What IS SEPARATION ANXIETY?
Many of your dog's behaviours may feel like separation anxiety, but are they truly indicative of this legitimate panic disorder? Dogs with bona fide separation anxiety aren't bored or spiteful or just really into you; they're petrified. Below you will find some of the most common indicators that your dog would benefit from our separation anxiety program.
PRE-DEPARTURE ANXIETY
Does your dog start to get anxious well before you actually leave? Guardians of dogs with separation anxiety often notice some combination of the following behaviors as they get ready to leave the house:
Panting
Pacing
Drooling
Trembling
Hiding
Refusal to eat
You might notice these behaviours as you grab your keys, put on your shoes, or maybe even earlier in your routine. Your dog has learned these tip-offs predict being left alone.
DESTRUCTION AROUND EXIT POINTS
Many dogs are genuinely bored when their guardians leave and this often manifests as chewing up the couch or your favorite pair of chews. This behaviour comes heavily reinforced because there is no one to interrupt and redirect the chewing.
But the chewing that separation anxiety dogs engage in has a much different flavor than that of dogs who are just bored. Separation anxiety dogs are panicking. And because they are trying to escape, their chewing and digging often happens at doors and windows.
SELF-INJURY WHEN ALONE
Imagine if you were trapped in a room alone with no apparent way out. Your fear and panic would become so intense that you would become desperate to escape--so desperate that you may even hurt yourself trying to do so.
Broken teeth, bleeding paws and muzzles are often seen as dogs attempt to dig and chew their way out. They will often escape wire-style crates. Dogs left in more secure "escape proof" crates may drool so excessively that they are completely soaked by the time that their guardians return.
REFUSAL TO EAT
Imagine once again that you were locked in a room with no apparent way out. As you desperately try to escape, you notice that your favourite pizza is sitting on the counter fresh out the oven, waiting for you. You may love that pizza, but you're way too panicked to eat.
Dogs with separation anxiety feel the same way. They just are too anxious to eat or engage chew toys while alone. If your dog refuses high-value food that you give him when left alone, then devours it when you return, it may be diagnostic of separation anxiety.
STILL NOT SURE IF IT'S SEPARATION ANXIETY?
We can observe your dog alone at home via video assessment to determine the best course of treatment. We also provide initial management instructions (whether or not your dog has separation anxiety), and answer all your questions.
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