Separation Anxiety - How to Help Your Dog?

Does your dog scratch at the door when you leave him alone at home? Maybe he howls and barks when he sees you leaving without him, or chews on your shoes in your absence? As a social and pack animal, a dog definitely feels more comfortable in the company of people he is attached to. For this reason, he never feels fully comfortable when he has to stay alone for a few hours. However, there is a difference between natural discomfort and a mental issue that makes it difficult for the dog to function daily and can lead to many undesirable situations. Separation anxiety - what is it? Where does it come from? How does it manifest, and how can you deal with it?

Separation Anxiety in Dogs - Symptoms

How does separation anxiety manifest in dogs? There are many ways this mental state can be expressed by animals. Some dogs experience it more intensely, while others less so. Depending on the character, temperament, and previous socialization, the dog may chew on shoes, urinate on furniture, run around the house, make various sounds, or scratch at the doors.

Separation anxiety in dogs can also manifest in a completely different way. The animal becomes apathetic, refuses to eat, can't sleep, and stays in a secluded spot, making quiet, barely noticeable sounds.

To summarize, the most common signs that should worry you include:

•  lack of appetite or excessive hunger
•  muscle tension
•  diarrhea / defecating in the house
•  trouble sleeping
•  barking, howling, whining
•  distraction
•  running in circles
•  destroying owner's belongings

Your dog may also try to chase after you and follow you. In a moment of anxiety, he may try to escape outside, dig under the fence, or jump over it to follow his guardian. In a rush of fear and panic, a sudden adrenaline surge may cause the dog to try to overcome obstacles at any cost, which can lead to problems returning home.

Just in case, ensure your dog has a microchip, and don't forget that the only way for the chip to work is by registering your dog. Only a chipped dog, whose data, along with the owner's information, is stored in the Central Dog Register, such as WORLDPETNET, has a chance to be quickly found and notify the owner about where their dog is waiting for pickup.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs at Night

If from the beginning, you let your dog sleep in your bed, he may later have trouble with isolation, even during the day. Separation anxiety at night occurs in dogs that cannot relax properly, stay in a separate room, or do not have their own designated sleeping space. Your companion needs to know he has a spot just for him.

Separation Anxiety in Rescue Dogs

Separation anxiety in rescue dogs is often related to their emotional state and traumatic past. Dogs that feel insecure may fear the loss of the "pack" they created through adoption. As a result, they want to stay with their guardian at all costs because their absence reminds them of a loss they don't want to experience again.

If you, as the dog's owner, are his whole world and provide positive stimuli that he couldn't rely on before, there is a high probability that separation anxiety will develop, which you will have to work through together with your pet.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs - Exercises

How can you help a dog with separation anxiety? The best way to prevent your dog from suffering from psychological issues related to separation anxiety is consistent socialization and gradually preparing him for your absence. However, if it's too late for that, help your dog deal with his fears step by step.

How to Eliminate Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

You should start with exercises that help the dog get used to the new situation and reassure him that nothing bad is happening.

•  First, ensure the dog has a designated space for himself - this should include his bed, blanket, toys, and a treat.
•  Start by leaving the room while he's occupied with his favorite snack. Remember to close the door to clearly isolate yourself from the dog.
•  Is the dog fine? Move on to the next step. Start going farther away and for longer periods.
•  Is the dog whining? Give him time to calm down. The initial reaction to anxiety is panic. If he notices nothing bad happens despite your absence, he will slowly start to relax.
•  Your emotions matter! Stay calm, don't stress, and behave as you normally would. Otherwise, the dog will sense something has changed and anxiety will begin to grow.
•  Train with your dog regularly to reinforce positive stimuli and help him get used to the new reality he must adapt to.

Does Separation Anxiety in Dogs Go Away?

It is possible to overcome separation anxiety in dogs. However, you need to be patient, consider the individual dog's predisposition to being left alone, and try to understand his emotions to better manage them and respond accordingly. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to change every dog's behavior on your own. If you don't see progress, ask for help from a dog behaviorist.