Have you heard of separation anxiety in dogs? This is a behavioural condition where a dog experiences abnormal levels of distress when a person or animal to whom they are highly attached is absent.

As well as being unpleasant for the dog in question, separation anxiety is understandably often upsetting for their owners too. These owners may be forced to change their lifestyle to accommodate their pet’s special behavioural needs, and often feel quite stressed when forced to leave their pet for necessary reasons.

How can I tell if my dog has separation anxiety?
Dogs with separation anxiety will demonstrate varying symptoms of distress when left alone. These can include:

• Destructive behaviours (e.g. clawing or chewing at doors, walls or crates)
• Barking, whining or howling
• Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive drooling or shaking
• House-soiling
• Pacing around
• Escaping

Unfortunately, these kinds of behaviours can result in the destruction of property and self-induced injuries to the pet.

What should I do if I suspect separation anxiety in my pet?
If you suspect separation anxiety in your pet, the best course of action is to book a behavioural consultation with one of our knowledgeable vets. A thorough check-over (which may also include blood and urine tests) and a detailed discussion of your pet’s symptoms are important for ruling out other potential causes of similar behaviours – for instance, old dog ‘senility’, chronic pain or urinary tract diseases.

If we confirm a diagnosis of separation anxiety, we can then make a treatment plan for helping your pet. Depending on the severity of their symptoms, this plan may include:

• Behavioural modification techniques such as avoiding triggers in the short-term, setting up a program of environmental enrichment, and modifying your pet’s response to your departures through positive re-training techniques
• Short- or long-term anti-anxiety medications to alleviate your pet’s distress

The good news is that with the correct treatment (and some dedicated work on your part), most cases of separation anxiety can be cured or substantially improved!