Separation happens….
Anxiety doesn’t have to.
What is separation-related anxiety in dogs?
Separation-related anxiety is a condition in which affected dogs may exhibit certain problematic behaviours when left alone, such as when the caregiver leaves the home for work or to run an errand. Dogs may have an inherited predisposition to be anxious, or it can be acquired, depending on the dog’s history and experiences. The dog’s anxiety when left alone can develop when the dog is unable to soothe their anxiety without the assistance of their caregiver, or when being alone is associated with uncertainty or with fear-inducing signals such as noise. Some of the behavioural responses to this anxiety can be distressing for you when you get home, but it is important to remember that your dog is not being naughty. They are suffering from a treatable medical condition.
What are the Signs?
Unwanted canine behaviours that may be exhibited by dogs with separation-related anxiety. These unwanted behaviours occur after the caregiver leaves the house, and bouts of rest may alternate with barking and destructive behaviour every 40 to 60 minutes.
1
2
3
4
5
1
Barking, howling and/or whining
2
Destruction around doors and windows, through scratching and digging, or of household items, through chewing
3
Heavy drooling, vomiting, hyperventilating, rapid heart rate
4
Defecating or urinating in the house while alone, sometimes in random and unexpected places
5
Pacing, circling
What are the Causes?
No one has a definitive answer about the cause of separation-related anxiety, which can develop at any age in either sex and has been diagnosed in all breeds. Your dog is not naughty or spiteful but is suffering from a readily treatable condition. Potential triggers include:
Can separation-related anxiety be Managed?
Yes, there are steps that you can take to help your dog become more independent and then be able to feel safe and secure when alone. Your vet will examine your dog to make sure that any underlying physical health problems are treated and investigate to identify the emotions leading to the unwanted behaviour. If separation-related anxiety is diagnosed your vet will develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may involve medication, behaviour modification and caregiver commitment.
