Do you sometimes arrive home to find that your dog has made a mess? Your canine pal may have eaten a couch cushion, chewed up your shoes, or gotten into the trash. While these transgressions may seem like bad behavior, they typically indicate separation anxiety. Read on as a Mt. Airy, MD vet discusses this common dog condition.

Separation Anxiety: What Is It?

The very term Separation Anxiety is a good clue here. Many pets feel anxious while separated from their owners. Dogs are very susceptible. They are wired to work in packs and grow nervous when left alone.

Do Cats Have Separation Anxiety?

Yes! Separation anxiety affects cats too. We may mock Fluffy for being cold and aloof, but cats are incredibly emotional and very attached to their owners. Ask your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarians for tips on helping your kitty stay happy and comfortable when you’re out.

What Are The Top Separation Anxiety Signs?

Fido can’t express his emotions verbally, but his actions and manner will clue you in. As noted, if your dog messed up while you were away, it’s a pretty clear sign. 

There are other clues, though. Some more red flags:

• Barking
• Howling
• House Soiling 
• Restlessness
• Panting
• Pacing 
• Lip Licking

Fido may also indulge in destructive behaviors, such as digging, eating, or escaping. If your pet eats something unsafe, he could be in danger!

It may also be a warning sign if your dog is a bit too pleased to see you. That happy dance dogs make to greet their owners is adorable, but can be a sign that your pooch was anxious in your absence. 

How Do I Know If My Pet Has Separation Anxiety?

Monitoring Fido’s behavior can be difficult when he is left alone and experiences separation anxiety. If you suspect your pup has separation anxiety, get a camera and record your dog. Watch how Fido behaves after you leave. If he behaves differently on a “scheduled” outing like work than he does on unexpected absences, you may want to investigate. This can also be helpful if you’re getting noise complaints.

How to Reduce Dog Separation Anxiety?

Fido won’t meditate or go to therapy. There are ways to help your dog handle his anxiety, though.

Activity: Making sure your pet gets enough exercise can be helpful. Pent-up energy makes Fido extra uneasy and jumpy. A good doggy workout or play session will help him lose that edge.

Take Fido for a walk before work, and spend time playing with him. Hopefully, your dog will be tired after, and ready for a nap. He may even sleep through your absence, which would be ideal.

Entertainment: Boredom can be pretty upsetting to dogs. When left to stare at the walls all day, Fido can get restless. Give your dog something to do while you’re out.

Here are some suggestions:

• Puzzle Toys
• Kong Toys 
• Dog TV
• Smart Toys

A good view may also please your canine buddy. Give your pet a window view if possible. He may watch for you, especially after you go home. He may also like watching birds and squirrels and doing noseprint art on windows.

Of course, Fido needs stimulation at home. Play with your pet daily and visit new places while walking him. Training also helps with both enrichment and bonding, not to mention improving Fido’s petiquette.

Ask your Mt. Airy, MD vet for particular guidance.

Behavioral Counseling: In extreme circumstances, consider behavioral counseling. A professional evaluation can be enlightening.

What Should I Not Do With An Anxious Dog?

Remember that Fido is merely expressing his angst in the best manner he knows how, not destroying your belongings. Disciplining Fido for behaving up in your absence may make things worse. Dogs think and digest information differently than we do, and they don’t really understand punishment. Fido may not associate your emotion with his behavior, especially afterward. He may even become anxious, because he won’t understand why you’re upset. Focus on positive reinforcement. Of course, you don’t want to go too far in that direction, either. Don’t coddle Fido when you get home or fret about coming and going. That rewards his misbehavior!

Which Dog Breeds Have Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is more common in some breeds than others, though any pup can get it. Chihuahuas, Labs, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Bichon Frise have high separation anxiety.

Fido’s history also comes into play. Rehomed dogs often have separation anxiety. This is unfortunately common in shelter dogs, likely because many of them have been abandoned or separated from their owners. 

At the end of the day, separation anxiety is a facet of Fido’s devotion. Our canine friends are incredibly attached to their humans and get very distressed when separated from them.

Schedule A Visit To Our Mt. Airy, MD Pet Hospital 

Do you suspect your dog has separation anxiety? Feel free to contact us anytime. Your Mt. Airy, MD pet hospital is here to help!