Dogs Have Separation Anxiety Too

Article Title: Dogs Have Separation Anxiety Too
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Dogs, like humans, suffer from separation anxiety. Your dog may
have experienced it. How do you know if your dog suffers from
separation anxiety? There may have been a time (or perhaps right
now) when your dog showed destructive behavior and you have
actually come home to find the house in disarray -- papers were
scattered all over the place, the trash can was knocked over
with garbage spilling out, your shoes and clothes were chewed
into pieces and shred.

You were bewildered because the destruction couldn't have been
done by your sweet dog. After all, he's been with you since he
was a small pup and he always had a sweet disposition, always
eager to please, and always wanting to be around you.

Another way to find out if your dog has separation anxiety is
by asking your neighbor is he or she heard the dog barking
excessively. If any of these are true, read on.

Believe it or not, your dog had (or is suffering from)
separation anxiety. It is a condition that is actually very
common among puppies and dogs. Dogs exhibit this panic disorder
when their owners are not around. Dogs with separation anxiety
become very afraid of being left alone and this fear manifests
itself in destructive behaviors.

You probably already know that dogs are social animals.
Starting from birth, dogs become dependent and attached to their
mother and other litter. If you acquired your dog when he was
still a puppy then he would have transferred this dependence and
attachment to you. Thus, when you often leave your dog alone in
the house, he would experience separation anxiety.

Your dog may have separation anxiety if you observe the
following in your dog:

- destructive behaviors
- excessive barking, crying, whining and howling
- house soiling
- self-mutilation
- constant pacing
- excessive salivation
- scratching or chewing at furniture, doors, walls, windows and
other objects
- hyperactivity
- depression

Separation anxiety in dogs can be caused by a number of things.
In some dogs, separation anxiety was caused by previous
experiences such as loss or abandonment of their previous
owners. Separation anxiety may not show right away in many dogs,
and the best way to treat it is by training your dog to
understand that when you are only gone for a temporary time,
sometimes medications might be necessary. If the separation
anxiety is too severe and dog training did not help, you will
need to consult with your veterinarian.

Here are a few more things that may cause separation anxiety in
dogs:

1. A traumatic experience like an injury, alarm going off or a
thunderstorm while the dog is alone.

2. A new family member or the loss of one.

3. Premature separation from the mother and other litter.

4. Introduction of a new pet, and spending more time with the
new pet.

5. A sudden change in lifestyle, schedule or even environment
(e.g., moving to a new place).

6. Physiological and mental changes that happen as dogs get
older.

About The Author: Increase the happy years of your dog by
checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've
used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's dog
training blog at http://www.CoolDogHallofFame.com right now
before I decide to no longer give this valuable e-book for free!

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