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Does my dog have separation anxiety?

May 5th, 2011

 How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety, and how can I treat it? 

Dogs with separation anxiety typically exhibit dramatic anxiety responses within a short period of time (20-45 minutes) after their owners leave. Common separation anxiety behaviors include: 

• Digging, chewing and scratching at doors or windows.
• Howling, barking and crying.
• Eliminating (even in housetrained dogs) as a result of distress.

It’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don't. It’s important to realize that the destruction and housesoiling that occurs with separation anxiety are not the dog's attempt seek revenge on his owner for leaving him. Rather, they are part of a panic response.  

There are many reasons for the behavior associated with separation anxiety, so it's essential to correctly diagnose before proceeding with treatment. If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem: 

• The behavior occurs when he's left alone.
• Follows you around while you are home.
• Reacts with excitement, depression or anxiety to your preparations to leave.
• Displays frantic greeting behaviors.
• Dislikes spending time alone outdoors.

What should I do if my dog has separation anxiety? 

The following techniques may be helpful for minor separation anxiety issues: 

• Keep arrivals and departures low key.
• Leave your dog with an article of clothing that has your scent.
• Establish a "safety cue". This is a word or action that you use when leaving that assures your dog you'll return. (Some examples of safety cues are playing a radio leaving the TV on, or giving him a special treat or toy.)

These treatments may take a while, and a dog with separation anxiety can do serious damage to himself or your home. Some of the following may be helpful in dealing with the problems in the short term: 

• Provide plenty of daily exercise! What may seem like separation anxiety may be 'cured' by providing your pooch with plenty to do.
• Talk to your vet about possible drug treatments.
• Take your dog to a doggy daycare facility.
• Leave your dog with a neighbor, friend or family member.
• Bring your dog to work, if possible.

What won’t help a separation anxiety problem? 

• Punishment. If you punish your dog when you return home it may actually increase his separation anxiety.
• Getting another pet. His reaction isn't to being alone, it is from being separated from you.
• Crating your dog. Your dog will still engage in anxiety responses in the crate. This may lead to injury.
• Obedience school. While obedience school is a good idea, it won't directly help the problem. Separation anxiety isn't a lack of training.

RELATED CATEGORIES: Animal Welfare, Dogs, Education, Health, Training

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