Does your pup follow you around like a shadow? It’s not unusual for your furry family members to want to stay right by your side. But sometimes, their need to be attached to you can become so intense that they literally cannot bear it if you are not right there. Your dog’s separation anxiety can present some serious challenges that impact both you and your dog.

Dog separation is serious and needs to be treated. Let’s talk about the signs and causes as well as how to help your dog with separation anxiety.

What is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dog separation anxiety is real and is a condition where a dog responds to their human’s absence with anxious episodes. It’s more than just being a little bit fussy when you are out of their sight or out of the house. An anxious episode may last the whole time you are gone and can have harmful effects on your dog, both physical and mental.

What Causes Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dogs may experience separation anxiety for different reasons. Most of them are related to changes that occur in their lives. Some of the causes of separation anxiety for dogs may include:

• Routine Changes. Any changes to the normal routine, like if the parent starts a new job, works longer hours, or transitions from a remote job to an in-office job.
• Home Changes. Any changes to the home life, including if a dog has been rehomed, the family moves to a new home, or even a remodeling or reconstruction project.
• Family Changes. Any changes in the family setting can trigger separation anxiety, such as if a family member moves out, a baby is born, or a new roommate moves in.

Like humans, dogs respond differently to change. Some may demonstrate very little anxiety. But other dogs may become very stressed out. There isn’t any way to know why some dogs are more likely to experience separation anxiety and others are not. Even if your dog has been raised in a supportive environment with loads of attention and positive reinforcement, they can suffer separation anxiety. Don’t blame yourself, it’s not your fault!

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

How would you know for sure if your dog was suffering from separation anxiety? Since every dog is different, separation anxiety can look different for each dog. However, there are some common symptoms for you to look out for. If you notice these types of symptoms, it’s time to take some action to help them.

• Destructive Behaviors. New behaviors like chewing or clawing at walls and doors.
• Dogs may start barking and whining more.
• Especially if it happens only when you are gone.
• Potty Accidents. If your dog is house broken and starts having accidents mostly when you are away, they may have separation anxiety.
• If you notice they are walking back and forth restlessly.

Other signs your dog is feeling anxious include trembling, yawning, lip-licking, and panting.

Mild vs. Severe Dog Separation Anxiety

The main difference between mild and severe separation anxiety involves the intensity of the symptoms and behaviors.

Mild Separation Anxiety

Some of the signs your pup is experiencing mild symptoms include occasionally lightly whining or whimpering. They may seem slightly agitated or do some mild pacing. You may notice some slight changes in your pup’s appetite or some light drooling. They may also occasionally urinate or defecate in the house, even though they are house trained.

Severe Separation Anxiety

The intensity may be all that is different in the symptoms of severe separation anxiety. They may begin barking, howling, or whining intensely. Sometimes, they will vocalize the entire time you are gone. Dogs may exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing on furnishings, but it might become more dangerous and turn into self-mutilation. The pup may pace back and forth relentlessly in a fixed pattern. They may also try to get out of a confined area. If your dog consistently has potty accidents every time you leave them alone, they are probably suffering separation anxiety.

The severity of the anxiety your dog experiences dictates the approach taken to treat it. Milder forms may benefit from some basic behavioral interventions. More severe forms may need environmental changes, behavioral training, and possibly medication to help.

Can You Train a Dog with Separation Anxiety?

Training is one of the most effective ways to teach a dog to stay calm when they are left alone. However, before beginning any training program to treat your dog, make sure to check with the vet. A veterinarian will be able to confirm that the symptoms you’ve noticed are caused by separation anxiety, or if they are caused by a medical condition that needs attention.

Your veterinarian can make treatment recommendations that are specific to your dog, so they better fit their personality and lifestyle.

If you notice any signs of separation anxiety in your dog, don’t hesitate to check with your vet! Maybe you hope to start taking your dog with you more on walks, runs, or other outings. Order a custom ergonomic dog harness from BrilliantK9. We design the harness to fit YOUR dog, so you and your pup get the best experience possible.