Dog separation anxiety is a real thing and is experience by every man, woman, child and dog. For a young dog, being alone can be frightening. It’s a natural reaction for any species to cry out when left alone. A fear of being isolated is not only exclusively felt by human beings and animals are no exception. Young (and even some older dogs) suffer the same emotional predicament.
Dog Separation Anxiety Explained
Dogs are naturally social creatures, they are pack animals. Like babies that develop an attachment to their mothers, dogs, too, develop a very strong bond with their canine female parents. These pups would only want to be with their turf, where the mother or father can guard them and provide food and a warm place to be with family. But once this canine family attachment is dissolved, the dog immediately turns its attention to their owner or caretaker, or, the alpha-dog.
A dog suffering from separation anxiety will become extremely anxious and distressed. Some signs of separation anxiety may include any of the following:
- Urinating and Defecating
- Coprophagia
- Barking and Howling
- Chewing, Digging and Destruction
- Escaping from your home
- Pacing, licking their lips
Dogs that become too dependent on their owners also do not want to be left alone. When dogs are left alone they can become upset and lash out much like a child would. As their “depression” sets in, they become restless, possibly destructive and may cause loud howling/barking and general mayhem.
Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common canine behavioral problems encountered by veterinarians and seasoned dog breeders. Dogs can develop separation anxiety much faster if they do not have enough “socialization”. It can also occur if a dog is repeatedly transferred from one owner to another. Dogs that came from animal shelters and dogs that experienced traumatic events such as being left alone for long periods of time, chained up outside for long periods of time, experience aggressive owners or even a burglary attempt may show signs of anxiety.
If you fear your dog is not getting the attention they need, consider doggy daycare. Dog Day Getaway has a 12,000 sq. ft. facility where dogs get to wag and be social with other well behaved dogs. If you need overnight boarding, we can help you there as well. Contact Dog Day Getaway at (952) 431-9663 or contact us.
