Separation anxiety is a prevalent behavioral problem among dogs, and accurately recognizing this condition is the initial step in effectively managing it. Below, we will explore the typical symptoms of separation anxiety and provide some resources to assist in handling it.
Ranging from excessive barking during your absence to overly enthusiastic greetings upon your return, here are 10 common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.
Before we delve into these symptoms, it’s crucial to understand that you’re not alone in facing this challenge, and it’s not necessarily a result of any mistake you’ve made—approximately 80% of dogs experience stress when left alone.
Barking & Howling
One of the most noticeable indicators of canine separation anxiety is a dog that barks or howls upon your departure. They might sit by the window and howl continuously or bark while confined in their crate. What characterizes this type of barking is its persistence and direct association with being left alone.
Pacing
Pacing is another frequent symptom of canine separation anxiety. Some dogs may pace back and forth near the door, while others might follow specific patterns throughout the house. If this behavior occurs only when their owner is away, it is likely caused by separation anxiety.
Urinating & Defecating
Some dogs may have indoor accidents when they are stressed, including anxiety stemming from being left alone. If your dog is house-trained but only has accidents during your absence, it is probably directly related to separation anxiety.
Salivating & Panting
Excessive salivation and panting can be signs of nervousness and anxiety, and some dogs with separation anxiety will display these behaviors.
Restlessness When Left Alone
A general sense of restlessness when you leave is another sign that your dog may have separation anxiety. If they are constantly getting up, checking windows, and seemingly unable to relax or nap, they are likely feeling anxious.
Trying to Escape
In severe cases of separation anxiety, dogs will attempt to escape from their confinement, whether it’s their crate or the house itself. They may chew through doors or even break windows, which can lead to serious injuries.
Destructive Behaviors (Chewing & Digging)
When left alone, some dogs exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or walls. If these behaviors only occur when they are alone, they are likely due to separation anxiety.
Clingy Behavior
If your dog refuses to leave your side when you return home, they might be experiencing separation anxiety. While a clingy dog doesn’t always have separation anxiety, if your dog stays close only after you come back, it’s probably because they are still recovering from the anxiety they felt during your absence.
Nervousness and/or Excitement When You’re Leaving
Dogs are intelligent and familiar with our daily routines. If your dog becomes nervous in the morning as you prepare for work, they are showing signs of separation anxiety. The ritual of getting ready triggers their anxiety because they know they will be left alone.
Overly Excited Greetings When You Get Home
We all enjoy coming home to a happy dog, but overly excited greetings can be a cause for concern. If your dog gets so excited that they urinate or cannot contain themselves and start trembling when you return, they might have separation anxiety.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Now that we’ve covered the symptoms of separation anxiety, it’s time to develop a management plan.
Regrettably, separation anxiety doesn’t resolve overnight, and it’s not a condition that dogs simply outgrow over time. However, there are straightforward steps you can take to help manage the behavior—provided it’s not a severe case, such as attempting to escape through windows, in which case consulting a professional trainer is advisable.
Here’s a concise overview of steps to get you started: Step 1: Keep your dog calm as you get ready. If you notice that brushing your teeth causes them to become agitated, offer them a treat during this activity to transform that part of your routine into a positive experience for them. Step 2: Help your dog get accustomed to your departures. Leave for short intervals to acclimate them to your absence, rather than having them stress over being left alone for 8 or more hours at a time. Step 3: Provide your dog with an activity when you leave. Frozen Kongs—a toy filled with frozen dog treats—are a favorite for this purpose; they give your dog something enjoyable and constructive to do, and since it’s frozen, it should last for a considerable period. Step 4: Teach your dog independent behaviors. By encouraging your dog to engage in activities on their own at a distance from you, you can help them learn that they don’t need to be right beside you to feel comfortable. Step 5: Ensure your dog gets adequate physical and mental exercise. If your dog is physically and mentally stimulated each day, they are much more likely to remain calm and well-behaved when you’re away. There are numerous ways to keep your dog occupied indoors and help tire them out.
More Resources For Managing Separation Anxiety
Unfortunately, there is no instant cure for separation anxiety, but with consistent application of these methods over time, it can be effectively managed.
Additional resources for managing separation anxiety include information from the ASPCA, VCA Hospitals, and the Humane Society of the United States.
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