Separation anxiety in dogs is an increasingly common behavioral disorder. which directly affects the well-being of a dog causing anxiety and generalized stress. it can also lead to long-term health problems.
What is separation anxiety in animals?
Separation anxiety is defined as the state of stress a dog can reach when they do not have access to their guardian. this state does not occur because the animal feels a dependence on the human companion but because they aren’t able to manage their feelings of loneliness and separation. it is therefore not an obsession but an over-attachment bond and an inability to maintain well-being. when alone for the dog.
The owner acts as a reference figure who guides and provides protection. in other words, they are secure when security is not there and the dog has not learned to manage. it leads to stress fear frustration and anxiety.
This causes them to present a series of unwanted symptoms and behaviors premature weaning is one of the most common reasons for the development of this disorder. likewise moving home or abandonment are among.
The main cause is why it is common to see this behavior in adopted dogs is due to the separation experience from the previous owners. it can also happen in dogs who become used to spending a lot of time with their owner. before suddenly having to spend an extended period alone with abused or traumatized dogs may also develop separation anxiety.
A dog suffering from separation anxiety may manifest the following symptoms
- Destructive behavior excessive barking
- Urinating or defecating indoors vomiting
- Diarrhea
likewise, it’s also possible to manifest the following secondary symptoms
- appetite loss
- not drinking, ignoring toys
but highs are diagnosed we can see our dog suffers from separation anxiety. when they show these symptoms every time we leave home. they will manifest them. whenever they are alone even on short trips of just a few minutes to treat this problem behavior in dogs.
We must find the initial cause only this way can we work in the symptoms, the dog displays the form of therapy that will need to be prescribed by a veterinarian or a qualified ethologist.
The therapy will include behavior modification techniques but the vet may also prescribe other therapeutic remedies. such as pheromones or even anti-anxiety drugs. here are six basic guidelines for separation anxiety.
How to treat separation anxiety in Dogs?
The treatment we can start by developing a routine of walks activities and exercise with our dog, we need to implement it progressively and strictly. follows the schedule we need to avoid scolding punishing or saying no to them. when they are anxious instead, we need to reassert basic obedience commands. such as sitting or staying to maintain a calm attitude until relatively.
Recently one form of treatment was to make false exits outside. so the dog would not know when you’re leaving for good. however, a recent study shows that dogs can suffer generalized anxiety throughout the day dogs.
Which know when their owner is going to leave either through physical signals or specific schedules usually only show anxiety when they have been left alone. the professional will explain how to make progressive departures from home and how they work.
We will start with very short trips between 1 and 5 minutes and progressively will increase the time in which we leave the dog without supervision. it’s essential we offer an enriched and comfortable environment so the dog feels comfortable in our absence. keeping a light on food dispensing toys or soft music is some examples of the use of soothing pheromones that can also alleviate stress.
Also, read this article: How to treat separation anxiety in cats?
Also, read this article: What Foods Are Actually Good For Your Dog? Dog food or Normal foods?
When is separation anxiety gone in dogs?
When we’re gone separation anxiety is one of the most complicated problems of maintaining a life balance with companion animals. In some cases, it can take months for you need to be patient and follow all guidelines recommended by the professional.
We currently have cameras that allow us to monitor animals when we are not at home. in this way, it’s easier to establish an appropriate course of action and verify whether our established guidelines are
working. they need to modify some cameras that have a night vision feature this allows us to see how the animal is doing even during the nighttime.
You may also be able to have a speaker which you can talk through remotely but this is not a good idea for separation anxiety. since hearing our voice but not seeing us can be stressful to the dog. cameras can be very good for verifying the effectiveness of established guidelines helping us to see patterns of behavior that allow us to better identify.
The cause of anxiety and also to adapt the treatment to obtain better results. finally, we must point out that medication can help improve the dog’s state of mind and assist the behavioral therapy. however, any drug needs to be prescribed by a veterinarian also note that medication does not treat the problem but only acts to release stress and related symptoms in order to treat the problem effectively.
It’s necessary to use progressive behavioral modifications and therapies prescribed by a professional. if you’re a dog suffering from separation anxiety do you have any tips which have helped you? if so leave us a comment.
