Here is the list of 5 apparent signs your dog has separation anxiety
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Dogs that spend most of their time with their family enjoying walks, extra play time, attention, etc., feel stressed when pet parents begin to return to work or activities outside of the house. Your pet can panic or engage in destructive behavior. Regardless of the time, you spend outside. Severe stress can trigger separation anxiety in dogs.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
- When dogs are left alone, they exhibit extreme stress and engage in unwanted behavior such as destruction of property, excessive vocalization, etc. This separation-related behavior is referred to as separation anxiety. This behavior is triggered when dogs are separated from the guardians they are attached to.
The distressed dog can attempt to escape and, as a result, may injure himself or cause household destruction. Within a short time after being left alone, the dog begins to bark or display other distress behavior.
Signs Of Separation Anxiety
Here are some of the common signs of separation anxiety
Digging And Destruction
- Dogs with separation anxiety chew on door frames, window sills, or other such objects. They may dig at doorways or destroy household objects when left alone at home. This dangerous behavior can harm your dog, resulting in broken teeth, scraped paws, and cuts. However, this destructive behavior resolves as soon as the guardians return home.
Escaping
- Another behavior exhibited by dogs with separation anxiety is repeated attempts to escape. The dog might try to break free from the leash to escape from an area where he is confined or left alone. The escape behavior does not occur in the presence of guardians.
Pacing
- Some dogs, when left alone, walk or trot along a specific path in fixed patterns. Pacing may occur in circular patterns or back and forth in straight lines.
Coprophagia
- Another sign of separation anxiety is coprophagia. When separated from their guardians, dogs consume their excrement after defecation. However, this behavior does not occur in the presence of guardians. In addition, some dogs urinate or defecate more often when left alone.
Barking And Howling
- The dog with separation anxiety persistently barks or howls when separated from his guardians. This type of barking behavior is not triggered by anything else.
Causes Of Separation Anxiety
The following situations may be associated with the development of separation anxiety.
Change Of Guardian
- The development of separation anxiety can be triggered by being abandoned, confined, or given to a new guardian.
Change In Schedule
- A change in duration regarding how long a dog is left alone is another factor that triggers separation anxiety. In addition, moving to a new home or residence can also give rise to separation anxiety in dogs.
Absence Of A Family Member
- Changes in household membership, such as the absence of a resident, can also trigger separation anxiety.
Prevention Of Separation Anxiety
Physical and mental stimulation can help treat many behavioral problems involving anxiety. When the mind and body are exercised, dogs de-stress and relax. Moreover, when left alone, a tired dog does not have enough energy to expend on destructive behavior.
Try the following suggestions to keep your dog busy and happy:
- Take your dog for walks and outings regularly.
- Keep your dog happy by playing interactive games such as fetch.
- Let your dog play off-leash with other canine buddies.
- Exercise your dog right before you leave home. Thirty minutes of daily exercise will help the dog relax and rest while guardians are gone.
If your dog is not acting right, consult a veterinarian immediately. At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide comprehensive care to your pets. We have the experience and technology to handle all types of healthcare needs of your pets. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available. Call us at 434-971-9800.
