Dogs are highly social creatures. They love spending time with their owners and relish being part of a tightly-knit family unit. However, sometimes it’s not always possible to bring our furry friends with us wherever we go. Commitments like work and school mean that we may have to leave our dogs alone at home for periods throughout the day. Some dogs can cope with this just fine. Others, unfortunately, cannot. Separation anxiety in dogs is an extremely common issue, and the effects can be incredibly stressful for both dog and owner.

It’s your duty as a dog owner to maintain the health and happiness of your pet. If you have to leave your dog alone throughout the day, you must know how to spot, prevent, and manage separation anxiety. Read on to find out more.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Dogs are dependent on their owners to provide them with everything they need. Food, water, and walks, as well as shelter and affection, dogs are keenly aware of all the things their owner provides for them and repay them with love and loyalty.

This means that dogs form strong bonds with their owners. If their owner was to leave them alone for any extended period, this could trigger separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is what is known as a stress response, it’s a dog’s reaction to the fear that their owner, who they rely on for survival, has left them and may not return.

Separation anxiety is incredibly common. In fact, research has suggested that it could affect as much as 20% of the global domestic dog population. Given that there are an estimated 470 million pet dogs worldwide, this means that upwards of 90 million dogs could be suffering from separation anxiety.

These numbers are impossible to ignore. As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to watch out for the signs of separation anxiety and take immediate action if necessary.

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Knowing the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety is essential. Every dog is different, which means they can express feelings of stress and anxiety in different ways. However, there are some common signs that could indicate your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. These include:

• Barking and howling
• Pacing and restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Destructive behaviour
• Urinating and defecating in the house
• Escape attempts

Separation anxiety dogs may display one or many of these symptoms. If your dog is displaying any of these signs when you leave them at home, this could indicate that they are suffering from separation anxiety.

Preventing Separation Anxiety 

The behaviours associated with this condition can be disruptive and upsetting for dogs and owners alike, which means it’s vital to know how to stop separation anxiety in dogs.

One of the most effective ways to prevent separation anxiety from developing is to ensure your dog is getting plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise. An active dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is better able to cope with the pressures of being left home alone.

Often, separation anxiety can be a result of pent-up energy as much as the stress of being left alone. If you need to go out and leave your dog, take them for a long walk or have an extended play session with them beforehand. This will tire them out and ensure you leave them feeling happy and satisfied, meaning they will likely sleep for the duration of your absence.

How to Manage Separation Anxiety

If your dog is displaying signs of separation anxiety, don’t despair. It can be an incredibly difficult time, but there are strategies and techniques you can implement that can help your dog better manage stress and negative emotions.

First, you need to teach your dog that it’s ok to be left home alone. This can be done by associating the dog’s bed or crate with positive emotions. Give your dog treats when they spend time in their bed and ensure there are plenty of fun toys nearby.

Second, modifying your dog’s behaviour so they are less attached to you is important. This can be done by limiting their time spent with you on the couch and stopping them from following you around the house by distracting them with treats and toys.

Finally, you should strive to reduce the time your dog is left home alone. This can make it easier for them to cope with being alone, and you can gradually increase the duration as they become more accustomed to it.

These coping skills should ideally be taught to your dog while they are a puppy, but with enough time and patience, even older dogs can benefit from them.

Conclusion 

Separation anxiety in dogs is a widespread and serious issue. Use the advice in our guide to spot the signs and help manage your dog’s separation anxiety. If you’re looking for more guidance, contact Best Buddies Dog Training and speak to a specialist.