Guides and tips
Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs
When raising a puppy, it is important to be prepared for various behavioral issues to ensure a harmonious coexistence. One of these issues might be separation anxiety.
Timely recognition and understanding will help you prevent and effectively manage it.
Although it can also occur in older dogs, it primarily affects younger ones. That’s why it’s best to address the situation before it even manifests.
Guides and tips
What is separation anxiety?
Definition
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences intense stress as soon as you leave and continues to feel it until you return. Whether it's a puppy or an adult dog, separation anxiety manifests when the dog is left alone and shows signs of distress, which can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, resemble a panic attack.
As a responsible guardian, it’s important to establish the right foundations early on for a well-adjusted dog. Training, socialization, and gradual adaptation to being alone at home without you are key factors in prevention.
How is separation anxiety different from normal behavior?
Identification
Separation anxiety is more than just occasional whining when you leave or a few chewed-up items in the house. It’s not simply related to boredom and is not limited to the small damage a dog might cause when left alone. Instead, it stems from intense stress.
Before attributing chewed-up cushions or an "accident" in the house to separation anxiety, make sure it’s not simply due to a lack of training. Is your dog calm and well-behaved when you're present? Has it learned the basic commands?
A good way to assess what’s happening is to record your dog’s behavior with a camera when you're away!
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Indications
Signs of separation anxiety vary from dog to dog, but when they occur repeatedly, they may indicate the issue:
Nervous behavior. When the dog begins to feel anxiety about the upcoming separation from its guardian, it may exhibit nervous behaviors, such as pacing, whining, or trembling. These symptoms typically appear before you leave or during your absence. The dog senses the uncertainty and anxiety about what will happen when left alone, triggering a range of physiological stress responses.
Excessive barking. The dog's need to express its concern about the owner's departure may manifest as excessive barking or howling. This behavior aims to attract the guardian's attention and express its distress due to loneliness. Typically, the barking and howling are intense and may last for long periods during your absence.
Destructive behavior. Biting objects or digging is one of the most common manifestations of separation anxiety. Dogs often try to relieve their tension and frustration by biting or digging around doors and windows, which are associated with the guardian's departure. These behaviors often cause damage to the home and reinforce the cycle of anxiety.
"Accidents" inside the house. The failure of a dog to control its biological needs when alone can be a sign of separation anxiety. Biological incontinence inside the house typically doesn't occur when the dog is in the presence of its guardian but often happens when the dog is left alone and feels stress and agitation. In these cases, dogs usually cannot control their biological needs due to the intense anxiety they experience in your absence.
If your dog shows these signs, start with small changes today and don't hesitate to seek help from a professional. Patience and consistency are important!
Excessive salivation. Excessive drooling or panting is a natural physiological response of a dog’s body to stress and tension. When the dog is in a state of intense anxiety due to the guardian's departure, its body may react with increased drooling or panting. These symptoms are usually associated with the psychological distress caused by loneliness and the feeling of abandonment.
Intense escape attempts. In extreme cases of separation anxiety, the dog may make intense efforts to escape its environment, trying to find its guardian. This can lead to injuries in an attempt to escape from a confined space. These dangerous behaviors usually occur when the dog’s anxiety is so overwhelming that it cannot handle the situation without attempting to break free.
- Loss of appetite. When they experience intense stress due to the absence of their guardian, they may refuse to eat or drink water, even for a short period of time. This happens because the anxiety affects their digestive system, suppressing their appetite.
Guides and tips
What causes separation anxiety in dogs?
Reasons and causes
Separation anxiety can affect dogs of all ages and breeds but certain factors seem to trigger or worsen it. Understanding these causes is the first step in preventing and addressing the issue.
Below are the most common reasons that lead to separation anxiety:
An unprecedented experience
Dogs that have not learned to be alone from an early age are more likely to develop separation anxiety. If a dog is accustomed to constantly being in the presence of humans, the sudden absence of its guardian can cause it intense stress.
Precautions
Start from an early age with short absences, gradually increasing their duration. Provide the puppy with positive stimuli, such as toys that capture its interest, so that it associates your absence with something pleasant.
Traumatic separation experience
A dog that has experienced a traumatic separation, such as abandonment or time in a shelter, may struggle to cope with the absence of its guardian. Dogs that have undergone such experiences often develop intense anxiety when left alone, as they fear being abandoned again.
Precautions
Create a consistent daily routine so that the dog feels secure. Stability helps reduce the uncertainty that causes anxiety.
Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that can be managed with proper practices.
Terrifying event during the guardian's absence
A sudden or frightening event that occurs while the dog is alone, such as a break-in or loud noises, can trigger the onset of separation anxiety. Dogs who have experienced such events often associate their guardian's absence with danger and react with intense anxiety whenever they are left alone.
Precautions
Use cameras or other monitoring methods to check the dog's reaction when it is alone. In cases of noise-related fear, try leaving calming music or the sound of the television on to cover external noises.
Personality and character
The personality of the dog plays an important role in the likelihood of developing separation anxiety. Dogs that are more "attached" and constantly seek human presence are more susceptible to developing this behavior. Conversely, more independent dogs are less likely to exhibit intense anxiety when left alone.
Precautions
Enhance your dog's independence with small steps. Encourage it to remain in a different room for short periods, even when you are at home. Reward calm behavior without excessive hugs or enthusiastic reactions.
When left alone, it tests its own limits as well as yours in an effort to bring you back.
Changes in routine
Dogs appreciate stability and can be strongly affected by significant changes in their lives. Moving to a new home, the loss of a family member, or even a child leaving for studies can trigger separation anxiety. Gradual adaptation to the new conditions helps the dog feel more secure.
Precautions
When expecting changes in the routine, try to introduce them gradually. Give your dog time to adjust, keeping as many elements of the previous routine as possible.
Lack of sufficient physical exercise
Physical and mental exercise are essential for the dog's well-being. Dogs that do not release their energy through play, walks, and training are more likely to develop anxious behaviors when left alone. A tired and satisfied dog will be calmer during the guardian's absence.
Precautions
Make sure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise every day. A dog that has expended energy through play, walking, or training is more likely to relax when left alone.
Guides and tips
How to deal with your dog's separation anxiety
Ways to manage the behavior
We understand how frustrating it can be to return to a home full of damage and a stressed dog. Είναι ακόμα πιο δύσκολο για εκείνον. Ευτυχώς, υπάρχουν τρόποι να το διαχειριστείτε:
Create a positive association with being at home alone
The goal is for your dog to feel safe and relaxed when left alone. Start by creating a pleasant routine that includes positive experiences.
Leave them special toys that offer mental stimulation, such as treat-dispensing toys.
Give them their favorite bone or a safe chew toy, which they will associate with your absence.
Make sure the space they stay in is comfortable and safe.
Changes in their daily routine can worsen the situation, so try to gradually prepare them for upcoming changes.
Keep a low profile when leaving and returning
Intense emotional goodbyes or enthusiastic greetings increase the dog’s anxiety.
- When leaving, maintain a calm, neutral attitude.
- When you return, wait until the dog calms down before giving attention.
Encourage independence gradually
Overly “clingy” dogs struggle to stay alone.
Encourage your dog to stay in another room while you’re at home.
Do not reinforce clingy behavior or constant attention-seeking.
Allow them to rest in their own space without interruptions.
Avoid punishment
Punishment can worsen the dog’s anxiety, making them feel insecure and fearful.
If you return and find damage, ignore it.
Focus on prevention and positive reinforcement training.
Practice gradually leaving the house
Gradually familiarizing your dog with your absence is crucial.
Start by leaving them alone for a few seconds or minutes.
Gradually increase the duration, always with positive reinforcement when you return and the dog remains calm.
Avoid sudden, long absences until they get used to the short ones.
Reinforce physical and mental exercise
Exercise can significantly help reduce anxiety.
Before leaving, make sure your dog has had a long walk or play session to release energy.
Mental stimulation games (e.g., puzzles or positive reinforcement training) help them stay calm.
Consider using sounds and scents
Dogs find comfort in familiar sounds and scents.
Leave soft music or the sound of the television on.
Use your clothes with your scent in the area where they stay.
Use the crate for training only under the guidance of an experienced trainer or canine behaviorist
Consider seeking professional help
If separation anxiety is severe and doesn’t improve with the above techniques, you will need professional help.
An experienced trainer or canine behaviorist can design a personalized treatment plan.
In severe cases, a veterinarian may recommend supplements or medication for temporary support.
Guides and tips
Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a manageable condition with the right approach and patience. By creating a stable, positive environment and fostering your dog's independence, you can help them feel secure even when you're not home. Address the issue with love and consistency and your dog will become calmer and happier.
