Dogs are loyal companions, well-known for their affection, energy, and constant desire to be near their humans. But what happens if your pup just really can’t handle being alone?
If your pup barks excessively when you’re gone, even for a short time, destroys furniture, or has accidents inside the house despite already being potty trained, then you might be dealing with a case of separation anxiety.
Knowing exactly what this looks like and what you can do to help ease your dog’s distress can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your furry friend’s happiness and your peace of mind.
How can I tell if my dog has separation anxiety? Read on to discover new ways to help your furry companion.
What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like in Dogs?
Separation anxiety is when your pup becomes extremely stressed when they are left alone or separated from you. This goes beyond just a simple whimper or sad eyes at the door before you head off to work—it’s actually more like a full-blown panic response. Just like humans, that level of intense anxiety can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Common Causes of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety doesn’t discriminate and can easily affect any breed or age of dog. However, here are some triggers you will want to keep an eye out for with your pup:
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Change in routine: Let’s say you were working remotely from home but then had to return to the office. This change can trigger your pup, who is used to you being around all day.
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Adoption from a shelter: Does your new best friend have a history of abandonment? This can make their separation anxiety worse.
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Sudden absence of a family member: If someone was coming around often and your pup warmed up to them only for them to disappear, or they lose someone who was acting as another primary caregiver, these can also be triggers.
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Change in environment: An example of this would be if you were to move to a new home
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Lack of proper socialization: If they didn’t have any socialization during puppyhood, it could trigger some anxiety later on.
In some cases, you might even discover that your dog is genetically predisposed to anxiety, while others develop it due to trauma or prolonged stress in their lives.
Signs Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Do you suspect your dog is having big feelings when you leave the house, and it might be more than just an annoyance to them? Here are some signs to watch for if you think your pup is suffering from separation anxiety.
Destructive Behavior
Chewed-up door frames, scratched floors, shredded blinds — these can be a human’s nightmare and are definitely red flags. Dogs with separation anxiety often try to find a way to escape or express the panic they’re feeling by destroying items in the house, especially if those items just happen to be near their exit points.
Excessive Barking and Howling
How many times do your neighbors come to you with complaints about your dog’s howls, cries, or non-stop barks when you’re gone? These could be seen as signs of separation anxiety and not just mild protests every time you dare leave your house.
Indoor Accidents
If your dog has separation anxiety, they might start urinating or defecating inside the house even if they’re fully potty trained and used to going outside. It can be frustrating, but you need to remember that it is just a stress response and not a behavioral issue.
Pacing or Restlessness
Have you noticed your pup pacing in repetitive patterns lately? Maybe they make circles or go back and forth along a hallway, especially right before you leave or after you leave.
Drooling or Panting
Separation anxiety can show itself in other physical ways as well, like through drooling and panting. These usually happen when you’re away and can be signs of serious distress.
Escape Attempts
If your pup has turned into a real Houdini and is always looking for his next escape, you will probably start noticing them trying to break through crates, windows, or doors in a desperate attempt to reunite with you. This often results in injuries.
Overexcitement When You Return Home
We all love how happy our pups are when they greet us at the door when we get home, but if that greeting starts to be overly intense or long-lasting, it could be a symptom of anxiety.
How to Confirm It’s Separation Anxiety
All the signs might be there, but you still need to be absolutely sure that your pup is suffering from separation anxiety. Sometimes it can be something simple like boredom, a lack of exercise, or another issue. So, to be sure, try the following:
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Set up a camera to observe your pup’s behavior when you’re away.
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Take note of the timeline because some dogs with separation anxiety will start showing signs within minutes of you stepping out of that door.
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Compare behaviors and note if it’s destructive or anxious behavior, and if it only happens while you’re away. If so, then it is most likely related to anxiety.
If you have done all of this and are still unsure, it’s always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist. You want to rule out any medical issues like incontinence, cognitive decline, or even pain that could easily mimic these anxiety symptoms.
Helping Your Furry Friend With Separation Anxiety
Here are some ways you can help your pup.
Gradual Desensitization
Gradual desensitization involves slowly getting your pup used to being left alone. The goal of this is to change your dog’s emotional response to you leaving so they go from panic to more of a calm acceptance.
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Pick up your keys, but don’t leave the house
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Walk out the door but come back after 30 seconds
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Slowly increase your time apart over the next few days and weeks
Establish a Calming Routine
Just like children, dogs also thrive when they have consistency. Establish a daily schedule with regular feeding, walks, playtime, and rest. Having this kind of steady routine can help your friend feel more secure.
Offer Mental Stimulation
Before you leave the house, leave some puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or even frozen peanut butter KONGs out to keep your pup occupied. Mental engagement can help reduce their anxiety level and prevent boredom when they’re home alone.
Create a Safe Space
Having a secure and cozy space can help make your dog feel even more at ease when you’re gone. This is where a Rock Creek Crate really can make a big difference.
A key part of helping your dog with separation anxiety is offering them a secure environment. The Rock Creek Crate is specifically designed to support your pup when they suffer from stress-related behaviors like chewing, digging, and escape attempts.
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Durable Construction: These crates are made with high-quality aluminum and can stand up to even the most determined dogs
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Escape Proof: The crates have reinforced doors and a latching system, unlike traditional crates that are easy to break out of
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Comfort and Calm: Many owners have said that their dog feels safer in a crate environment that mimics a den-like experience. These crates are well-built and thoughtfully designed with your dog’s needs in mind.
Whether you’re crate training for the first time or you just want to upgrade to something that is more anxiety-friendly for your pup, these crates are a solid investment in your dog’s happiness and well-being, and are great for protecting your home.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Maybe you start noticing calm behavior when you leave or return. Try to avoid overly big goodbyes and dramatic reunions. You don’t want to heighten the already turbulent emotional rollercoaster you are both on. Instead, leave a goodbye treat when you leave. Your dog will start to associate your departure with their treat and something positive to look forward to.
Avoid Punishment
Choosing to punish your dog for his anxious behavior will only prove to be counterproductive. Anxiety isn’t disobedience — it’s fear. Yelling, crating as a punishment, or using shock collars will only increase their stress and bad feelings and will cause them to lose trust in you, their human.
Hire Some Help
If you have a hectic work schedule that can keep you away from home for long hours, consider hiring some help so your pup feels less alone. A midday dog walker, doggy daycare, or pet sitter, or family members who can visit throughout the day, can give your pup the interaction they need to reduce those feelings of isolation when you’re away.
Work With a Certified Behaviorist
If you have tried all the tips and tricks and aren’t seeing any improvements, or things are just getting worse by the day, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified behaviorist who can create a customized plan tailored to your dog’s triggers, personality, and environment.
Separation Doesn’t Have to Mean Stress
Answering the question of “How can I tell if my dog has separation anxiety?” is easy when you take the time to learn as much as you can about your pup. As pet owners, we strive to do what’s best for them, but it can be hard at times. We just need to remember that separation anxiety is a serious condition, but it is also treatable.
With a little bit (or a lot) of patience, some structure, and the right tools, including a high-quality Rock Creek Crate, you can start helping your pup feel safe, secure, and confident again, even when you aren’t home.
Don’t ignore the signs. Early intervention can prevent the behaviors from worsening and can help preserve the bond between you and your furry best friend.