How to Deal with Your Dog's Separation Anxiety After COVID
Over the last year or so, our dogs have been a wonderful source of comfort and company as well as keeping us fit and active. But as pet owners get back to work, can we really expect our pets to understand that it’s back to business as usual?
Separation can be rough on our pets and even more so for our canine companions. Dogs are naturally very social creatures, therefore separation anxiety is a real problem and can put a strain on your relationship.
A dog left on his own all day may instinctively turn to destructive behavior or become anxious. You may even return home to suddenly find torn-up cushions and puddles on the floor. However, it should be noted that this behavior doesn’t necessarily mean your dog suffers from separation anxiety disorder as it could also be in response to other factors such as outside noises.
If you adopted a new dog during the pandemic to keep you company, you’re not alone and as things return to normal, it's possible this is the first time your pet is staying home alone. Even for pre-pandemic pets, there is likely to be a big reduction in the quality time they get to spend with their owners as things go back to normal. Either way, this could be a challenging time for you and your dog. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to make this time apart easier.
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
It is important to understand how to identify if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and learn what triggers this behavior.
Separation anxiety is defined as a distress response that an animal performs when separated from individuals to whom it is attached. It is a serious condition that should never be mistaken for normal dog behaviors such as playing or boredom. When a dog is separated from his owner, he may experience feelings of panic, anxiety and distress. The symptoms of separation anxiety disorder can include:
- Panting
- Pacing and restlessness
- Salivation
- Hyperventilation
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Withdrawal and/or inactivity
- Panic and/or hyperactivity
- Appetite changes
- Excessive greeting
- Over-attachment or clingy behavior
While there have been numerous studies to help us determine why dogs experience separation anxiety, the results are not conclusive. What is known, however, is that prevention is better than a cure. Learning to be left alone is an important part of your dog's training and will help prevent separation-related problems.
It is likely your dog will refrain from this behavior when you’re home. Therefore, a reliable way to monitor your pet’s mental health is through a video or audio recording. If you notice any of the symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak to your veterinarian as they’ll be able to advise you and rule out any other medical problems.
How to prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety
While some pet owners may be able to take their dogs to work or arrange for daycare, others have no other choice than to leave their dogs at home. In such cases, the best way to manage separation anxiety is to prevent it from happening in the first place. As much as your dog may crave your attention, it’s important to teach him to spend time on his own.
Train your dog to be independent
Even if you’re home, you need to ensure your dog spends periods of time on his own. Whether you confine him to a particular room or his crate, the best thing you can do is create an environment where he feels he can settle in and be comfortable.
Add a few extra cushions or maybe some toys covered in your scent in his bedding. Turning on the radio or TV could relieve some anxiety as he is likely to associate these familiar sounds with you being home.
Help your dog to master simple commands such as “sit”, “stay” and “down” using positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your dog’s calm behavior with treats and gradually replace this with affection. This can be repeated several times a day to help him associate being on his own with something really good (something he really loves).
If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will eventually see it as his safe space too. But remember you should never confine your dog to a crate if he shows signs of distress such as chewing the bars or destroying the bedding. Moreover, a crate should never be a form of punishment for dogs – he must be willing to stay there.
How to treat a dog with separation anxiety
If your dog has been diagnosed with separation anxiety, there are some steps you can take to help your dog feel safe and comfortable without you.
Separation anxiety training
Separation anxiety is usually triggered by habitual cues which can be modified with the right training. Desensitization is one of the most effective methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Dogs are very observant by nature and will pick up on patterns of behavior as you go about your day. Any signs that you may be leaving, such as rattling your keys, may suddenly cause distress and anxiety in your dog.
If this is the case, you should try to normalize the situation. One way to do this would be to rattle your keys or slip them in your pocket without actually leaving the house.
Another way would be to reduce the significance between your departure and arrival. When you first return home, try ignoring your dog for the first few minutes before calmly petting him. This can desensitize your dog to your routine, helping him to cope better when you’re not around.
In more advanced cases, you may want to consider a training session with a veterinary behaviorist. They will know a variety of behavioral modification techniques to help you manage and treat your dog’s anxiety.
Separation anxiety medication
While behavior modification training can be effective in treating separation anxiety, your vet may also prescribe certain medications as part of your dog’s treatment plan.
If your dog has moderate to severe anxiety, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be an option. These work by blocking the nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, and this should help to improve your dog’s mood.
This medicine will either need to be taken daily or on a regular basis as instructed by the veterinarian. The most common side effects are sleepiness and loss of appetite but it’s important to contact your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Whining/vocalization
- Incoordination
- Hypersalivation
- Weight loss
Keep in mind that medication alone is unlikely to be enough to combat the problem and is most effective when combined with behavior modification therapy and training. Once the behavior is successfully modified, your vet may decide to reduce the dosage or take your dog off it completely. This is a positive sign that the treatment is working.
How does a healthy lifestyle help with your
dog’s separation anxiety?
Establishing a healthy routine that includes a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, firm discipline and good training is essential to your dog's emotional and psychological well-being. Plus, it helps to build your dog’s self-confidence – which could help him feel more in control when left alone at home.
Exercise with your dog
Make sure your dog gets all the exercise he needs. This can vary depending on breed, size, age and overall health. Talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of exercise for your pet. Remember a tired dog is less likely to be a restless dog.
Improve your dog’s gut health
While there is no specific diet that’s been proven to relieve separation anxiety, there is some evidence to suggest that supplements such as probiotics can be beneficial for dogs with behavioral problems. Certain probiotic strains have been shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress in dogs and improve mood by regulating the gut bacteria.
But for the most part, a complete and balanced diet will go a long way to keeping your dog calm and happy. Remember you should always consult with your vet prior to making any dietary changes.
Finding the right food for your dog
Canidae’s® range of dog food lines is formulated specifically to support healthy adult dogs. Developed in partnership with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, each bite is packed full of premium ingredients. No fillers, artificial flavors or artificial preservatives, just complete & balanced goodness. Discuss transitioning your dog to Canidae’s delicious recipes today!