Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a subject that is all to common. Especially in our "oh-to-busy" world. It occurs at any age or breed dog. It can occur when any household situations change. This article will be a three part addition to our blog.

What is Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is the exaggerated fear of being separated from his owner. They are simply afraid of being left alone.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

One must recognize Separation Anxiety is not the same as boredom.Boredom can present itself in some of the same ways, chewing, digging, pawing and bad behavior.
Separation Anxiety occurs the moment you leave, boredom occurs several hours later.
Dogs with separation anxiety, can make leaving the home an emotional and difficult situation. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to whine, bark incessantly, vomit, get diarrhea, pace, have depression, exhibit aggression, chew furniture, destroy blinds, rip up carpeting, eat drywall, climb bookcases, mutilate plants, scratch woodwork, windows and doors. If a dog has severe Separation Anxiety it can do thousands of dollars worth of damage, they can demolish everything in site. Not to speak of defecating and urinating everywhere. The list goes on and on. They may exhibit by dismay by barking, this can cause problems with neighbors and landlords.

Separation Anxiety presents itself in a different way than boredom. Example: When you go to the door to leave, he becomes anxious and may try to leave with you. You manage to get outside and close the door but you can still hear him whining and scratching on the inside. You are upset, your dog is upset and you do not know what you will find when you return. When you return, you find your house in a shambles, you get upset at your dog, who has been upset, and now, gets even more upset. This repeats itself time and time again, until you are ready to ship your dog away.

You will want to keep in mind with puppies Separation Anxiety is often normal, as in babies of the human kind, and with time they become more confident and adjust to being alone and on their own. Many times this can occur if the puppies are taken from thier mothers too soon. The other cause is puppie neglect.

With older dogs and adopted dogs there are other factors. Adopted dogs who may have been abused or had numerous homes are more likely to have Separation Anxiety. Older dogs may re-act when you move, or an new pet comes, or a baby arrives, even the death of a household member. It can be anything that disrupts the household structure. I once read "dogs and people with Separation Anxiety have parents and siblings with Separation Anxiety".

The Pack

Dogs are pack animals, once you bring them into your pack, they naturally wish to be with you all the time. Most adult dogs can be left alone for 8 hours or even longer if they have access to a yard to go to the bathroom. Normally they are bored but do not become problems. So consider these things and next blog will give helpful tips and information that can help.

Keep Your Dog Safe, Healthly and Happy!!