Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Don’t Blame Fido

Dogs simply make our lives better. They show us how to love unconditionally, find happiness in simple togetherness and enjoy life to the fullest. In return, conscientious pet owners include their dog as part of their family for life. This is how it should be, but you may feel a little irritation with your dog if he begins to display the signs of separation anxiety when you are away.

When & Why It Happens

Dogs are capable of feeling a truly deep attachment to their human, and some dogs become extremely frightened when you go away to work, school or social functions. Your dog may not be able to understand that you’re only going to be away for a short period of time, and he may panic thinking that you’ll never return. This is what happens when your dog suffers from separation anxiety, and you may come home to a normally well-trained dog that has suddenly become horribly destructive and disruptive.

Canine Separation Anxiety Signs & Symptoms

If you see any of these behaviors in your dog, then you should suspect that he is suffering from separation anxiety.

• Loss of House Training: In your absence, you may expect your dog to wait to relieve himself or use a pet door to let himself out into a fenced yard. A well-trained dog that urinates and defecates throughout the house is showing clear signs of anxiety.
• Serious Destruction: Another common sign of anxiety is finding a destroyed home when you return. Dogs have been known to practically claw through the door, eat the furniture and chew up everything not nailed down.
• Uncontrolled Barking: Anxious dogs may also spend their entire day whining, barking and howling loudly. You may hear this when you drive up, or your neighbors may complain.

There’s Hope & Treatment

Your dog truly is your best friend, so don’t give up on him if his behavior turns bad due to separation anxiety. You should check with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems, and training can take care of his separation anxiety if the veterinarian finds no other problems.