Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs: TIPS AND STRATEGIES

Separation anxiety is a condition caused by a dog’s fear of being alone. And it’s a big problem for dog owners …

Behaviors caused by separation anxiety in dogs are problematic and exhausting. But they’re also manageable with the right approach.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can cause behavior problems in dogs when they’re left alone. Common symptoms of separation anxiety may include one or more of the following:

• Scratching and digging near doors and windows
• Trying to escape
• Destructive behavior such as chewing door frames or other items
• Barking, whining or howling
• Excessive salivation
• Chewing on or licking themselves

In extreme cases, your dog may even urinate or defecate because of the physiological effect of prolonged stress.

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, dogs are hardly, if ever, alone. That’s why they get nervous when they’re alone. And it’s why many dogs will suffer from separation anxiety when they’re separated from the people that they perceive as their pack!