What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
COVID-19 has allowed us a lot more time at home, and therefore, a lot more time with our pets. As we prep for a return to the office, it means that our time with our pups will unfortunately be much shorter. Therefore, something that is top of mind for many dog owners is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs is a very real concern when it comes to your pup’s health, wellbeing, and safety.
When a dog is hyper-attached to their owner and is left alone, they feel anxious and stressed. This results in them acting out or even attempting to escape. While the last thing we want is for our pups to feel distressed, it’s important to consider separation anxiety when planning your return to the office. For example, recognizing the signs and symptoms can help you determine if your pup can tolerate being left alone.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
#1: Frequent Urination and Defecation
Even housebroken dogs can suffer from this symptom. Separation anxiety causes them to have frequent accidents when left alone—especially for the first time. In extreme cases, dogs may also begin coprophagia (eating their own feces).
#2: Vocalization
While dogs are inherently social animals, being left alone can cause them to howl and bark excessively. Barking is a natural response. However, the more frequent it is can not only be annoying to your neighbours and you—but it is also a sign from them that they are in distress and unhappy.
#3: Destruction
When a dog feels distressed, they can act out in different ways. Separation anxiety often includes chewing, digging at doorways, breaking various objects around your home, and more. Not only does this cause damage to your home, but can also scratch your pup’s paws and even result in broken teeth.
#4: Anxious Behaviours
Whining, pacing, trembling, and more unusual behaviours in your pup are other signs of separation anxiety. These can occur when you’re about to leave and while you’re away. A telltale sign of separation anxiety is if these behaviours disappear while you’re at home.
How You Can Prevent It
Our pups deserve to feel constantly loved, valued, and appreciated. While we all want to spend every moment with our pups, this can sometimes be impossible. Especially when trying to balance home life with the return to the office. For both recent adoptions and older pups who have gotten used to the new norm, prevention should be top of mind.
One way to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs is counterconditioning. This involves training your dog to make new positive associations to situations that previously would have caused them discomfort. Leaving your pup alone for short bursts, rather than long periods of time can help them get accustomed to being alone. Additionally, putting on your jacket or jingling your keys at various times, not necessarily when you’re leaving, can help your pup disassociate those sights and sounds with your departure.
As one study notes, the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety is often a cause for owners to give up their pets. Recognizing these signs and symptoms early can benefit both you and your pup and make the transition back to work run smoothly.
How Dog Daycare Can Help
While counterconditioning is an effective way to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs, your pup could also benefit from dog daycare. Dog daycare helps with separation anxiety by giving your pup the chance to meet other dogs, exercise, and a routine. At The Pooches Playhouse, we understand how important it is to ensure your dog feels comfortable and safe, so we treat your dog like a part of the family.