Dog separation anxiety does exist and it happens to affect many dogs, probably more than you would think. If your dog is exhibiting behavioral problems then you may have yourself a case of dog separation anxiety. For canines, separation anxiety is the fear or dislike of isolation from their owner. In fact, it is one of the top causes of behavioral problems for dogs.
Alright, I mean, who can blame them? You are their leader, their friend. When you go and leave them all alone it can be scary for them. Maybe they feel rejected, betrayed or just down right sad. Most dogs do feel sad when they are left alone; it is only when they become a bit too dependent on their master that they exhibit dog separation anxiety symptoms.
So, what are some of the signs of separation anxiety? Gloominess, hyperactivity, destructive actions and/or unnecessary barking or whining are all symptoms of dog separation anxiety. These could be signs or symptoms of other illnesses but observing your dog’s behavior further can help you determine this. Keep a close eye on how he behaves when you return home. Is he overly anxious to see you? Is the trash torn apart?
You need to monitor his actions and activities. Maybe record how he behaves when you leave if this is at all possible. It is important to have a good idea what exactly goes on when you are not there. Once you do this, you will better be able to inform your veterinarian about your dog’s specific actions.
Your next question is probably, why does my dog have separation anxiety? Well, there are a couple of theories out there. One reason is that your dog just may have been born that way. Another is that he may have been separated from his mother at too young of age. A change in surroundings or a change in the owner’s life may contribute to this. Lastly, dog separation anxiety can be a result of a loss of a family member or a gain of a new one, taking attention away from the dog.
Whatever the cause or the problem may be, there is help out there for your beloved pet. You can get treatment for your dog from an animal behavior specialist. Discuss it with your vet and they will give you your options. Remember, punishing a dog that is inflicted with dog separation anxiety may only worsen the problem.
