Many dogs suffer from different types of anxiety disorders. It is one of the biggest temperament complaints from dog owners worldwide. Accessing a dog's traits and characteristics during a stressful time is a good way to determine if he has anxiety issues. Taking into account the dog's background is also important when determining anxiety. It is important for dog owners to acknowledge anxiety disorders and treat them properly.
Things You'll Need
- Video camera
Instructions
Evaluate the dog's background to uncover any existing problems. Shelter dogs are more prone to anxiety issues. Many dogs were left alone in kennels or were abused by former owners. The dog may be worried that you will abandon him as his previous owners did. Dogs who have been through natural disasters, fires or other traumatic events are also prone to anxiety disorders, especially noise anxiety.
Evaluate the dog's personality traits. Many dogs are born nervous. Dogs are social creatures and thrive on pack morale. Submissive dogs may become upset when their pack leader leaves, as they won't know whom to turn to for advice. Alpha dogs may believe that they are dominant in the households and will become distressed when their pack members leave without their permission.
Ask your neighbors if the dog is barking when you are gone. If your dog continuously whines, howls or barks, it is a sign of separation anxiety.
Check the house for damage when you return home. If the dog has destroyed your property or defecated and/or urinated on the floor, there is a good chance he has separation anxiety. Dogs who raid the counters or garbage may not have anxiety; they may just be taking advantage of free food.
Set up a video camera while you are away to check on your pet's behavior. If his body is noticeably tense or upset instead of relaxed and happy, he may have an anxiety problem.
Monitor your dog around loud noises. If you walk your dog past construction sites and she tries to run away or hide behind your legs, this is a sign your dog has noise anxiety. If she hides from thunderstorms, this is also a sign she has a noise-anxiety problem.
Monitor your dog around other dogs and people. Some dogs are terrified around other dogs because of past incidences or because of their size and disposition. Other dogs may be terrified of children. Some dogs are terrified of people who carry traits of previous owners who abused them.
Check with a vet to determine if your dog has any other medical complications. If he frequently urinates when you are away, he may have a bladder infection instead of separation anxiety.