Most dogs prefer that their humans stay home with them. They want to cuddle with you, love you, and they want to be near you at all times. Who can blame them? Dogs are typically very affectionate creatures, and being away from you can make them sad.
While most dogs are fine when you are away from them at work or out enjoying life to the fullest, there are some that suffer from separation anxiety. It’s a very real issue in some dogs, and it is not something to take lightly if your dog begins to exhibit the signs of separation anxiety.
Causes of Canine Separation Anxiety
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but there are a few considerations. A dog that is not accustomed to being away from his or her owner for long periods of time might begin to show signs of separation anxiety after being left for the first time.
Additionally, your dog might develop separation anxiety due to a number of other various reasons, including (but not limited to):
- The onset of a traumatic event.
- A change in the family.
- Moving to a new home.
- Spending time at a kennel or shelter.
If your dog is experiencing life changes that he or she is not used to, it might be a root cause of his or her newfound separation anxiety.
Signs & Symptoms
If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, you will need to know the signs and symptoms. It’s not a guarantee that your dog will exhibit any or all of these symptoms, but they are quite common.
- Scratching at doors when you are away.
- Chewing items around the house.
- Sudden barking and howling.
- Trained dogs that suddenly begin to use the bathroom indoors.
It’s very easy to tell when a dog is behaving differently. You know your dog better than anyone, so you will know whether or not its behavior has changed for the worse. Look at what your dog is doing when you are not around, how it differs from its typical behavior, and then ask yourself if your dog might have separation anxiety.