Dog Behavior and Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety commonly show inappropriate behaviors that create havoc in the home and can be destructive to them and their surroundings. Learning how to deal with your anxious pet can save your furniture and keep your dog with its family, instead of in a shelter.

  1. Symptoms

    • Some dogs with this disorder urinate and defecate in the house when separated from their owners. They may persistently bark, howl and pace in circles. Anxious dogs often chew on furniture, windowsills and doorframes and may attempt to chew or dig through doors or windows to escape, resulting in self-injury, according to the Virtual Pet Behaviorist of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

    Causes

    • Veterinarian Ron Hines of 2nd Chance Pet Rescue surmises that many dogs with separation anxiety were weaned too early from their mothers or that dogs' mothers were unavailable. Many of these dogs come from multiple homes or have been moved from shelter to shelter. The mother dog may have rejected or neglected the anxious puppy and provided little stimulation.

    Treatment

    • The ASPCA recommends that owners have a vet check your dog to rule out any medical conditions causing the behaviors. You can desensitize your dog by picking up your keys and not leaving the house. Frequent exercise often relieves anxiety, and arranging for a pet sitter or doggy daycare can help the problem.