Why is separation anxiety dangerous for your dog, and how can you deal with it?
Many dogs do not show signs of separation anxiety. It is estimated that separation anxiety is a common canine affliction—an estimated 13 to 18% of dogs show signs of the condition.
Separation anxiety in dogs – warning signs and symptoms.
Being a dog parent is one of the greatest feelings a human could ever experience. But have you lately noticed that your puppy is always following you or howling or crying when you or your family are not around?
Do you often notice your Dog searching for you inside your home or even looking anxious when you are out for just a minute? Many dogs are emotionally dependable on their owners. Even if they seem strong and playful, dogs always look out for their master.
If you notice your dog being anxious, crying, howling, sad, or having some other change in their behavior, it is due to separation anxiety.
Yes, your dog is going through separation anxiety! Let the reality sink in…
In this blog, we will discuss the reasons and how to change your dog’s behavior if the dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
So, what is separation anxiety exactly in dogs?
Separation anxiety has been one of the hottest topics for decades. But with people restarting their lives after the COVID-19 pandemic, it has had some effect on our Dogs.
When a master stays with their dog for an extended period of time, they usually become very attached to them or other family members. And, when family members get together, they start relying on each other emotionally.
Sadly, many dogs do not show signs of separation anxiety. It is estimated that separation anxiety is a common canine affliction—an estimated 13 to 18% of dogs show signs of the condition.
Many times, dogs’ symptoms of separation anxiety are not unlike similar panic disorders experienced by humans, such as exhibiting fear of spiders, flying, or heights. It’s just that for your dog, their fear is of being alone. As dog parents, we should understand that this behavior is caused involuntarily, and your dog is not doing it out of spite or for any other reason.
Some dogs show signs of separation anxiety, while others do not. So, as a dog parent, it is essential to understand the emotions your dog is going through with every behavior it exhibits.
Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
According to a UK study from 2013, it is said that many dogs appear sad or resigned as they watch you grab your keys and head out the door. Researchers have measured the levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with the stress response, in dogs left alone, and they found that over 80% of dogs showed some negative response when left by their owners.
Some of the dogs do try to cope when they are left alone, but most of those truly grappling with separation anxiety will exhibit genuine stress.
Know the signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Agitation, panting, whining, pacing
- Constant barking
- Restlessness, inability to settle
- Urinating, drooling, and defecating
- Chewing or other forms of destruction of furniture or bedding
- Attempts to escape
- Being sad
- Howling constantly
In a well-known study, which he co-authored with Dr. Gerrard Flannagan, Dr. Dodman noticed that the most common behaviors related to separation anxiety were found to be destructive at home (shown by 71% of dogs), excessive vocalization (in 61% of dogs), and inappropriate elimination (reported by 28% of subjects).
Causes of Separation anxiety in dogs:
There is no specific known cause for separation anxiety, though it seems to be more common in breeds known to be “people-pleasing” or “companions” as well as rescue animals. There might be many scenarios that could be the cause of separation anxiety in dogs.
- If your dog is overly emotional or very affectionate towards you or your family, a sudden busyness taking over your life can cause your dog a great deal of stress.
- If there are any sudden deaths in your family,
- If your dog is not properly trained to handle being alone, Training your dog to handle its social life is important, and sadly, many dog parents ignore this training unless it becomes essential suddenly.
- One trigger would be when an owner becomes sick and is home for a few months. Then they return to work abruptly. ”This prolonged at-home period could be another reason.
- Age: Many times, the age of your dog plays a crucial role in it. In case, if it is a senior dog, then some of the dogs might have separation anxiety as they grow older.
These are a few of the reasons why your dog might be going through separation anxiety, even though the exact cause might be difficult to understand.
Here are some dog breeds that are more prone to separation anxiety due to their personalities and natures.
Labrador Retrievers:
Labs are one of the most loved dogs for their nature and personality. Their extremely lovable nature makes them very close to humans. And they are also known to be the most loyal and caring breeds. With this intense nature, Labradors or Retrievers are an easy target for separation anxiety when they are left alone. If you notice any changes in their behavior, it is high time you consult a vet.
German Shepherds:
German Shepherds are people-pleasers, just like labs. Known for their working dog mentalities, German Shepherds do best when they have a job. Protecting and being with their owners might be one of their favorite tasks, but when separated, this breed can show severe anxiety symptoms. When you notice your German Shepherd beginning to show signs of separation anxiety, it is important to act calmly and work to comfort him.
Cocker Spaniel:
Because of their personality, size, and temperament, it has become increasingly popular to get Cocker Spaniels. Since Cocker Spaniels and Cocker Spaniel mixed breeds are known for being attached to their owners, it is important to introduce them to training at a young age. To help with your Cocker Spaniel’s separation anxiety, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
Before you bring a dog home, it is important to do your research and know the personality of your dog.
How can you treat separation anxiety in a dog?
If you have noticed the symptoms of separation anxiety then the first thing is to get help without any delay. Separation anxiety is not something that vanishes by itself. Your dog needs help! The silent screams of your dog are enough to understand the agony that they are in.
First, talk to your vet and explain everything in detail. If you notice your dog going through a difficult period, contact your veterinarian. The trainer and the vet work together by introducing new tricks and exercises that can reduce your dog’s anxiety. Music also plays a very positive role in coping with separation anxiety.
Establish a routine:
For your dog to feel less anxious, it is required to establish a routine so that your dog knows when to eat, sleep, exercise, play, and be naughty. Let the routine continue for up to one year so that your dog can be at ease while establishing a routine that reduces stress and relaxes him in many ways. And the trust quotient also increases more than 50 times when the same routine is followed.
Train them in small intervals:
While you are at home, start training your dog to manage a separation. Go away from your home for 5 minutes and encourage them to stay brave while you are gone. Initially, your dog might whine or start searching for you, but ensure you do this exercise continuously. The day your dog sits in the same spot without looking for you is the day your dog is finally less anxious, and the factor of trust has grown enormously.
Environmental enrichment: meeting your dog’s needs:
Always ensure you are meeting the needs of the dog in terms of social interactions, play, exercise, training, and elimination. In effect, you should initiate enough regular interactive sessions and provide enough play and attention so that by the time each session is over, your dog is prepared to settle down and relax.
Talk to your vet if your dog is not listening to you and is overly pampered.
When you feel your dog is going through separation anxiety, the first person that should come to mind is your dog’s vet. Vets usually collaborate with trainers to reduce the impact of anxiety.
Dogs are the most lovable living beings. If you bring a puppy home, the first thing you should remember as a dog parent is that their needs and care should never be overlooked. Most dogs go through separation anxiety because their parents don’t train them properly to manage any kind of anxiety. So, you as a dog parent must train your dog in the right way, and if you feel your life is busy and you won’t be able to train them, then hire somebody or let the dog live happily in a house where it is valued. And, if you have not trained your dog to handle separation, then talk to your vet immediately and start the training for your dog.
