Do you sometimes come home to find that your dog has made a mess in your absence? If so, your pooch may have separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is quite common in our canine friends, and is very much tied into the pack mentality that is integral to Fido’s thought processes. In the wild, dogs run in packs, and are rarely alone. Man’s Best Friend sees his human family as his pack, and can get anxious, lonely, or depressed when separated from them. A local Galloway, OH vet lists some symptoms of canine separation anxiety in this article.
Dogs can dig for many different reasons, including separation anxiety. If Fido is making holes in your yard, separation anxiety may be the cause.
If Fido has separation anxiety, he may channel his nervous energy into chewing. If you come home to find that your pet has gnawed on shoes, purses, couch cushions, or other items, your canine buddy may have separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety often bark, howl, or whine to express their distress. Some dog behaviorists suspect that Fido’s vocalizations are his way of letting his ‘pack’ know where he is.
In extreme cases, dogs with separation anxiety may try to escape. This can be quite dangerous, as Fido could hurt himself while trying to get out!
Sometimes dogs with separation anxiety will soil inappropriately. Of course, it’s also important to make sure your furry pal is getting enough outdoor time: Fido can only hold it for so long!
Pacing is another symptom of separation anxiety. Fido may grow restless, and could pace to burn off some of his excess energy.
Pica is the term for eating things that aren’t food. Dogs that engage in pica can do so for a variety reasons, including separation anxiety.
Coprophagia is the word for consuming feces. Dogs with separation anxiety may engage in coprophagia, though fortunately, it isn’t the most common symptom.
If you know or suspect that your canine buddy has separation anxiety, consult your vet or a professional dog behaviorist. Separation anxiety is treatable, though the exact method that will best help Fido will depend on how severe his anxiety is.
Please contact us, your Galloway, OH animal hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
