Separation Anxiety for Dogs That Are Home Alone

Dogs tend to be very attached to their owners. Sometimes this can mean that they feel separation anxiety when that owner leaves. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time or have recently been exposed to a traumatic experience are especially susceptible to this problem.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dogs who experience separation anxiety frequently follow their owners around when they are home or bark and howl when left home alone. They may also engage in destructive behaviors, such as chewing, clawing at doors and windows, or urinating on the floor.

    Causes

    • Separation anxiety and the behaviors associated with it are a panic response to your dog's solitary situation. It is not known exactly what causes this in some dogs and not in others, but in any case, it is not an attempt on the part of the dog to punish his owner for leaving him. It may also be the result of leaving your dog alone for long periods of time. The problem may be from a trauma, such as spending time in a kennel or losing a family member.

    Mild Cases

    • In mild cases, you can treat separation anxiety on your own by reducing the significance of your entrances or exits from the house. Don't make a big show out of leaving; when you return, simply walk into the house calmly and pet your dog after you have been there for a few minutes.

    Serious Cases

    • In more serious cases of separation anxiety, you can help your dog by providing him with a safe place to stay when you have to leave him alone. This would be a room or an area in your home where he does not have access to destroy things, and also gives him a window or some other form of distraction and entertainment.

    Outside Assistance

    • Your dog's veterinarian might be able to assist you by prescribing drug therapy to help calm your dog down when he experiences anxiety. It may also be beneficial to enlist the help of a dog sitter or dog-walking service to give your dog some positive human interaction during the day.