Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety
📝 Summary
People under long-term stress easily develop hard-to-cure mental illness. Dogs seem lively but, if poorly cared for, also develop conditions like depression. Some dogs over-dependent on owners never learn to be alone and easily get 'separation anxiety.' Many are unfamiliar with it—like a child crying at kindergarten drop-off. Here is a look at dog separation anxiety.
1 Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety
Dogs that have never left their owner are prone to separation anxiety; they are sensitive to departures, jumping anxiously at the sound of keys or the door. After you leave, they search or sit by the door motionless. If you do not return, they may chew furniture and mess the house—signs of lost security.
Some never bark while you are home but bark nonstop when you are about to leave, even after you go. Alone, they tremble from unease and breathe fast. Lasting anxiety can cause diarrhea or vomiting. To self-soothe, they may lick their front paws constantly; over-licking causes hair loss and, severely, skin ulcers.
Separation anxiety mainly comes from over-dependence and not knowing how to cope, so relief must be gradual. To help them adapt, separate slowly. At first, give a treat and leave with the door closed for a few minutes, then return. Even brief, the dog is happy to see you—in its mind you were gone long. Gradually lengthen the time so it learns it can be fine alone.
Before leaving, do not hug and kiss as if saying goodbye forever. Just tell the dog you will leave and return soon to reassure it. Also exercise it beforehand to burn energy so it will not miss you as much. For severe cases, professional training helps—trained dogs control emotions and gain confidence, reducing anxiety. Or get a companion; dogs are social, and a buddy eases dependence.
Never scold a dog reluctant to let you go—it is just releasing stress, and punishment worsens distress, even causing serious consequences. When anxiety severely harms health, seek veterinary help; do not let it progress. If you have other questions, consult an online veterinarian.
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