6 signs your dog could have separation anxiety

Learn about the causes and what to do to make leaving easier on your pup — and you

Separation anxiety: It isn’t just for toddlers.

Dogs can have separation anxiety, too. And it often manifests in destructive behaviors.

Just ask any unsuspecting dog parent who’s come home to a living room covered in drifts of shredded cushion foam … or freshly clawed-up doors and window frames … or even accident-ridden floors from an otherwise housebroken pup.

If you’ve been wondering about your own dog’s destructive behavior, check out these tips on how to identify the signs of separation anxiety — and how to make leaving your four-legged friend easier on both of you.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

First, let’s address what it’s not.

We’re not talking about a little canine shenanigans or whining when you leave home. It’s much more than that.

Separation anxiety in your dog is a panic response. It’s what happens when your beloved pup is hyper-attached to you. The stress-induced, destructive behavior that unfolds when it’s left alone is frustrating for many pet parents — and it’s one of the reasons some dogs are relinquished.

What are the signs?

If you’re wondering whether your dog’s gnawing and clawing are due to streaks of mischief-making or something more serious, here are six signs it could be separation anxiety:

1. Excessive howling, barking or whining
2. Indoor accidents, even though housebroken
3. Destructive chewing, digging, scratching and clawing at doors and windows
4. Attempts to escape
5. Panting, salivating or drooling more than usual
6. Repetitive or compulsive behaviors, like pacing in the same pattern

Of course, symptoms can vary from dog to dog. And keep in mind it’s possible for a normal dog to do any one of these things from time to time. Some other factors could be driving those occasional one-off occurrences.

On the other hand, a dog with separation anxiety will exhibit obsessive or destructive behaviors nearly all the time when you leave.

Possible causes

The first step in treating your dog’s separation anxiety is to understand what might be causing it. For some dogs, it might seem as if the anxiety has come out of nowhere. But it’s usually triggered by some sort of change in routine, activity or in the environment.

Here are some common triggering events that can cause separation anxiety in dogs:

• Being left alone for the first time or when used to being with people
• Change in the family’s routine or schedule
• Loss of a family member or other pet
• Change of ownership or separation from a regular caregiver
• Traumatic event, like time in a shelter or boarding facility

What can you do?

First things first: Talk with your vet to rule out possible medical problems. For instance, an infection or a hormone problem can cause an otherwise housebroken dog to start having accidents inside the house.

Some medications can also cause a dog to have accidents. So, that’s another reason to check with your vet if your pup takes drugs.

From there, deciding how to treat your dog’s separation anxiety will depend on the severity.

If the problem is mild …

• Give your dog a special treat every time you leave. This will help establish an association between being alone and having something fun to do. A feeding puzzle stuffed with a favorite food can occupy your furry friend for several minutes after you leave.

  Whatever the treat, just remember: Only offer it when you’re gone — and be sure to take it away when you return.

• Don’t make a big fuss when you leave and come home. Keep your greetings low-key. In fact, try to ignore your dog for a few minutes after you get home.

• Leave out a piece of clothing you’ve recently worn so your dog can pick up your scent.

• Ask your vet if over-the-counter calming supplements might be right for your dog.

If the problem is more serious, take it slow …

• Step 1: Desensitize your dog to signs you’re about to leave — like putting on your shoes, picking up your keys or grabbing your coat. Make a point to do these things several times a day, but without leaving.

  For instance, put on your shoes, then sit down and watch TV. Or, pick up your keys and walk around the house with them. This tells your dog the shoes, the keys, or whatever the trigger happens to be, isn’t such a big deal.

• Step 2: Once your dog seems less anxious, begin to slip out of sight. Tell your dog to stay, then step into a separate room and close the door — but only for a few seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you’re out of sight. Eventually, try putting on your shoes or grabbing your keys before you step into the other room.

  The key here is to take it slow. Don’t rush through the process. Plus, you’ll want to act calm each time you leave and return. When your dog is comfortable with you being out of sight for 10 seconds or so, offer a toy stuffed with treats.

• Step 3: Gradually build up your time apart until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Slowly increase your time away.

If the problem isn’t actually separation anxiety …

Let’s face it. As well-trained as they may be, dogs can — and do — get into mischief or engage in destructive behavior on occasion. After all, dogs will be dogs, and we love them just the same.

Yet, if you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior, remember: Check with your vet first to rule out any physical causes.

If everything checks out A-OK, make sure your dog is getting plenty of play and exercise each day. A happy, tired dog makes for a less anxious, more contented companion.