Where Separation Anxiety Comes From and What Are Its Symptoms in Dogs

The Popularity of Separation Anxiety

Recently, the concept of separation anxiety has gained a lot of popularity, which unfortunately is often associated with its incorrect use. Not all dog problems related to the owner's absence can be classified under this disorder. In fact, separation anxiety is a very narrow and precise term, and it occurs less frequently than it is diagnosed (due to confusion with other disorders). Nevertheless, it appears often in dogs, and it is worth knowing how to recognize it.

What Is Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a disorder that arises as a result of a dog's experiences. It can occur in animals that do not have a consistent daily routine or have suddenly been deprived of learned rituals, often change their place of residence (e.g., have been adopted multiple times and returned to shelters, owners frequently move), but also due to sudden separation from the owner, for example, being left in a pet hotel during a trip. It appears regardless of age, in puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike. Due to previous experiences, the dog lives in constant fear of losing contact with the owner. Besides traumatic experiences, factors such as genetic predispositions, improper socialization, and disturbances in the owner-dog relationship influence the development of separation anxiety.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

When talking about separation anxiety, it is important to note that it can arise not only from negative past experiences. An overly strong bond with the owner, especially during the puppy period, can exacerbate the problem in the future. The caregiver should ensure a proper balance in the human-dog relationship. Constant contact with the animal, always being in the same room, excessive physical contact (hugging, petting, lying together on the couch) can lead to the development of a dependent personality and learned helplessness. They can also make the dog exceptionally sensitive to the owner's absence, and even a short period of separation can trigger separation anxiety. To prevent this, it is worth teaching the dog to stay calmly alone.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

The main symptoms of separation anxiety are:

• constant staying close to the owner,

• following the owner when they move around the house,

• need for constant physical contact (e.g., demanding petting),

• symptoms of anxiety already when the owner is preparing to leave,

• vocalization and destructive behaviors in the owner's absence,

• urinating or defecating inside the house,

• self-injury.

Some dogs show aggressive behavior toward the owner who tries to leave the house, or even when the owner leaves the room they are in together. Not all symptoms will always appear simultaneously; much depends on the dog's personality.

Prevention and Treatment

Treatment can be difficult and long-lasting. As in every case, it is definitely better to prevent the disorder than to struggle with its consequences.

Important elements in prevention include:

• a proper owner-dog relationship (balance between time spent together and apart),

• establishing a consistent daily routine (this refers to the order of events, e.g., waking up - walk - breakfast - owner leaving the house - return - walk, etc.),

• teaching calm staying at home alone.

Therapy in Case of Separation Anxiety

Therapy mainly involves providing the dog with what was missing and caused the development of anxiety. Establishing rituals is very important in treatment. It is also necessary to ensure a proper relationship between the owner and the dog. This includes stopping punishments, both physical and verbal, as well as strengthening the bond through joint training and play, praising desired behaviors, and teaching independence. The latter involves practicing the "place" command, showing the dog that it can rest during the owner's absence. Initially, the owner should leave for very short periods. It is also helpful to desensitize the dog to each stage of leaving the house step by step. If the dog reacts nervously as soon as you get up from the couch, repeat this action several times a day (i.e., stand up and sit down shortly after, without reacting to the dog's behavior). When this no longer causes stress, move on to the next step, for example, take a few steps toward the door, then turn back and sit down. Gradually work through all stages of leaving (standing up, going out, putting on shoes, jacket, picking up keys, touching the door handle, etc.). Spend as much time as the dog needs on each step to stop feeling stressed. Introducing a kennel crate may also be helpful.

Separation anxiety is a complex disorder that requires a lot of patience and determination to overcome. The problem already arises at the diagnosis stage because a person without the necessary knowledge and experience can easily confuse it with another disorder and conduct therapy improperly. Therefore, it is always worth consulting a behaviorist specializing in working with dogs. They will help determine the cause of the anxiety, properly plan the next steps of therapy, and assist in implementing them. They will also be able to assess whether it is worth supporting therapy with medication or pheromones. The guidelines in this article are general recommendations that may not bring the desired results if the dog has more complex problems. If you have any doubts, always seek help from a specialist. They will be invaluable not only in choosing the right therapy but also in putting it into practice.

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