Dog anxiety is often misunderstood as a misbehaved dog. But to the contrary, a dog with anxiety is reaching out (and acting out) to get your response. Dogs have different personalities. It really depends on the breed or the dog’s family history. From being a puppy to an adult dog, they are accompanied by their owners who are familiar to them and how they live with and interact everyday. But when it comes to dogs with anxiety, that’s something to be concerned about. DDG is here to help and will walk you through what to watch for.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Anxiety
However, some dogs experience anxiety that almost comes instantly when they are left alone by their master. If they are left alone, these dogs can become destructive, which is their means of expressing frustration or loneliness. This is actually called separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs can become restless and bored, and if they see that their master is not around, they may go out to chew on anything that they can get their paws on; from slippers, to furniture, and any other objects found in the house.
In fact, chewing on certain objects that have your scent (socks, shoes, shirts, sofa cushions, blankets) is one of the many symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Other symptoms to watch out for would be continuous barking, howling, uncontrolled urinating (marking), pooping, and other ways to get your attention.
TIPS: One tip to help calm a dog before you leave is the “never say goodbye” technique. Try not to give your dogs any hugs before they leave the home. This will only make the dog long for more attention and cause them to stress when you leave. Another tip is to try leaving chew-able toys or goodies that will help takes your dog’s attention away from its anxiety.
Probable causes for dog anxiety often include dogs that were not properly socialized or dogs that have been living in different homes. With this in mind, owners should take a second look at their dogs and see if they exhibit such behavior. This will give them the idea that their dogs might be suffering from separation anxiety.
Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can be serious if not threatening for your carpet, sofa, walls, drapes… etc. One of the best ways to help your dog is to allow them to play with other dogs. Socializing is key to releasing/removing the anxiety your dog may feel when left alone.
