Separation Anxiety: What is it?

Definition:  When your dog does not like to be separated from you. Ranging from you leaving the house to just being left in another room.  It is sad when a dog lacks so much self confidence that they can't just enjoy themselves when you walk in another room.

The biggest issue is that many pet parents will get frustrated with the behaviors to an extent that it strains a once positive relationship.  Separation anxiety and inappropriate urinations are two of the top reasons that owners end up relinquishing their pets to places like the Medina County Humane society and other shelters.

Separation Anxiety is a major problem that owners notice with their dogs.  Pet parents complain that their dog is disruptive or destructive when left alone.  Separation anxiety can be triggered when a dog become upset because of separation from the people that they are attached to.  We often get dogs as a companion, which means that we want to be near them.  Likewise, dogs are natural pack animals, running in social setting that is natural to them. When a dog is left alone, whether completely alone in the house or simply alone in an adjacent room; he or she may begin to get anxious.  This often is demonstrated by drooling, licking of the lips and anxiety when his/ her parents are getting ready to leave the house.  Once left alone, attempts by dogs with separation anxiety to escape are often extreme.  These escape behaviors may result in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors.

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may become agitated when their parents get ready to leave.  There are many cues and clues that we give off that tell our dog that we are getting ready to leave.  Examples include putting your coat on, getting your shoes on, rattling your keys, opening a specific door and even that morning cup of coffee. Some dogs may go as far as to try to block your attempts to leave by barking or getting under your feet or in the way as you prepare to leave.  Most of the time, separation anxiety behavior will begin right after the owner leaves.  Your dog may begin barking and showing other distress signs within minutes.  

Treating separation anxiety is a complicated issue.  There are many layers that are involved and will be covered in a future article.  Most of these techniques incorporate behavior modification with medical management.  We strive to use the medication as a starting point, but our goal is to discontinue the medication eventually.  Regardless the specific treatment methods, the goal is to resolve the dog’s underlying anxiety by teaching him to tolerate, even enjoy, being left alone. 

If your dog exhibits signs of Separation Anxiety, we encourage you to seek help.  This will help to deter and modify the behavior before it becomes more difficult to treat.  

Article written by Dr. Jeff Fink and Dr. Greg Roadruck

Published for use on the Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic website along with our others partner clinics:  Orrville Veterinary Clinic and Akron Barberton Veterinary Clinic.