“Separation anxiety” is the term used to describe the stress or anxiousness experienced by an individual dog brought on by the leaving(or preparing to leave) of its guardian.
Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behaviour problems when they are left alone. Typically separation anxiety occurs within the first hour after their guardian leaves.
The most common ways that dogs express their anxiety:
- Urinating and/defecating in the house when left alone.
Image: Google Images
- Barking and howling. Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety might bark and howl persistently. This does not seem to be triggered by anything other than being alone.
- Chewing, digging and destruction. Some dogs chew objects, dig at doors, fences, windows or gates, or destroy household objects when left alone. This can result in self-injury, e.g. broken teeth, cut/scraped paw pads and torn/damaged nails.
- Escaping. Dogs with separation anxiety might try to escape from the area where they are confined when left alone or separated from their guardian. This too can lead to injury.
- Pacing. Some dogs with separation anxiety might walk/trot along a specific pattern when alone. Some move around in a circular pattern, while others walk back and forth in a straight line.
- Coprophagia. When left alone, some dogs defecate and then consume all/some of their excrement.
In some cases the dog will stop eating, act depressed, hide, whine or pant when left alone or even while their guardian prepares to leave. Other might even try to prevent their guardian from leaving. These dogs will usually behave in an excessively excited manner when their guardian returns home.
What causes separation anxiety?
It is not fully understood exactly why some dogs develop separation anxiety. It is important to realise, however, that the destruction and/or house soiling that occurs with separation anxiety, are NOT the dog’s attempt to punish or get back at you, but are actually part of a panic response.
Some situations that can trigger separation anxiety
- when a dog that is used to contact is left alone
- following a long interval, e.g. a vacation during which the guardian and dog were constantly together
- after a traumatic event (from the dog’s point of view), e.g. a period of time spent in a boarding kennel or shelter
- moving to a new home
- changing of gaurdian/family
- change in the family routine or structure
- loss of a family member or other pet due to death or moving away
Is it separation anxiety?
Because there are many reasons for the behaviours associated with separation anxiety, it is essential to correctly diagnose the reason for the behaviour before proceeding with the treatment. Consulting your vet is an important step.
If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:
- the behaviour occurs primarily when he is left alone or typically begins soon after you leave
- he follows you from room to room when you are home
- he reacts with excitement, depression or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house
- he displays over excited, frantic greeting behaviour upon your return
- he dislikes spending time outdoors by himself
How to treat separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is based on fear. It is important to assure your dog that it is safe when you are not present and that you will return. By gradually eliminating your dog’s fear and fostering a sense of safety for him, many behaviours can change. It is important for your dog to stay calm before you leave and when you return.
- Treating minor separation anxiety
- Don’t make a big deal out of departures and arrivals.
- Leave your dog with an article of clothing or a blanket that smells of you.
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- Leave your dog with a puzzle toy or treat dispensing toy that will keep him busy, drawing his attention away from you leaving. (Remove these toys when you return home, so that he only has access to them when he is alone.)
- Establish a safety cue – a word or action that you use everytime, and only when, you leave that tells your dog you’ll be back.
- Consider using an over-the-counter calming product, e.g. CalmEze, NutriCalm, NurtureCalm Collar, Pet Alive Pet Calm, Adaptil defuse or collar, Happy Hound.
- Treating severe separation anxiety
- The main treatment for more severe cases of separation anxiety is a symptomatic process of getting your dog use to being alone.
- Step 1: begin by going through your normal departure activities then sit back down
- Step 2: go through your normal departure activities, go to the door and open it and then sit back down
- Step 3: follow steps 1 and 2, but step outside the door, leaving it open, then return
- Step 4: finally, step outside the door, close it behind you then immediately return. Slowly get your dog use to being alone with the door closed between you for several seconds.
- Proceed very gradually from step to step, repeating each step until your dog shows no signs of distress. When your dog is tolerating you being on the other side of the door for several seconds, begin short duration absences. This step involves giving your dog a verbal cue, e.g. “I’ll be back”, leaving and then returning within a minute. Remember to keep your return low-key. Gradually increase the length of time you are gone.
- Once your dog can handle short absences (30 to 90 minutes in length), he’ll usually be able to handle longer intervals alone. You can also consult your vet about the possibility of drug therapy to reduce his anxiety while you’re gone. This should be used in conjunction with behaviour modification techniques.
- The main treatment for more severe cases of separation anxiety is a symptomatic process of getting your dog use to being alone.
What NOT to do
- Do NOT scold or punish your dog. Anxious behaviours are not the result of disobedience or spite. They are distress responses! If you punish him, it could only worsen the problem.
- Getting another dog usually does not help an anxious dog, because his anxiety is the result of his separation from you.
- Leaving the radio/TV on.
- Obedience training, as separation anxiety is not the result of disobedience or lack of training.
Sources/additional reading:
Does you dog freak out when you leave – Humanesociety.org
Separation anxiety in dogs – Petmd.com
Separation Anxiety – PAWS.org
Separation Anxiety – ASPCA.org
