by The issue that a dog has separation anxiety is a canine behavioral problem is a real concern that has become better understood and addressed by veterinarians.
Understanding the problem as a dog owner and ways to alleviate the seriousness of it, or even contributing to it, are key to helping your dog cope with separation anxiety and avoid future health issues.
What does it mean when a dog has separation anxiety?
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety are overly attached to their human family members and shadow their owners when they’re home. They will always want to be in the room where their owner is and will move with them from room to room.
When the owner leaves the house, in the dog’s mind, the world is coming to an end and they feel anxious, distraught, and stressed out.
What are some of the signs?
When alone, the dogs bark, howl, urinate, destroy household furnishings, and in many cases attempt to break through any physical barriers, including doors and windows, that separate them from their beloved humans.
In most cases when a dog has separation anxiety it will not eat until their human companions return, no matter how long that may be.
Not every dog who exhibits the symptoms of separation anxiety actually suffer from the disorder. Many of the symptoms a dog has separation anxiety or anxiety issues can instead be signs of other problems.
For example, a dog that urinates in the house when left alone may have a bladder infection and be unable to wait until someone arrives to let them out, or a dog who destroys furniture or other things when no one is home is simply just bored.
What should I do when my dog shows signs of separation anxiety?
Any dog showing signs of separation anxiety should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian to determine the correct diagnoses. The veterinarian should perform laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis to rule out any illness.
Once the dog is pronounced healthy, and the veterinarian has determined that the behavioral symptoms are consistent with separation anxiety, a treatment program can be prescribed at that point.
Am I contributing to the problem?
Owners of dogs with separation anxiety often unwittingly contribute to their dog’s problem by adding to their dogs’ distress. They may say tearful goodbyes to their canine friends before departing or join them in an overly excited reunion dance when they return.
Both rituals tell the dogs that being apart is an awful event. But departing and returning nonchalantly, perhaps even ignoring a dog for 20 minutes prior to leaving and after returning, tells them that being separated is a normal event in a healthy-human dog relationship.
We know it’s tough, because we all love our dogs, but not addressing it only causes more harm to your dog in the form of stress and pain. In severe cases, dogs may pace around nonstop stressing the entire time – which is not good for their health.
You can foster your dog’s independence, even when you’re together. Encourage them to take a nap or play with a toy in another room. Don’t reward them with attention or treats when they follow you from room to room.
Conclusion
If your dog is severely affected, implement a desensitization program. Leave your dog alone for about 15 minutes, and then gradually increase the length of time, departing and returning in a dispassionate way. Give your dog a special food treat that takes some time to eat when you leave to distract them from his distress.Several anti-anxiety medications can diminish separation anxiety, but medication alone will not cure it without also using the training methods discussed above. Before giving your dog any new medications, check with your veterinarian first to make sure that they will not harm your dog.
