Dog Separation Anxiety - Common Symptoms and Treatment
Humans and their pet dogs share a unique bond.
This explains why dogs are often referred to as man's best friend.
However, that bond could have some drawbacks to it, especially when these two are physically away from each other such that a common condition known as dog separation anxiety could develop.
But how does anxiety and depression in your dogs happen? Is it solely built on that tight bond that exists between the human and their pet animal? The ability to understand how this condition arises will enable you to determine what the common symptoms are for proper diagnosis and immediate treatment to cure dog separation anxiety.
Possible Causes Currently, there is not one cause that pet experts could point out that could cause dogs to experience pet separation anxiety.
Some would suggest it happens whenever there is a change in routine wherein any form of change creates an unsettling sensation or confusion on the part of your dog.
This is especially true if the changes involved being physically separated from them over a certain period of time, causing them to feel anxious or distressed.
Another common explanation that would lead to separation anxiety in dogs is the exposure to traumatic events.
The possibility of developing anxiety and depression is increased whenever they undergo trauma on their own.
Finally, separation anxiety could simply result from over-reliance of your dog on its master.
Symptoms The first step to the treatment is to identify the symptoms that indicate your dog has separation anxiety.
Knowing what the symptoms are will enable you to better understand your dog's condition and make things easier when dealing with dog separation anxiety.
Below are some of the tell-tale signs you need to be extremely vigilant of such that you can promptly address dog separation anxiety problems in your pet:
In fact, there are several different methods you can use to cure dog separation anxiety.
This is why it is important to begin by assessing the symptoms before proceeding to choose a treatment approach to determine what would be most effective.
Do Not Punish Your Dog No matter how tempted you are, avoid punishing your dog.
It does not help cure dog separation anxiety problems and it will only aggravate the situation.
One reason is that punishing only heightens the anxiety level on your dog until it leads to development of fear towards the owner.
You do have to understand that separation anxiety is a form of panic response and is not a type of behavior that your dog willfully observes.
Stay calm so you can better identify the right methods to use for dog separation anxiety treatment.
Crate Training Here is another great treatment option.
The idea here is to help keep your dog relaxed and comfortable while you are physically separated from one another.
However, you must not exceed crating for up to 6 hours because at that point the method will become counterproductive.
It will also require some time of getting used to staying on the create.
Overall, you need to foster positive associations with the use of the crate.
Uncoupling Cues Dogs, and other animals, are very adept in reading body language.
Hence, you need to use that to your advantage when addressing dog separation anxiety.
The both of you must engage in pre-departure routines to send them out the right cues.
You can do some exercises that will desensitize your pet from developing anxiety and depression about an imminent departure.
It requires proper practice and timing in order to get your dog accustomed to this routine until they are able to build tolerance being on their own.
This explains why dogs are often referred to as man's best friend.
However, that bond could have some drawbacks to it, especially when these two are physically away from each other such that a common condition known as dog separation anxiety could develop.
But how does anxiety and depression in your dogs happen? Is it solely built on that tight bond that exists between the human and their pet animal? The ability to understand how this condition arises will enable you to determine what the common symptoms are for proper diagnosis and immediate treatment to cure dog separation anxiety.
Possible Causes Currently, there is not one cause that pet experts could point out that could cause dogs to experience pet separation anxiety.
Some would suggest it happens whenever there is a change in routine wherein any form of change creates an unsettling sensation or confusion on the part of your dog.
This is especially true if the changes involved being physically separated from them over a certain period of time, causing them to feel anxious or distressed.
Another common explanation that would lead to separation anxiety in dogs is the exposure to traumatic events.
The possibility of developing anxiety and depression is increased whenever they undergo trauma on their own.
Finally, separation anxiety could simply result from over-reliance of your dog on its master.
Symptoms The first step to the treatment is to identify the symptoms that indicate your dog has separation anxiety.
Knowing what the symptoms are will enable you to better understand your dog's condition and make things easier when dealing with dog separation anxiety.
Below are some of the tell-tale signs you need to be extremely vigilant of such that you can promptly address dog separation anxiety problems in your pet:
- Your dog would exhibit panic symptoms as an immediate response when left on their own.
- Your dog would showcase destructive behaviors, especially in the absence of its owner or master.
- Your dog would exhibit any of the following behaviors for no particular or undetermined reason: attempting to escape, being restless, chewing door frames or other such items at home (particularly if it is uncharacteristic of them to do that), howling and whining incessantly, excessive salivation, licking on themselves, and even defecation or urination.
In fact, there are several different methods you can use to cure dog separation anxiety.
This is why it is important to begin by assessing the symptoms before proceeding to choose a treatment approach to determine what would be most effective.
Do Not Punish Your Dog No matter how tempted you are, avoid punishing your dog.
It does not help cure dog separation anxiety problems and it will only aggravate the situation.
One reason is that punishing only heightens the anxiety level on your dog until it leads to development of fear towards the owner.
You do have to understand that separation anxiety is a form of panic response and is not a type of behavior that your dog willfully observes.
Stay calm so you can better identify the right methods to use for dog separation anxiety treatment.
Crate Training Here is another great treatment option.
The idea here is to help keep your dog relaxed and comfortable while you are physically separated from one another.
However, you must not exceed crating for up to 6 hours because at that point the method will become counterproductive.
It will also require some time of getting used to staying on the create.
Overall, you need to foster positive associations with the use of the crate.
Uncoupling Cues Dogs, and other animals, are very adept in reading body language.
Hence, you need to use that to your advantage when addressing dog separation anxiety.
The both of you must engage in pre-departure routines to send them out the right cues.
You can do some exercises that will desensitize your pet from developing anxiety and depression about an imminent departure.
It requires proper practice and timing in order to get your dog accustomed to this routine until they are able to build tolerance being on their own.
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