Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common problem among dogs, although there is a big range of severity.  If you dog has separation anxiety that means she becomes anxious and stressed when separated from you.

If your dog gets uptight when you start your pre-leaving ritual (putting on your coat, looking for your car keys, etc.) then she has separation anxiety.  Your dog knows your routine and will start following you around and maybe whining or panting.  Other dogs might appear mad - they stiffen up and won't look at you when you say goodbye. 

Anxiety behaviors while you are gone can include barking non-stop, destructive behavior, scratching at the walls, eliminating in the house, digging if outside, howling, and chewing on or excessively licking themselves.

Why?

* Your dog might be from a shelter. They've been abandoned by their previous owner and this naturally makes them think their current owner might do the same.

* Your pup is from a pet store and has probably been removed from its mother too early.

* She feels the loss of a companion pet.

* You have moved into a new house.

* There has been a change in the family such as a new baby, grown child gone off to college, the new step-family moved in, etc.

* A change in the owner's work schedule.

* Lots of recent long trips by the family, neglect.

When you think about it, any of these things can be quite stressful and it's no wonder they can have problems coping.

What you can do:
 
* Give your dog plenty of exercise.  Exercise is a great stress reliever, plus they will benefit from more of your undivided attention.  It will help them feel more relaxed while you are gone from the house.

* Don't leave your pet alone for too long.  If your work schedule keeps you away for longer than 8 hours, hire a petsitter to come in for a half hour every day and give your dog some loving attention and exercise.

* Leave the radio on with some soothing classical music, or the TV on low so there are human voices in the background.

* Give your dog something to do while you're gone.  Try giving her a frozen treat inside a Kong or some other toy that requires her to work to get the treat out.  Give her a safe chew toy that requires lengthy chewing.

* Leave a blanket with your smells on it in her bed for comfort.

* Don't be apologetic or have lengthy good-byes when you leave and don't  fuss too much when you return.  This reinforces your leaving as a bad thing.  Be matter of fact.

* Don't punish your dog for something she did hours ago and has long forgotten.  

Many dogs have separation anxiety in varying degrees.  Try the above ideas to help her cope.  If she's got it bad, then seeking professional help may be in order.