Does your dog bark, howl, whine or urinate and defecate when left alone? Does he destroy your house or injure himself trying to escape from his crate or the house? If so, your dog may suffer from separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is distress some dogs experience when left alone or when separated from their owner(s). It can affect any breed at any age, but it is usually triggered by one or more events in the dog’s life. The following are examples of changes that can predispose a dog to separation anxiety:

• Change of ownership/family
• Moving to a new home
• Change of schedule (family member returning to work for long periods)
• Change in household membership (family member moving away)

Before considering treatment for separation anxiety, it is important to rule out any medical causes for the symptoms your dog is exhibiting. For example, inappropriate elimination can be caused by incontinence or a urinary tract infection and vocalizing can be the result of physical discomfort. It is therefore best to discuss your dog’s symptoms with your veterinarian to rule out any medical cause.

Secondly, it is important to distinguish between separation anxiety and boredom. A dog who chews on your shoes, gets into the garbage, or barks monotonously in your absence might simply be bored. Separation anxiety is associated with distress – the symptoms will be present every time you leave and will only occur in your absence.

If your dog is suffering from mild separation anxiety, there are several things you can try. Exercising your dog well before leaving him alone will tire him out. Leaving him with a interactive toy (such as a KONG stuffed with kibbles or treats) will keep him busy and will create a positive association to being alone. It is best to ignore your dog 15 minutes before leaving the house or for the first 15 minutes when returning. Remain calm and do not greet your dog until he is also calm. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to become overly excited when you return home.

If your dog suffers from more severe separation anxiety and begins to get anxious before you even leave the house, it is best to consult a trainer or behaviourist to help you develop a plan of desensitization and counter-conditioning. In severe cases, prescription medications are also recommended in combination with the training.

Dealing with separation anxiety can be difficult and frustrating, but it is important to remember that the behaviour is not due to malice on your dog’s part. It is a result of fear and anxiety. Therefore any form of punishment for the behaviour when you return home will only compound the problem as your dog will fearfully anticipates the return of the owner.

If you believe your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, whether it appears to be mild or severe, please contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital.