What Is Dog Separation Anxiety and How Do I Fix It?

Dogs can sense whether their handlers are leaving or not leaving the house. They usually bark, whine and would watch from the window as their owners are leaving. This kind of behavior is often disregarded by dog owners but you need to be aware that this is a serious matter. You should not ignore this kind of separation anxiety because it may cause a threat to your dog's health. 

Here are some tips to help with separation anxiety.

THE DETAILS

• Stress and behavioral problems can easily be noticed in dogs with separation anxiety. Dogs will bark and whine when they are left alone or when they notice that you are making preparations to leave.

• Dogs frequently follow their owners as a sign of separation anxiety. One of the common indications to determine that your dog has this kind of illness is when he frequently follows you in every corner of the house. They want you in their sight!

• A dog with this illness will react quickly when you leave. It doesn't matter whether you're gone for a few minutes or hours. This anxiety in your dog takes place immediately when they sense you are leaving.

• There isn't a definite cause for this kind of anxiety. Dogs may come up with this condition due to many reasons. It may be past experiences at a different period in their lives.

• There are different indications of this illness in different kinds of dogs. Some dogs will whine or bark excessively, destroy things at home, scratch at doors, walls, or floors, immoderate salivation, or strives to escape from a crate or a room.

• Think about the scenes that can arouse the illness. Be prepared to make immediate changes in your habits. When you start with a new dog you need to learn what it expects. You can train the dog, but at times, it may be easier to change the way you do things.

• Don't make a bad situation worse. If your dog suffers from mild separation anxiety, teach him to build his confidence so that he will understand that your absence is not a big deal. To do this, ignore him for few minutes before petting him again. Sometimes it is the simple things that make big differences.

• Give him something to keep him busy before you leave. Being busy may make the separation easier for your pet. Give him something like toys to play with, but make sure it won't cause him any harm.

• Make him a comfortable shelter. Turn his shelter into a comfort zone with plenty of toys to avoid boredom. A piece of clothing with your scent on it works to help your pet relax.

• Crating a dog with this illness is not a good idea. It can make the situation even worse. Dogs with separation anxiety might hurt themselves trying to get out a crate. They may also urinate and defecate.

• Avoid punishments. They have already suffered emotionally so punishing them is too much. Dogs with symptoms of this illness must be treated with love, patience, and understanding.

• Seek veterinary care if your dog's separation anxiety becomes severe. Professional help is a must when the condition becomes severe. You want your pet to be happy so you can enjoy them for many years.

BOTTOM LINE

All indoor pets become a little distressed when their handlers leave the house. But most understand that it won't be too long before their owner returns. But dogs with separation anxiety fear that their owner is never coming back so they become mentally and emotionally stressed and may even try to escape the house. Sometimes it is annoying but keeping the fact that it is our responsibility to provide for our pet. If we don't treat the condition it will get worse. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, take action as soon as possible!

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