Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dealing With a Dog Suffering from Being Separated from Its Owner
May 19, 2009
Does your dog whine, howl, bark or carry on whenever you leave the house? It may be more then just him or her misbehaving. Your dog could be suffering from a behavioural problem called separation anxiety.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
When your dog becomes distraught or anxious in your absence, or before you are about to leave the house, causing damage to property or making a nuisance of itself by barking, howling etc, this is separation anxiety.
If your pet has become particularly attached to you or another member of “the pack”, it can view your leaving as traumatic and begin behaving inappropriately as a way of gaining your attention, and hopefully, convincing you to stay.
Some dogs may be more susceptible to separation anxiety. For example, dogs that have been re-housed, ones that have suffered traumatic experiences in the past, if there has been a change in the household, such as one member of the family moving out, or anything that may cause your dog stress.
What are Some of the Signs of Separation Anxiety?
- Excessive noise – barking, whining, howling
- Digging
- Scratching at fences, gates or doors
- Urinating or defecating inside
- Stealing clothes from the washing line
- Following you around
- Trembling before you leave
- Not eating in your absence
How Can I Treat My Pet for Separation Anxiety?
The behaviours related to separation anxiety are ones that will get your attention. Often dogs won't care if it is good attention or bad attention, as long as it’s attention. So it is important not to reward the attention seeking behaviour, and it is just as important not to punish the dog.
Do your best to ignore the behaviours, and try some of these methods for desensitizing your dog to your absence:
- Reward quiet/good behaviour
- Try not to fuss over the dog before you leave or when you arrive home. Wait for 10 minutes before saying a proper hello when you arrive home. This will show your dog that you leaving is not a big deal.
- Provide an old jumper of yours to prevent your dog from attacking your clothesline or raiding the laundry basket
- Ensure your dog can’t jump the fence or escape your backyard
- Provide stimulation in the way of toys and treats for while you are gone. See How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Bored for ideas.
- Dogs notice things such as putting on your shoes or coat and grabbing your keys, so as a way of desensitizing your dog to these actions, pick up your keys and put on your coat, but don’t always leave the house. This way, your dog won’t stress out every time you pick up your keys.
- Exercise your dog regularly. Prevents boredom, and will use up some of his or her energy!
In extreme cases you may need to consult your veterinarian who may prescribe anti-anxiety medications. You may also need to consider a dog-sitter or family member who can keep your dog company. This information is provided as a guideline to dealing with a dog with separation anxiety. If you are concerned about your dog’s health or well-being, consult your veterinarian for further advice.
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