If your dog gets nervous when they see you heading out of the house and start destroying things, chances are they have separation anxiety. They smash and destroy your shoes as well as chew the corners of tables and sofas. When you get back home, they go crazy and start barking.
Dogs that have separation anxiety show very edgy behaviour when they are alone. A few of those behaviours are:
- Scratching and chewing the corners of the doors and windows.
- Grooving and digging the walls.
- Excretion or urination.
- Barking, crying or whining.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety disorder is a strong fear of being left alone by loved ones. It happens due to the hyper-attachment between a dog and its owner. Separation anxiety is a serious issue that creates concern among pet owners. Sometimes they also get frustrated because of the behaviour of their dogs.
However, you can do a lot of things to help your dog in such situations. But first, let’s understand the causes of why your furry baby acts like this:
- If the owner is changed.
- Staying alone for the first time.
- If they just moved from a shelter to a new home.
- If the family routine changes.
- Or the loss of a family member.
Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety
To know if your dog has separation anxiety, you can keep an eye on their activities and check if they match any of the following symptoms:
1. Striding
It has been seen in a few dogs that when they are left alone, they get nervous and start walking on the same path, following the same pattern. The pattern can be circular or straight, or back and forth.
Note: This behaviour doesn’t happen when the pet parent is home or around the dog.
2. Barking And Howling
If your dog has separation anxiety, it may bark when they are alone. They sometimes howl as well, and they show this behaviour only when the guardian is not around.
3. Digging And Destructions
At times, when dogs are alone, they start scratching and digging all the things nearby, including the walls, doors, and windows. They even chew corners of different objects like tables, chairs, or toys. In this destructive hassle, they sometimes hurt themselves.
4. Urination
A lot of dogs with separation anxiety frequently urinate in the absence of their guardian. However, this behaviour is not seen when the guardian is around.
5. Coprophagia
Many dogs suffering from separation anxiety, when left alone, start consuming their excrement. But, they don’t show this behaviour when they have someone with them.
6. Loss Of Appetite
In some dogs, separation anxiety can lead to decreased interest in food, and they also start ignoring treats and bones.
7. Try to Escape
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then it might have tried to escape your house when you are not around them. They may have chewed your doors or windows to get out of the room.
Note: Sometimes, this kind of behaviour can cause injuries like broken teeth, damaged nails, etc.
How To Treat Separation Anxiety?
If you think that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then the first thing you should do is consult a vet to know what to do next. They may suggest some medicines that can help your dog during nervousness.
Apart from that, verify if the problem is mild or serious.
If it is mild, then follow these few instructions:
- Every time you leave your house, give your dog some treats.
- Give them some soft toys or puzzles to play with; this will engage their time.
- Try not to make a lot of noise or greet, when you come or leave your house.
- Let your dogs have your clothes to get your smell.
However, if the symptoms are serious, then you have to encourage your dog to have their own time and train them in the sit-stay and down-stay positions. Apart from this, follow a few tips mentioned below:
- Even if your dog does something unpleasant, don't punish them for that, as this can make them more anxious.
- Get a dog sitter, or take them to a shedding center if you are not home, as they can find a buddy in other people as well.
- Let them go for walks with the sitter so that both of them know each other better. If you can't find a dog sitter, then search for a dog care center nearby your place that provides dog walking services, as walking and exercise can help in relaxing.
Need Help From Professionals?
If any of the above advice doesn't work in the case of your dog, then you can take your dog to Another Home. We are a pet care center based in Gurgaon that gives a homely vibe to your dog. We can help your dog in overcoming its separation anxiety.
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