What is separation anxiety in dogs?

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a group of behavioural disorders marked by intense restlessness, stress and fear whenever the owner is away. Dogs are social animals that become attached to their owners and form strong emotional bonds with them. Left alone, they can become extremely anxious and behave destructively, sometimes even harming themselves.

What does separation anxiety look like?

Typical behaviours in animals affected by this problem may include:

1. howling, barking or whining while the owner is away;
2. destroying furniture, doors or other objects in the home;
3. urinating or defecating in places where they would not normally do so;
4. excessive licking or chewing of the paws or other parts of the body;
5. low mood and apathy when the owner is absent;
6. refusing to eat while the owner is away;
7. following the owner everywhere once they get home;
8. sleeping excessively after the owner returns, as a result of being constantly on alert while alone;
9. carrying the owner’s personal belongings or items of clothing to their bed,

In extremely stressful situations, animals may behave in ways that are dangerous to themselves and to those around them.

What can cause this kind of behaviour? 

1. the dog not having been taught properly how to be left alone;
2. negative experiences or traumatic events associated with being alone, such as a thunderstorm or noisy building work next door;
3. too big a change in the dog’s routine or surroundings;
4. the loss of a human family member or a canine companion;
5. the dog feeling unwell, for example because of a developing illness or a painful condition;
6. a recent move from a place with lots of dogs and noise to a calm, quiet one;
7. unmet needs

What should you do if your dog has separation anxiety?

If you notice your dog showing any of the behaviours above, get in touch with us. Our specialists will help assess and diagnose separation anxiety in your dog and recommend suitable treatment methods and a plan of action.

What can you do before seeing a specialist to help your dog feel more comfortable when home alone?

1. take it step by step: get your dog used to your absence gradually, starting with short separations and slowly making them longer. As you leave, you can scatter some really tasty treats so that your dog starts to associate your departure with something pleasant.
2. use relaxation methods: try relaxation techniques such as calming music for dogs. This can help your dog feel more relaxed and secure while you are away. You could also use a diffuser such as Adaptil.
3. leave the radio or television on: this tip is especially useful for dogs adopted from noisy environments, as they often struggle with quiet places at first
4. tire your dog out before you leave: before going out for a longer period, take your dog for a walk and make sure its needs are met. Remember that five minutes of sniffing will tire a dog out more than chasing a ball.
5. toys and treats: give your dog access to a variety of toys and treats to keep it stimulated and occupied while you are away. Interactive toys, treat dispensers and chews can help distract and entertain your dog. Be sure to choose only chews and toys suitable for your dog’s age and temperament, and ones that will not break into sharp, dangerous pieces.
6. Ask for help: if the separation anxiety is severe and hard to manage on your own, it is worth consulting a specialist at the Zviropolis centre.

Remember that every dog is different, and a method that fails in one case may work in another. The key is to be patient and consistent, and to adapt the techniques to your dog’s individual needs and reactions. 

And finally, the most important thing: never punish your dog for any damage done while you were out. It is simply a sign of how much your dog missed you.