Separation Anxiety – Causes, Signs and Solutions

If you are a dog owner, you may understand the challenges of leaving your furry friend alone. Whether you’re running errands or going to work, it can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet.

However, there are several effective ways to help your dog cope with separation anxiety. By recognizing the signs of separation anxiety and implementing the following tips, you can help your dog feel calm and content when you’re away.

Keep reading to learn about the signs of separation anxiety in dogs and how to help them cope.

They are in a state of panic.

If you have witnessed a dog experiencing separation anxiety, you may have observed the destructive behaviors they can exhibit. Dogs with this condition may chew on furniture, doors, walls, and other objects in an attempt to alleviate their anxiety, putting themselves at risk of injury.

While separation anxiety can affect any dog, some may be more predisposed to this condition due to past experiences, such as being rescued from an animal shelter or experiencing a traumatic event. Dogs with separation anxiety typically become distressed when their owner leaves for an extended period or even just goes on vacation. They may also bark or whine when their owner is away.

Fortunately, separation anxiety is a treatable behavior issue, and there are various ways to address it. If you suspect your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety, you can take steps to help them feel more comfortable and secure in a calm and loving manner.

1. Never punish or scold them for their behavior.

When your pup is anxious or distressed, they are not trying to get your attention — they’re scared and need some help coping with this situation. Punishing them will only make the problem worse and they will be far less likely to learn how to cope with it in a positive way.

2. Teach them to be more relaxed about you leaving.

If you believe your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, begin training them to be less worried about you leaving by using desensitization and counterconditioning techniques. These can take a lot of work and commitment on your part, but they can be extremely effective in easing your puppy’s fears and reducing their anxiety levels.

They are displaying signs of anger.

When you bring home a new puppy, it’s common to feel overwhelmed at times and experience what’s known as the “puppy blues.” These feelings can be challenging to deal with, and in severe cases, it may be necessary to seek help from a mental health professional. While the symptoms of the puppy blues are typically less severe than those of clinical depression, they can still affect your daily life.

Fortunately, there are ways to help your puppy adjust to being alone and reduce their separation anxiety. One approach is counterconditioning, which involves training your dog to associate your absence with positive experiences like rewards, food, or toys.

For instance, you can play fetch with your dog or give them a treat after they return to their bed. Gradually increase the length of time you leave your puppy alone, but be mindful of their individual reaction to separation.

Some dogs can handle longer periods of separation, while others may become anxious and struggle to cope. To avoid overwhelming your puppy, space out short separation sessions and only increase the duration when they are calm and relaxed. With time and patience, you can help your puppy develop healthy coping mechanisms and reduce their separation anxiety.

They’re Destructive

Puppies with separation anxiety may have a hard time settling down when they’re left alone, so it’s important to make their daily routine calmer and more predictable. That means they should be able to predict when they can expect attention, such as food, training and play.

The most effective method for treating this condition is desensitization and counterconditioning. This process involves exposing your dog to their triggers in brief, tolerable increments that allow them to respond by calming down.

This approach is proven to help dogs with separation anxiety by helping them build the ability to react to their triggers without feeling frustrated or distress. It also helps dogs learn to relax and settle down when they’re not around their guardians, making them less likely to exhibit destructive behaviors in the future.

Some dogs with severe cases of separation anxiety need to be treated with medications, so you’ll need to talk to your vet before beginning any treatment options. They may be able to prescribe a medication that’s safe for your pup and can help them settle down quickly when you’re gone.

Another common method for treating this problem is crate training. This method can be highly effective in reducing the stress of being separated from you, but it’s important to focus on crate training as a positive experience for your dog before moving on to other elements of a separation anxiety treatment program.

Alternatively, you can try taking your dog on a long walk or run before leaving them home alone. This will help them release some of their pent-up energy and prevent them from being tempted to chew your belongings when you’re away.

They are behaving in an unruly manner.

Puppy separation anxiety is a common problem. It’s like the human equivalent of a panic attack in dogs – they become anxious and upset when left alone. The best way to avoid this problem is by introducing them to regular times when they can be alone, such as in their own dog crate or bed, and teaching them that this is safe and normal.

Getting a puppy used to being alone early will help them to adapt better when they are suddenly left on their own. You can try leaving them in a safe area for 5 minutes and gradually increasing the time until they are happy to be on their own for an hour.

You can also use a box with toys, an old blanket or food-ball to keep them busy while you’re away. The goal is to keep your puppy happy while you’re gone and give them something to look forward to when you get home.

In addition to separation anxiety, there are other reasons your dog might be acting unruly. Health conditions, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infection, hearing loss, eye damage, cancer and more can cause your dog to act out or be unruly.

Your veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of your dog’s behavior. In some cases, your veterinarian will prescribe medication that will reduce aggression or other behaviors and improve your dog’s condition.

Some puppies will display aggressive and destructive behavior as a part of their puppy play phase. This can include chasing, pouncing, barking, growling, and biting. However, this can also be a normal stage in a dog’s development and will pass soon enough.

They’re Sleepy

If your furry friend is experiencing excessive sleepiness, it could be an indication of separation anxiety. Although this condition is treatable, it is important to seek help from a veterinarian if the symptoms persist.

It can be challenging to identify the symptoms in the early stages since dogs often sleep through them. However, they should wake up for activities they typically enjoy, such as playtime, meals, or outdoor trips. If your pup is reluctant to wake up for these activities, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, seizures, gastrointestinal issues, and cancer, can also cause similar symptoms. It’s crucial to consult with a vet immediately if you suspect any health concerns.

The best approach to address separation anxiety-induced sleepiness is to provide your furry companion with the care and attention they require, which includes mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization. Introducing them to new situations and sounds early on can also help them prepare for different experiences.

Another way to deal with this issue is to keep your pup in a small, pet-proofed room when you’re away from home or on a prolonged trip. This will teach them that your absence is a normal part of life, and you’re not abandoning them.

If you need to leave your pup for more extended periods, consider hiring a pet sitter or taking them to a doggy daycare. This will make them more comfortable and alleviate their symptoms, ensuring they receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation while you’re away.