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Separation Anxiety In Dogs

SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS
By Tess Thompson

We all know that dogs are extremely attached to their masters. And many of us would have heard of instances where dogs whine and pine for their masters when they go away on a long vacation. Some dogs have also been known to exhibit mature behavior when their masters are in trouble or sick.

This attachment comes naturally to them especially if the dog has been brought into the house as a puppy. As a puppy the dog is genetically attached to the mother and the litter in which he is born.

When he is taken away from the litter and placed in a ‘foster’ home, he seeks that attachment. Since the owner provides him with the food and the love that he so desires, the object of attachment becomes the master by extension.

However, this healthy relationship between dog and owner can give rise to undesirable behavior if the dog becomes excessively dependent on the owner.

Separation anxiety in dogs is actually a symptom of the pet’s disapproval of being isolated from the owner. When you see one or all of the following signs in your pet you can suspect that your dog’s uncommon behavior is due to being separated anxiety.

Defecation and urination in inappropriate locations,
Destructive behavior like chewing and excessive digging
Excessive barking and whining
Depression or hyperactivity

These signs are not typical of only separation anxiety. But you can be sure that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety if these behaviors exhibit themselves when the master is not around or occur shortly after the master leaves the house.

The symptoms of separation anxiety can also vary among dogs. Some dogs get extremely aggressive while others show signs of depression. Aggressive behaviors include scratching and digging in an attempt to follow you, chewing on household items and whining and barking for long periods. This aggressive behavior normally peaks within half hour of departure.

Depressive behaviors include abstaining from food which can lead to bigger problems in cases of prolonged absences. Though quite uncommon, in some cases dogs develop conditions of diarrhea and vomiting or indulge in self mutilation.

Some dogs can sense an impending separation. This can give rise to undesirable behaviors even before the actual separation occurs. Your dog may follow you from room to room and show aggressive behavior the moment you show any signs of leaving.

Separation anxiety can be sparked off at any time due to certain environmental changes. Sudden change of place of residence, a drastic change in routine due to an event in the household or an event like a death in the family can lead to a sudden show of separation anxiety.

Learning the art of relieving stress in pets is not difficult. If you care enough for your pet, you will find solutions to the problem and go about desensitizing your dog to your absence.