A common complaint dog owners have is that their dog is destructive or disruptive when left alone. Your dog may bark, howl, destroy furniture, or have accidents in the home. Fortunately, a lot of people think that their dog has separation anxiety and it turns out to be something much less distressing for your pup. Your dog may simply be suffering from boredom, lack of exercise, or the need to brush up on basic obedience training.
How to Tell if your Dog has Separation Anxiety
When dogs suffer from separation anxiety, they are in extreme distress. They essentially are experiencing a panic attack that lasts for the ENTIRE DURATION of time that they are left alone. Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety become anxious when they notice their owners preparing to leave the home. Other dogs become distressed after their guardian leaves. Other dogs try to prevent their parents from even leaving in the first place. If your dog has separation anxiety, the vocalizations will start within minutes of being left alone. When the owner returns home, the pup acts like it has been weeks since they’ve seen them.
The Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
There are several signs of separation anxiety to look for in dogs. One symptom is constant vocalizations that do NOT stop while you are gone, such as barking, howling, or whining. Other signs include panting, drooling, damaging the exits of your home, or urinating or defecating while you are away. Your pup may even trot or pace along a specific path if they are agitated. If any of these symptoms occur while you are home, then your pup probably isn’t suffering from separation anxiety. Your dog may simply need more exercise or mental stimulation on a daily basis. Or your pup may need to revisit basic obedience training. Setting up a pet camera to observe your pup while left alone may help you diagnose the cause of the problem.
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