What is Dog Separation Anxiety?

If your dog acts very anxious when you leave, whines and barks as soon as you’re out the door, tears things up when you’re gone, and will not leave you alone when you return home, he might have separation anxiety. This is a common condition in dogs that is treatable, but can cause mild to disturbing behavior in your four-legged friend. Below, we’ll discuss exactly what dog separation anxiety is and how you can handle it.

This anxiety is found more often in dogs who are rescues, those who have lived in pet stores or shelters, and dogs who have been abused. Other reasons your dog might exhibit this behavior include:

- Some kind of traumatic experience. If your dog was badly injured or scared, it can create separation anxiety.
- Changes, such as moving to a new house, a death in the family, or addition in the family. Another change that can easily cause separation anxiety is spending less time with your dog. If you had cause to spend a lot of time with him, and suddenly you’re not around as much, he could display separation anxiety.

Basically, your dog wants to be around you all the time. You’re his pack, and he feels safe and secure when you’re there. When you leave, he doesn’t understand why you’re leaving, how long you will be gone, or why he can’t be with you. Some behaviors dogs will exhibit that are attributed to this condition include tearing things up, barking, whining, self-mutilation like licking, chewing, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and more.

Dog separation anxiety is a serious condition in dogs and should be treated with patience and love.

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