Separation Anxiety in Rescue Dogs

Most rescued dogs adapt to their new homes without problems, but some develop---or bring from their past---fearful behaviors such as separation anxiety. Addressing this anxiety takes patience but produces a happier pet for you to enjoy.

  1. Symptoms

    • When you leave, The Humane Society reports, a dog with separation anxiety may bark or howl incessantly, eliminate in the house even if house trained and destroy things. This behavior begins within 30 minutes of your departure. Drooling, vomiting and injuries from extreme escape attempts indicate severe separation anxiety, according to Best Friends Animal Society.

    Why It Develops

    • Dogs are pack animals and don't like being alone. When sent to a shelter or dumped somewhere, a dog feels abandoned by its pack, which is traumatic. Once rescued or adopted from the shelter, notes Berkeley, California, shelter official Nancy Frensley, it might become excessively attached to its rescuer and develop separation anxiety when this new "pack leader" leaves it alone, even for a short time.

    Treatment

    • Retraining the dog's anxious responses takes time and repetition. Exercise the dog to reduce its energy level, and modify your behavior to lower its excitement levels when you leave and return. Act calm, go quietly, ignore frantic greetings. Consult a vet about prescription medication if your dog suffers severe anxiety.