HOW TO COMBAT SEPARATION ANXIETY

WHAT IS SEPARATION ANXIETY AND HOW DO I DEAL WITH IT?

COVID-19 has changed all of our lives, including those of our pets! Our furry friends have become used to having their human family at home day and night and this is now a regular part of their daily routines. Although this shared time has many benefits, it can also create issues with separation anxiety when the humans head back to the office and back to school again!

Separation anxiety (SA) in dogs is a feeling of panic or stress when they are left alone. In the canine world, when a puppy is nervous, it whines. As mom comforts the pup, it begins to feel better. This reassurance and comfort of social closeness reinforces the distress behaviours displayed by the puppy and can extend into later life.

The unfamiliarity of a new environment for a dog, coupled with isolation from their new owner for long periods of time, can cause anxiety. For a dog, this can lead to vocalization - the only method the puppy knows to elicit a response for social closeness. When this doesn’t work, the puppy becomes more stressed and finds their environment unpredictable and out of their control.

Common factors that contribute to the development of SA in dogs include:

Puppies removed from their biological family before 12 weeks of age

Failure to gradually expose dog to periods of absence

Sudden or significant change of routine or schedule, such as moving into a new home or the loss of a family member or other pet

Dogs with pre-existing anxiety-based disorders, such as a phobia or compulsive disorder

Excessive distress vocalization such as barking, howling or whining Excessive drooling and sweaty paws (appear as “wet” paw prints on the floor) Destructive behaviour such as chewing, scratching or digging Frantic pacing, circling or visual scanning Inappropriate elimination (urinating or defecating inside the home) Extreme greeting routine or excitement when owner comes home

Do not make a big deal out of arrivals and departures from the home. Ignore your dog for the first few minutes of arriving home and then calmly pet them. Leave your dog with recently worn clothes that smell like you. Regularly interrupt your dog from shadowing you around the house by using a baby gate or x-pen for short periods of time. Practice very short absences with mock departures and arrivals. Increase physical exercise and mental stimulation.

SA is a neurological distress response, so in severe cases, medication is recommended. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best option for your pet. In conjunction with SA medication, a structured and gradual desensitization program can help to change a dog’s emotional response to their human’s departure. Consult a qualified, professional animal behavior specialist for further help. Calgary Humane Society offers a FREE behaviour helpline for your questions and concerns at (403) 723-6019 or at: behaviour.help@ calgaryhumane.ca.

Common signs of SA in dogs: Separation anxiety is preventable and can be managed with systematic treatment. Punishing a dog for vocalization and destruction should be avoided and can make the situation worse.

Tips on dealing with minor cases of separation anxiety in your dog:

If your pet is suffering from severe separation anxiety: