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Do you realize that your dog can’t seem to get well when you’re away from him? Have you noticed that he barks a lot, always follows him around the house or the neighbors complain that he completely changes his behavior when he is alone? These could be some of the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.
This is a behavioral problem in which the dog starts to be very afraid of being away from the owners and it can start with tutors who are super protective of their animals, so the animal is never alone. And when that happens, he feels the thud. Thus, it is important to know the characteristics to be observed in the animal’s behavior to prevent anxiety from worsening.
In this article, we will explain why this behavior occurs and show the 7 main symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Check out!
Why does separation anxiety happen in dogs?
Usually this is a behavior that arises when the dog goes through the owners’ overprotection. Of course this is not intentional, we know that! But we always want to offer the best for our animals that sometimes we don’t prepare them for moments of independence.
For example, if you tend to take your dog with you whenever you go out, the day he can’t go to an event, you may feel the absence of tutors a lot. Another scenario where separation anxiety has been very common is in the post-pandemic period for those who adopted their puppy in this period.
After all, with the home office and the quarantine period , tutors always stayed at home. With the return of face-to-face, they began to feel the impacts.
What are the main signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
Some behaviors are characteristic when dogs have separation anxiety. Here are 7 main signs that help you identify if your pet is experiencing this problem.
1. howl
Howling is a dog’s communication instinct. This is a way of calling the owners to return, because they are feeling lonely. This is one of the major symptoms of separation anxiety and can be very uncomfortable for those around you.
2. cry
Accompanied by the howling, the crying of the dogs indicates the emotional suffering that he is going through with the absence of the tutors. If your dog cries constantly when he is alone, or when he sees the owners moving out, it is a strong indication of the problem.
3. Have destructive behaviors
Anxiety can generate a very strong momentary aggression in dogs, which direct it to destructive behaviors. This is true, for example, when you come home and find your sofa cushion totally destroyed, or your shoes bitten. It’s also a way to get attention.
4. Barking excessively
During the day or even in the presence of tutors, the animal tends to bark a lot. This could indicate stress or fear of going through moments of loneliness. This intensifies even closer to the time when tutors need to leave.
This barking can be accompanied, for example, by scratches and bites on the door when the owner leaves and also when he arrives. This can even happen quite aggressively.
5. Get restless
An anxious animal is usually very agitated, especially when they are about to be alone or when the tutors have just arrived. You notice that the parties on your return get even more effusive, and can come in conjunction with destructive behavior. Or, he has more intense fidgeting behaviors, such as licking himself too much or chasing his own tail.
6. Breathing heavily and drooling
One of the signs that shows a lot of stress in dogs is changes in breathing. When he starts to pant a lot, even when he is not performing activities, it could be that the dog is highly stressed . And this is very common in separation anxiety.
The animal, when the owner arrives, is so agitated that it starts panting immediately and may even drool.
7. Accompany the owner everywhere
As the animal is afraid of being alone, it tends to follow its owners all the time. So even when you get out of bed to grab a snack at night, for example, he might follow you around the house, afraid you’ll leave and he’ll be alone.
How can I help my dog cope better with separation anxiety?
But after all, how can tutors help animals better deal with separation anxiety? The support of the owners is essential so that the dog feels safe and does not have anxiety about being away from them. Some important tips to help them are:
- gradually increase the time your dog is away from you — this attitude is important to prevent an immediate shock from making the situation even worse;
- always leave your dog in a comfortable place with his toys when you go out;
- encourage physical exercise for your pet — this can help him relax;
- have patience – it may seem that the measures are not having an effect, but maintain them that with time he will start to get more used to it;
- encourage your dog’s independence — don’t let him get used to following you and don’t react when he starts trying to get your attention;
- avoid ceremony when you leave the house — not even the classic farewell that many tutors do can be beneficial at this time;
- count on aromatherapy treatment for pets — this helps in the feeling of relaxation and well-being for the dog;
- do environmental enrichment — to help you get distracted and lose focus on the distance with the owners.
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10 Common Dog Health Problems
Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:
Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems
Skin Problems
One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.
Ear Diseases
Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.
Urinary Tract Infections
Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.
Vomiting
There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.
Diarrhea
This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.
Parasites
At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.
Dental Issues
Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.
Obesity
Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.
Arthritis
This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.
Poisoning
Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.
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