Does Your Pet Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

01 Aug 2008

1 Aug, 2008 Training

It’s a pretty common problem – separation anxiety in dogs. There is the dog that looks a little put-out that the owner is leaving and not taking him, and then there is the dog that scratches through the screen on the window trying to get out of the house to follow his owner. The first example is natural, but the second is not.

There are many reasons why a dog can have separation anxiety. Dogs from shelters have been abandoned once and may feel that they’re being abandoned again. Dogs from pet stores can have anxiety because they’ve been taken away from their mothers too early.

Some dogs become anxious about being separated after changes occur in their lives. There may be a change in the family dynamics with a new baby, a divorce, loss of a roommate, or the death of another pet. Frequent moves or a change in the owner’s work schedule can bring on anxiety as well.

To help the pet, owners should take the time to ease them into any new changes. If they’ve moved cross country, added a new spouse, or started working nights, they should take some time to give their dog extra attention. Play with them and walk them. Exercise helps relieve stress in dogs too.

If the pet owner has to work long hours, they should consider hiring a pet sitter to come in during the day for a half hour to walk and play with the dog. If this becomes the new routine for the dog he doesn’t feel so isolated; he now has a friend to play with. Plus he’s more likely to take a nap afterward than scratch at the door.

Sometimes it helps to leave talk radio on or some low, soothing music.The radio can also cover up the sounds of people walking by outside, which can cause some dogs to go into a barking frenzy and become distressed.

It is helpful for the owner to say goodbye matter-of-factly. This is better than long, guilt-ridden, apologetic goodbyes because the pet will sense the owner’s guilt and it will make the pet feel even worse.

Another thing the owner can do is give the dog a job when he leaves. There are safe chew toys that can hold a treat that take some time for the dog to get out. Now they have a job to do while the owner is gone.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common problem, although the severity can differ. If your dog doesn’t like it when you leave, try these tips. If the problem is severe, contact a dog behavioral specialist.