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7 Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety
Dog separation anxiety occurs when dogs form a dysfunctionally
strong attachment to their owners. Dogs who have experienced
multiple traumas, abuse or abandonment, such as those who come
from puppy mills, pet shelters, pet stores or those who have had
multiple owners, are considered to be at the highest risk of
developing separation anxiety. These dogs display signs of
over-attachment when with their owners, and become genuinely
distressed when left alone. Here are some of the signs of pet
separation anxiety.
1) Bad Behavior Occurs Only When the Owner Is Absent
Dogs with separation anxiety misbehave when their owners are
absent. This is because a dog who suffers from separation
anxiety might feel a high level of tension when parted from his
owner. Because dogs can't bear anxiety and tension, they'll
engage in destructive behavior to relieve it. Some examples of
the sort of behavior displayed by anxious dogs include:
- Soiling the house
- Chewing, digging or scratching
- Destroying the owner's property, especially things that
may bear the owner's scent
- Howling, barking or whining
- Excessive grooming
2) Chewing, Digging and Scratching Occurs Near Doors or
Windows
Marks left by digging, chewing and scratching around doors or
windows are indicative of something veterinary behaviorists call
"barrier frustration." These areas represent avenues of escape
for the anxious dog. If you're crate training a dog with
separation anxiety, the dog's destructive behaviors might be
directed at the crate itself. Dogs often injure themselves
during such escape attempts.
3) Barking, Howling and Whining
During the Owner's Absence Dogs with separation anxiety often
vocalize their distress when separated from their owners. Dogs
do this in an attempt to reunite themselves with the family.
Some dogs vocalize when the owner leaves them; others vocalize
only while the owner is absent. Some owners don't realize that
their dog is barking, whining or howling during their absence
until neighbors complain.
4) Over-Attachment to the Owner When He Is Present
Dogs with separation anxiety may display signs of
over-attachment when the owner is present. These behaviors
include:
- Following the owner excessively
- Becoming anxious when the owner prepares to leave
- Greeting the owner over-exuberantly when he returns
5) Inappropriate Elimination
Many dogs with separation anxiety mess in the house when
they're separated from their owners. This isn't due to a break
in housetraining. It occurs because the dog becomes so anxious
that he loses control of his bowels and bladder. It's a
physiological response to stress, and usually occurs about half
an hour after the owner leaves the house.
6) Physical Symptoms
Many dogs suffering from separation anxiety exhibit physical
symptoms as well. These can include:
- Reduced activity level
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Excessive salivation
These symptoms are part of your dog's physiological response
to stress. To treat them, you need to resolve the separation
anxiety.
7) Displaying Anxiety
When the Owner Prepares to Leave Dogs with separation anxiety
will often display anxiety when they see their owner preparing
to leave. They are so needy that the very thought of being left
alone makes them feel anxious. Dogs may also display signs of
aggression towards an owner who is preparing to leave,
including:
- Mouthing
- Growling
- Nipping
- Snarling
- Body blocking
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