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How To Prevent Separation Anxiety In Dogs

How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs
By Tess Thompson

Dogs are emotional animals and are generally ‘one-person’ pets. This means that their allegiance generally lies with one member of the family. Unlike cats, dogs are not too attached with the house. And this strong bond between the master and the pet brings about something called the separation anxiety.

Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety tend to exhibit undesirable behavior when they do not see their owners for a certain period of time. Separation anxiety in dogs can be triggered of after long periods of absence like after a vacation. A significant change in routine or a change of place of residence can also cause separation anxiety.

Distinguishing bad behavior from separation anxiety in dogs is simple. A dog suffering from separation anxiety is likely to follow the master from room to room. Sometimes anxious pets act in a strange manner even when the owner is another room with the door shut.

Undesirable behavior may include destructive behavior like scratching doors and window, excessive barking, attempt to escape, defecation at inappropriate places, inactivity, lethargy and loss of appetite. In rare cases, separation anxiety in dogs manifests itself in psychosomatic maladies like diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive coat licking.

Although dogs are prone to attachment due to their inherent nature, it is not uncommon for owners to inadvertently bring about anxiety in dogs. Moving the dog to a new home, taking the dog along to run errands, neglect and abuse are some of actions that can trigger separation anxiety in dogs.

Dealing with undesirable behaviors triggered by separation anxiety requires some element of planning. The planning needs to start as soon as you bring a puppy into your home.

To prevent separation anxiety, avoid situations that encourage an inordinate attachment. This makes it easier for the pet to live independently. Ensure that the dog does not follow you everywhere. Crate train your dog while he is still young.

Crate training done at a later stage and punishment do not produce the desired results. In case you have an adult dog that suffers from separation anxiety, you will need to slowly train him to accept your absence.

You can ensure this by leaving your dog for a few minutes and then returning and petting him and rewarding him if he does not show any signs of bad behavior. Continue this over time and slowly increase the length of time that you are away.

There are other things that you need to ensure. Don’t make going out a ritual. Don’t pet him excessively and feel guilty about leaving him alone. Dogs can sense feelings and if you are guilty about leaving him alone, there are chances that he can sense it. This causes anxiety. Throw some of your old clothes around the house before leaving to reassure your pet that you are there and shall be coming back.

Most of the times, the method of providing a “safety cue’ every time you leave your dog alone proves quite effective. A safety cue could be in the form of leaving a specific toy to play with or leaving the television or radio on or a phrase that you repeat every time you leave the house.

In some extreme cases relieving stress in pets may become difficult and you may have to resort to some anti-anxiety drugs to keep your dog calm. But you need to understand that these are temporary measures and are not permanent solutions towards your dog’s condition.