How do I know if it’s Separation Anxiety?
Is it possible your dog is not suffering from Separation Anxiety…but something else? Absolutely. Here are a few considerations:
Your dog is bored
A dog that looks out the window may just be enjoying watching the world go by
You - the main source of your dog’s fun - are gone for hours at a time. It’s FUN to tear things up. Chewing and ripping things apart are normal dog behaviors. Your dog isn’t being naughty or trying to upset you, they are just looking for a little entertainment.
Your dog’s needs are not being met
Here’s what we look for:
Is this normal puppy behavior, including house soiling and chewing?
Do you have an energetic, working breed that requires high levels of daily exercise?
Do you feed the same food, at the same time, in the same bowl?
Do your daily walks include sniffing and exploring?
Dogs need plenty of time to just be dogs.
You may need to increase your dog’s physical exercise and/or mental enrichment.
There has been a life change
Dogs are sensitive creatures, and may have a lot of stress when something in their life changes. Examples:
Is this a new adoption?
Has there been a change in the household - death, new partner, new baby, new pet, visiting guests?
Have you recently moved to a new location?
Is there new construction going on in the neighborhood?
Are there medical related issues?
Could it be age-related, including: weak bladder, hearing and/or vision loss?
What Separation Anxiety in dogs looks like
Two important factors to consider:
The behavior only occurs when you are absent.
The behavior persists until you return.
Some signs of Separation Anxiety are:
Vocalization: whining, barking, howling.
Panting, drooling.
Escape attempts, especially around windows, doors, or other points of exit (including escape attempts from crates).
Self harm.
Pacing or inability to settle.
Urination and/or defecation.
Separation Anxiety is a panic disorder. This means we need to change a dog’s emotions, as well as making sure their needs are met. The chewing, barking and destruction aren’t going to go away until the anxiety is addressed.
Contact us for more information at: jennifer@separationanxietyspecialists.com or leave a comment below!
