What are the Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety in Columbus, OH?

When your dog has separation anxiety and can not stand it when you leave the house, it can tug at your heartstrings. Separation anxiety can be described as abnormal and emotional anxiety when a dog is separated from its owner.

In this article, we’re going to talk about some common signs of dog separation anxiety as well as what you can do to help your pet if they’re suffering from this condition.

Ten Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety in Columbus, OH

As a dog owner in Columbus, it’s important to know the signs of separation anxiety in your pet so you can identify if your pet is experiencing this.

Some common signs of dog separation anxiety include, but aren’t limited to:

Waiting by the Door Until You Get Home

Waiting for you at the door from the time you leave until you get back is common in many dogs. Sometimes it does not necessarily mean a dog has separation anxiety, but it’s important to keep an eye on this behavior as this can also be a sign that your pet is suffering from separation anxiety.

Chews on Things Around the House

When a dog destroys items or furniture in the home when you are gone, it is clear that they are experiencing frustration and anxiety because you left them. Some owners will crate their dogs while they are away for this reason.

Barking and/or Howling at the Door

Barking or howling is one of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. They may even begin to scratch or howl and try to leave with their owner.

Pacing

When a dog paces when their owner leaves, this is a common sign that they are suffering from separation anxiety. They will often pace in an identical and obsessive pattern. This pattern is a sign that they are incredibly nervous about your absence.

Going to the Bathroom in the House

Even though they are housebroken, dogs will sometimes express their disdain about you leaving them by peeing or emptying their bowels all over the floor. This activity is a serious problem, and you must handle it accordingly.

Attempting to Escape

Dogs who have separation anxiety will sometimes try to escape from an area they have been confined to for their safety. Your dog may try to chew up a window or door, resulting in broken teeth, raw gums or scraped-up paws.

This activity is another severe problem that must be addressed right away.

Drooling Excessively

If a dog drools excessively while you are gone, it could mean that they have separation anxiety. This anxiety is especially true if they are covered in drool. It will typically be seen on his muzzle and chest.

Hyper-Attachment

If your dog is unable to stop following you around all over the house when you are home, it could mean they have separation anxiety. They may even whine if you try to move away from them or go into another room and close the door.

Knock Things Down/Break Things Around the House

This is another way dogs in Columbus can destroy things around the house, but these ways don’t involve chewing. They could knock over lamps, knock pillows off the couch, or knock something off your work desk or kitchen table.

Excessive Digging if They’re Outside

You may come home to find that there are many holes in the ground of your fenced garden or yard, as excessive digging is another common sign of dog separation anxiety. This digging is a way for them to relieve the stress they feel when you are gone, or try to escape and follow you.

What Can You Do to Help Your Dog with Their Separation Anxiety in Columbus, OH?

Now that you know the common signs of dog separation anxiety, the next question you’re probably asking yourself is, “how can I help my pet if they’re suffering from this condition?” Your veterinarian in Columbus, OH will always be a great resource to go to for advice, but there are some general recommendations to keep in mind to help your pet with this condition.

Below are 3 things you can try to help with your dog’s separation anxiety:

Consult a Dog Trainer or Veterinary Behaviorist

A dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist is your best bet for helping to train your dog to be alone in the house while you are gone. They will create a behavior modification program to teach your dog how to act when no one is home to watch them.

These programs can help alter your dog’s perception of what being alone means. They may feel isolated and anxious at first, but they will grow confident in time, and it will feel normal for them to be alone.

After working with a certified dog trainer and implementing their recommendations, you will usually begin to see improvement in a few weeks to months.

Crate Train Your Dog

You could also try crate training. Crate training is when you give your dog a safe place to stay while you are absent. The crate gives your dog a feeling of security. You can make it comfortable for them by putting their favorite blanket in the crate with them, unless they are destroying what’s left in the crate with them.

Your dog will learn that this is the place they will be when you leave the house, and it will become routine. Crates are good training for puppies who are still learning, and they are comfortable and familiar to senior dogs.

Get Your Dog Used to You Leaving

You could practice leaving the house for shorter periods so that your dog will get used to being in the house by himself. Try coming back home and not greeting them for about ten minutes. If they have torn up something, resist the urge to punish them.

Be patient with your dog until they learn it is okay for you to be separated from them for a short while. Once the ten minutes have commenced, give your dog some affection to let them know you will not leave them for too long.

Contact North Kenny Veterinary Hospital in Columbus, OH for Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a genuine concern among pet owners, particularly since the onset of the COVID pandemic. Not only is it stressful for your dog, but it is also stressful for the pet parent who has to leave their dog alone when they are unhappy with the prospect. Some of the significant signs of separation anxiety in dogs range from tearing up furniture or belongings to hyper-attachment.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your dog with this condition and help them get used to you being gone for periods of time. You should always consult a veterinarian in Columbus before starting any treatment for separation anxiety.

For more information about dog separation anxiety, or if you have any other questions about your pet’s health, contact our team at North Kenny Veterinary Hospital by calling us at (614) 451-1204 or scheduling an appointment online. We’re proud to be your partner in your pet’s health, and our number one goal is to help make sure they live a long and happy life with you.