are not at home repeatedly.
- Destructive behavior: Your pet might chew up or scratch things it shouldn’t when you are away from home. It isn’t just your couch cushions and table legs you might be worried about. Destructive canine behavior can also result in injuries to your pet.
- Escaping: Your pet might attempt to break out from its confinements or even run away from home.
- Pacing: Your pet might spend a lot of its time pacing back and forth or in circles when you are away.
- Coprophagia: Coprophagia is when a dog eats its own stool. If it does this only when you are away, it could be part of its display of dog separation anxiety.
- Other signs: Your pet might also show other signs of separation anxiety, such as blocking you from leaving or other signs that it does not want you to go.
Ruling out Other Causes
Some behaviors, such as excessive urination, could indicate a medical condition rather than an internal one. If you have any doubts, be sure to clarify your pet’s health condition with your local vet. Also, rule out the possibility that your dog is just bored.
Common Reasons for Dog Separation Anxiety
A sudden loss in a dog’s life can cause separation anxiety to develop in pets. It could be the loss of a previous owner, a sudden change in the owner’s schedule in which the owner must be away more often, or a change in residence.
Dealing with Dog Separation Anxiety
How do you deal with dog separation anxiety? Using special treats or toys while you are away can help make the time rewarding for your pet. Giving it a friend can also help. Otherwise, specialized, gradual training will help your dog see that it does not have to fear. If the case is severe, it can help to call a professional.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!