Is your dog suffering from separation anxiety?

Dogs are social creatures and they form strong bonds with humans. Most dogs cope ok with the daily separation from their owners but unfortunately some dogs will become very distressed and even destructive, a problem known as separation anxiety.

Watch out for:

Barking, howling
Excessive chewing, digging and pacing
Destruction and scratching of barriers – especially near doors and windows
House soiling
Our top tips to help reduce your dog’s anxiety:

Take your dog for a walk before you leave the house
Don’t make huge fuss when you leave your dog or when you return
Start small – leave your dog alone for only five minutes extending to twenty minutes then an hour, then longer
Leave your dog with plenty of stimulating toys, chews and mind games
Leave the radio or television on for company
Please don’t hesitate to speak to us if you think your dog is developing separation problems. Dr Jim Darmody has a special interest in behavioural medicine and would love to help you and your pet! We have plenty of tools available to help.