Separation anxiety can not only be frustrating to pet owners, but also dangerous for Dogs. When dogs are anxious and nervous about being separated from owners, they often act out in ways that can cause physical harm to themselves and their surroundings.
Indicators of Canine Separation Anxiety
Some common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Urinating and/or defecating inside the house
- Barking
- Floor, door or wall scratching
- Whining
- Frequent pacing
- Engaging in destructive behavior
What Causes Dogs to Develop Separation Anxiety?
Change in Schedule
Similar to humans, dogs are creatures of habit. When that routine and habit cycle is altered, it can cause unease and distress which can lead to the development of separation anxiety.
Moving
Moving into a new household is often a prime trigger of separation anxiety due to the unfamiliar surroundings.
Change in Family Dynamics
If your dog comes from a shelter or a previous home, suddenly entering into your family can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Treatment of Canine Separation Anxiety
While mild cases of separation anxiety can be treated with counterconditioning and positive reinforcement training, severe cases may require medication to effectively treat. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian for the best combination of training and medication for your dog. VetRxDirect offers a wide variety of popular social anxiety medications on sale now at our store.
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