Dog Separation Anxiety It is an increasingly common condition, and can have major impacts on the dog and the owner. Because animals that are suffering from this behavioral disorder present physical, physiological and behavioral signs. Continue reading and find out more!
After all, what is separation anxiety in dogs?
For pet owners, there is no doubt about the existence of a dog’s feelings, as there are many moments in which these emotions become evident.
As a result, some pets end up creating strong bonds and intense independence from their owners, and this can trigger separation anxiety.
A crucial point of this behavioral issue is that pets that are suffering from separation anxiety disorder only change their behavior when they are alone, without people in their family, or when there is a barrier between the pet and humans, such as for example, a closed door or gate.
What are the most common signs?
The main ones separation anxiety symptoms They are strongly linked to physical, physiological and behavioral signs.
The most common signs are:
- Urinate or defecate in an inappropriate place;
- Apathy, that is, the pet does not eat, drink water or play;
- Destroy objects, toys, furniture, among others;
- Vocalize excessively (barking nonstop, howling, whining, etc.).
- Excessive salivation;
- Dog very panting;
- Pet inquieto;
- Animal paralyzed, motionless.
How do these animals behave when no Are you alone?
Dogs that are suffering from separation anxiety, when they are accompanied by their family, may display behaviors that appear to be completely common, however, it is necessary to be careful. Among them are:
- Pet following the owner all the time;
- Excessive affection and licking of the owner;
- Barking and crying a lot;
- Aggressiveness when approaching the owner;
- Dog scratching the doors of the house.
What causes dog separation anxiety?
This behavior can arise for a variety of reasons, but mainly due to strong emotional bond that the animal develops by its owner, lack of physical stimuli e routine changes.
An interesting fact is that many dogs that had never shown signs of separation anxiety, sometimes when they get older, start to show these signs after some change in their routine.
For example: moving house, longer trips by the owner, change in the owner’s routine (e.g. going back to work, starting to spend more time at work…), staying in dog hotels with lots of animals and a high level of stress, changes in social ties (e.g. birth of a guardian’s child, the entry of a new pet into the family).
How to find out if your dog suffers from separation anxiety?
First of all, it is important to highlight that the diagnosis dog separation anxiety must be carried out by a professional in the field of animal behavior. Many other problems can have as symptoms the animal’s behavioral change.
However, the professional will collect important information, such as life history, as well as habits of the family and the animal. This way it is possible to diagnose and treat the pet.
Therefore, it is very important to know, for example, how the animal behaves when they leave the house or when they return to the house.
Therefore, evaluating the signs, such as inappropriate peeing, destruction of things in the house, excessive vocalization and all the other signs mentioned above are essential.
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