Dog Separation Anxiety
“My Dog Loves Me So Much It Can’t Part
with Me!”
Everyone says that a dog is a man’s best friend. Though
all pets return the feelings of their owners, the love and
affection that dogs provide cannot be compared to other animals.
Often this affection will get out of control, when the dogs
become too emotionally attached to their owners. So much so,
that any time spent apart becomes intolerable for the dog
and he or she becomes a victim of dog separation anxiety.
However, not all dogs show this behavior; dog separation
anxiety is often seen in dogs which have a history of being
abandoned by their mother. These dogs usually spend their
lives in shelters or pet shops and so become overwhelmed with
the attention given attention by their new owners. Some dogs
show the symptoms of dog separation anxiety during a new environment
or a new owner.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety
Almost all dogs which experience dog separation anxiety tend
to show destructive behavior after their owner’s departure.
They usually go around knocking things out of place or chewing
on shoes. Or, 20-30 minutes later, they may start a period
of howling or barking endlessly. The most typical sign of
dog separation anxiety is the excessive greeting behavior
which can be observed when their owner returns.
All in all, the dog is seen to go through a series of psychological
changes, which are not seen in the same dog when his owner
is around. Dog separation signs are more hyperactive, though
some dogs prefer to become slow and depressed. They may even
defecate or urinate in inappropriate places, even though trained
well before.
As the time goes, dogs begin to sense the imminent departure
of their master. They follow their loved one from room to
room and scratch and dig at the door after their owner has
left.
How to Treat Dog Separation Anxiety
Dog separation anxiety is not fatal, and can be overcome
with the dog training given by owner. The dog should be slowly
taught to spend time on his own. Make these intervals short
at first and then increased in length over time. Professionals
will often advise the owner to let the dog run around and
exercise before he is to be left alone. This will hopefully
wear him out and let him take a nap while his owner is out.
A heavy meal might do the same as well.
Vets who are familiar with this problem sometimes will prescribe
medication to treat dog separation anxiety. But in most cases
gradual training of the dog will help him out of this phase
and allow you to enjoy a fulfilling relationship with your
pet.
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