Does it feel like they’re acting out of spite while you’re gone? Don’t worry, they’re not! They just have separation anxiety and can’t wait for you to come home! Separation anxiety in dogs is common given our new “normal.”
Whether you have a new puppy you adopted during the pandemic or a long-time faithful companion that loved when you worked from home, it’s important to know the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety in dogs is a panic response to your absence. Dogs with separation anxiety are under extreme stress from the moment you leave until you come back. While some behaviors may be a sign that your dog might need to learn better manners, bad house manners and symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs can overlap.
Separation anxiety is a panic response.
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
There’s no definitive cause for separation anxiety, but experts believe some dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety if they’re shelter dogs or experienced traumatic separation. One terrible experience while being alone also triggers separation anxiety.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Monitoring your pup during sudden life changes, like moving or going back to work after a pandemic. Spotting the separation anxiety symptoms in dogs can put you one step ahead.
Here are five symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs:
- Distressed Behaviors: pacing, panting, shivering, whining
- Destructive Behaviors: digging, chewing, tearing up furniture and household objects
- Excessive Barking and Howling
- Escaping from confined areas while you’re gone
- Accidents in the house while you’re gone (if they are already house-trained)
Monitor your dog during sudden life changes to spot symptoms of separation anxiety.
How to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety
Rule out any health problems like a UTI or kidney disease to know your dog’s behaviors are symptoms of separation anxiety and not something else.
Some actions you can take:
- Adequate exercise to curb boredom and decrease stress levels
- Leaving out interactive toys to keep them distracted
- Leaving out worn clothes or laundry that have your scent
- Acting calmly when coming and leaving home, don’t make a big deal when you enter or exit
- Taking them to doggy daycare or a friend’s house for the day
- Talking to your vet about medications
- Dog separation anxiety training
- Giving your pup CBD for dogs to ease their nerves
You want to teach your dog to be confident and overcome their separation anxiety. Scolding, crating, and punishing your dog for their symptoms of separation anxiety doesn’t resolve their panic response.
If your pup is still displaying symptoms of separation anxiety, consider talking to your vet or a dog behaviorist to learn techniques to help your dog with separation anxiety.
CBD can ease symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs.
Dogs don’t grow out of separation anxiety. Rather, it is a response to an issue that needs to be addressed. Having patience and understanding of your dog’s symptoms of separation anxiety builds trust with your pup!
If your dog suffers from mild separation anxiety, CBD for dogs has calming effects to help your dog relax. Head over to our shop and grab a jar of our CBD Peanut Butter in three different strengths! Or try our Grain-Free CBD Bacon Dog treats, soft and chewy—great for any dog!
