Dog Separation Anxiety & Tests for Anxiety Disorder Symptom

Is Fido the picture of calm when you leave the house?

Separation anxiety in dogs can rear its ugly head in a variety of ways and sometimes seemingly out of the blue. Boredom, a checkered past or even a medical condition can spark unwanted and often damaging behavior in your furry companion that can include excessive barking, chewing or even urinating in the house. There are several symptoms to watch for and simple tests you can perform to help you determine if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.

Symptoms

Dogs will often ignore their toys in favor of forbidden items such as shoes.

The symptoms of separation anxiety can vary greatly among dogs. According to the Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital in Pearland, Texas, the list of symptoms can include excessive howling, barking or whining, chewing, licking, pacing, drooling, a change in eating habits and often urinary and fecal elimination in inappropriate places. Often, these behaviors occur just minutes after your dog is left unattended and, unfortunately, are not discovered until you come home to find shredded bills, a soiled couch or scratch marks on the door. These symptoms are all methods a dog may use to "self-medicate" and relieve anxiety.

Causes

Loud noises can frighten timid puppies.

Canine separation anxiety is common in younger dogs, particularly those who have been rescued from a shelter, as well as older dogs who have become increasingly dependent on their owners. Shelter animals are often living in stressful environments. Noise, frequent visitors and a multitude of nervous, overexcited and sometimes aggressive dogs can induce fear and anxiety. After medical tests have been performed, and boredom has been ruled out as a possible factor, if your new dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may have a case of true separation anxiety on your hands.

Tests

Does the jingle of your keys send Fido into panic mode?

Perhaps your canine companion is not exhibiting the obvious symptoms of anxiety. If you have no physical evidence of any of these behaviors, it may be difficult to ascertain whether your pet is suffering from separation related fear. Texas A&M University's Pet Talk website reveals some basic actions that may help recognize potential problem, such as picking up your keys or putting on your jacket, which can send subtle clues to your pooch that you are getting ready to leave. If your dog drops whatever he is doing and starts following you around or begins whining, these may be signs of anxiety. Go through the motions of leaving and then quietly wait outside to listen for barking or howling, or leave a hand-held recorder near the door to play back upon your return. You should be able to recognize the sounds of pacing, whining and certainly any other vocalizations that could indicate separation anxiety.

Prevention

Dogs need durable chew toys that will keep them occupied.

Pat Miller of the Whole Dog Journal recommends some basic preventative actions that may help you avoid destructive behaviors. Regular exercise will defuse anxious energy, allowing your dog to relax and often sleep once you leave the home. Toys that encourage a little work on your pooch's part, such as chew toys that partially conceal tempting treats, will keep nervous minds occupied, especially for the first crucial minutes after your departure. Avoid talking to your dog using a high-pitched voice when coming or going, which creates excitement and can even encourage jumping and barking. Unless your dog is sitting quietly, waiting for you to say hello, ignore him until he is calm and then reward him with an equally calm greeting.

Solutions

Building trust fosters a calm, happy dog.

To create trust, use verbal cues such as "I'll be right back" before stepping out for just a few minutes. The idea is to recognize your dog's separation tolerance and to then return before he begins exhibiting behaviors that indicate anxiety. This will foster trust and teach your dog to relax and not treat every departure as a reason to panic. If regular exercise, ample chew toys and verbal cues are unsuccessful, consult your veterinary or an animal behavior specialist to talk about possible training solutions or whether your pet could benefit from medication.

References

• Texas A&M University: Separation Anxiety
• Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital
• Whole Dog Journal: Canine Separation Anxiety