Your guide to dealing with separation anxiety in dogs

What is seperation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become distressed due to being separated from their loved ones. It happens when a highly attached dog becomes extremely stressed when left alone. It can be seen as the dog equivalent of a panic attack.

It’s very important to note that the behaviour associated with separation anxiety is extreme. This is far more troublesome than low-level mischief, crying or whining. Separation anxiety results in wild, destructive behaviour that causes problems for both you and your pooch.

Dogs showcase stress in many ways. Listed below are a variety of symptoms that exhibit separation anxiety, however, it’s important to note that some of these behaviours may also be symptoms of other problems e.g.: lack of house training.

Usually, a dog will exhibit a number of these issues, particularly whenever its owner leaves. In that case, it bears the hallmarks of separation anxiety.

The signs of dog separation anxiety are:

• Howling

• Excessive barking

• Excessive drooling or salivation

• Urinating everywhere

• Defecating where they shouldn’t

• Digging holes

• Scratching at windows

• Ripping furniture

• Destruction of household items

• Looking to escape
  

Why does separation anxiety occur in dogs?

Firstly, we need to understand why separation anxiety occurs so that we can come up with the right solution.

Separation anxiety occurs in dogs:

• who have never previously been left alone

• who have moved to a new house

• who has experienced traumatic separation before e.g.: rescue dogs

• when there’s a sudden absence of a family member

• who has experienced a traumatic past event in the owner’s absence e.g: burglar
  

How to treat it

It’s demoralising to come home to destruction, not to mention seeing your beloved dog in such distress.

So, what can be done?

Now that we know what separation anxiety is and why it occurs, we can take the next step toward treating it.

1. Consult your vet

Discuss the symptoms with your vet to rule out any medical issues. They may also be able to advise whether the behaviour is down to an external issue like a certain medication that can cause accidents or incomplete housetraining.

2. When the separation anxiety is mild

If the separation anxiety is mild, try the following:

• Before you leave, give your puppy an extra special treat then take it away as soon as you return home.

• Leave out some clothes that carry your scent.

• Consider an over-the-counter calming supplement.

• Keep your arrivals and departures lowkey. When you arrive home, ignore your pup for the first few minutes. This is to decrease the hysteria associated with comings and goings.

If the separation anxiety is more severe, consider the following.

3. Crate training

Crates are a safe, quiet place for your dog to relax.

To crate train your dog you need to create a positive association for crate time. You can do this by leaving toys and food-releasing puzzles for your dog to have fun with while they’re in the crate.

Practice this training together initially until your dog is happy to be in its crate.

The next step is to watch your puppy’s behaviour as you leave them alone in their crate.

If they’re safe and relaxed, you can head off with peace of mind, but if not, you’ll have to alter your approach.

4. Desensitization and counterconditioning

This approach involves forming a positive association with separation for your dog.

Start by leaving them alone for short periods and lengthening them gradually. If your dog begins to panic, counter this reaction by giving them their favourite treat.

Keep giving them the special treat before departure and you’ll begin to create a positive association for your pup.

Another angle is to ease the stress triggers.

For example: putting on your shoes or grabbing your keys may be the actions that ignite panic in your dog. So, the next time you perform one of these tasks, instead of leaving, why not sit down or do something which keeps you in the room longer? Do this repeatedly.

Then you can practice leaving for super short periods. Try 5 seconds behind a closed door, then reappear again. Then increase to 10 seconds before reappearing again. This helps to convince your dog that when you leave, you’re coming back again. (Remember this is a process that takes time so don’t rush it and always make sure your dog is relaxed).

As you build these periods up, treat your pup for waiting for long periods. Remember, to act calm when leaving and returning as well. This is training your dog to stop associating panic with the process.

5. Give them plenty of exercise

No matter your dog’s age profile, it’s crucial to make sure that you give them plenty of exercise.

A tired dog is a happy dog. You’ll be less likely to see antsy, destructive behaviour. Remember, when you do leave them, make sure they have games and puzzles to keep their mind and body occupied.

Separation anxiety is a tough habit to break but by remaining diligent you can make life a lot easier for both you and your pooch.

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Come and join the pack where everyone’s tails are wagging!

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