What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
We all get anxious from time to time, including our furry family members! Separation anxiety in dogs describes those pups that are overly attached or dependent on family members, they often try to remain close to family members following them from room to room or around the house. This usually occurs in dogs that spend little to no time by themselves and/or as a puppy didn’t learn how to be alone, or keep itself occupied with toys.
Common Separation Anxiety behaviors.
Common stressors of separation anxiety in dogs can begin as soon as the owners show signs or prepare to leave the house, which is usually followed by:
- Vocalisation (whining, barking, howling),
- Destruction of possessions
- House soiling,
- Pacing or even escape attempts.
These behaviors can occur regardless of house manners as they are a response to stress, agitation and anxiety.
- Change of Guardian or Family / Moving Houses
Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter, rescued and re-adopted can trigger the development of separation anxiety in dogs. As well as, moving residences or areas especially if the dog has been at a particular home for the majority of its life.
- Change in Schedule
An abrupt change in schedule can trigger separation anxiety. For example, the change in schedule for those puppy parents who may now be back working in the office after working from home during COVID can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
- Moving Houses
Moving to a new residence especially can also trigger the development of separation anxiety – especially if your pup has been at one residence majority of their lives or during their puppyhood.
- Change in Household members
The sudden absence of a resident family member, either due to death or moving away, can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
As pooch parents, we all want our pooch’s feeling their best happy selves! Here are some ways to help/treat your pooch’s separation anxiety;
- Give your dog a special treat each time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). Only give them this treat when you’re gone, and take it away when you get home – this creates an association of your absence with a positive treat or reward.
- Make your comings and goings lowkey without a lot of greetings/goodbye’s. For Example when you get home ignore your dog for a few minutes until they have calmed down a bit!
- Leave some clothes or a blanket out that smells like you!
- Try some herbal or natural calming supplements.
- Keep your pooch busy, happy and pre-occupied throughout the day at Pooch and Play!
