Could My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

If your dog whines and barks incessantly when you’re not at home, he could be experiencing separation anxiety. Destructive chewing and scratching at doors or windows can also be signs of a panicked animal and not an ill-behaved one. If your pet paces, drools or urinates when left alone, this could mean he feels frightened and unsafe.

In most incidences of separation anxiety, the offending actions are the same each time and are generally only displayed when you’re away from home. For instance, a dog may always pace and drool while you’re absent from the house, but she will never do this when you’re with her.

Some breeds are just more predisposed to separation anxiety, while other dogs have had trauma or loss that sparks the condition. Not surprisingly, animals who have spent time in shelters are more likely to experience this type of panic. Whatever the cause, it’s important not to discipline your dog for behavior he can’t control. However, it is crucial to address the problem as it can be compromising your pet’s physical and psychological health.

In milder cases, it is possible to treat with conditioning strategies that define solitary time as a pleasant experience. Try giving a food toy like a Kong when you’re leaving, or perhaps hide small treats in places to be sniffed out while you’re away. Approach your arrivals and departures as a quiet, unemotional event, so this means no fuss when greeting or saying goodbye to your pet.

Also, an animal who receives sufficient exercise will be a calmer, happier pet, so make sure he gets sufficient opportunity to burn off that extra energy. Ball catching, running and playing with other dogs off leash can be the perfect outlet.

Sometimes professional help is required, but remember this is not a problem of disobedience. It’s terror. An animal behaviorist who has knowledge of counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques could help. Get referrals from your veterinarian or other trusted resources such as an animal welfare agency.