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Does My Pet Have Separation Anxiety (and How To Ease It)?
Lifestyle

Does My Pet Have Separation Anxiety (and How To Ease It)?

perroEditorial
Jul 3, 2022
17 min

While you are raising your pet, there can be a bunch of behavioral issues it may exhibit throughout its life. Separation anxiety may be one of them, and it can cause pet owners an incredible amount of frustration. However, understanding and recognizing the underlying causes of separation anxiety may help you prevent the condition and address it at the first signs. Read on for more information on managing and easing your pet from separation anxiety.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that describes pets that are overly dependent on their owners. They become too anxious and display distress behaviors when left alone in the house. While separation anxiety is more common in younger pets, older pets may also develop this condition, which is why all pet owners need to be aware of this issue.

What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety?

Signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in pets are primarily behavioral. Most pets with this condition try to remain close to their owners, follow them from one place to another, and rarely spend time outdoors alone. The following are some symptoms that may indicate separation anxiety:

1.    Destruction

Pets with separation anxiety tend to chew on objects, dig at the doorways, or destroy household items when left alone. Such behaviors may lead to self-injury, like broken nails and teeth or scraped paws. These behaviors are caused by separation anxiety only if they occur when the guardian is absent.

2.    Intense Vocalizations

Pets with separation anxiety tend to meow, howl, whine, and bark excessively when left alone. This intense vocalization is often constant and doesn’t seem to be initiated by anything except being left alone.

3.    Urinating and Defecating Around the House

Some pets urinate and defecate a lot when separated from their owners. If your pet urinates or defecates in your presence, then it means its soiling is probably not caused by separation anxiety. Pets with incontinence problems often seem unaware that they have soiled. Some medications also cause frequent urination and defecation.

4.    Excessive Panting and Salivation

Separation anxiety results in increased drooling. You may spot puddles of saliva near the exit area where your pet keep scratching to get out. Excessive salivation leads to dehydration. Therefore, you may see signs of heightened thirst when you return home.

5.    Consistent Pacing

Continuous pacing happens more in dogs than cats. Your dog may either walk-in circular patterns or move back and forth in straight lines when left alone.

6.    Trying to Escape

A pet with separation anxiety may try to escape from the area he is confined. He consistently bites through the windows and doors in an attempt to escape. This behavior may result in pretty serious injuries.

Why Does My Pet Have Separation Anxiety?

Several potential situations can ignite separation anxiety. Pets usually get this behavioral condition when they cannot comfort themselves. Personality plays a key role here, with clingy dogs being more vulnerable to separation anxiety problems than the independent ones. Besides, some pets are more prone to separation anxiety than others, and there may be several reasons. Below is a list of situations that have been associated with separation anxiety in pets.

1.    Change of Ownership

A Change of ownership may trigger anxiety. A pet who is being introduced to a new owner may get anxious in the beginning. Getting a pet sitter to who your pet is not accustomed may also lead to the development of separation anxiety.

2.    Change in Schedule or Family Routine

An abrupt schedule or family routine change, such as how long a dog is left alone or exercised, may trigger separation anxiety. For example, a dog owner who always gets home at a particular time to walk is a furry friend but then gets a promotion that requires him to work more hours than the previous; the dog might develop anxiety due to the transition.

3.    Loss of a Family Member

Like people, pets, especially dogs, alter their behavior when mourning the death of a loved one. They become depressed for a long time and exhibit separation anxiety.

4.    Moving from a Shelter to a Home

Moving to a new home can be a massive change for any pet. The new atmosphere and lifestyle may lead to the development of separation anxiety for a while before your pet gets used to the new environment.

5.    Being Left Alone for the First Time

Pets used to being with people may experience separation anxiety when left alone for the first time. They feel abandoned and often panic about being left home alone.

6.    Old Age

Senior dogs often develop separation anxiety. However, night blindness may also cause cynical signs that mimic separation anxiety. Therefore, pet owners should be able to distinguish between the two.

Ways to Ease Separation Anxiety

It is always devastating to come home to hefty destruction caused by your distressed furry friend. Luckily, there are some ways to ease this condition. Look at the following methods that help reduce or treat separation anxiety in your pet.

1.    Exercise Your Pet

Make sure your pet gets plenty of mental and physical exercises daily. Although exercises don’t cure separation anxiety, it certainly helps reduce and prevent it from developing. An exhausted pet is more likely to settle down after leaving the house.

Cognitive games and puzzle toys are excellent choices, especially if you don’t want to play more tiring games like fetch and hide and seek with your pet. For best results, you can try using interactive toys like Catit Play Treat Puzzle For Cat or Kong Lock-It 3-Pk Dog Toy. These toys offer your pet more diverse challenges while rewarding him along the way with kibble or treats.

2.    Crate Training

A crate should always be your pet’s friend and your ally. It’s one of the best solutions for separation anxiety and many other puppy challenges. Most people often view crates as a cruel or unhealthy way to treat pets. However, it gives your pet a safer and quiet space to relax. You only have to stuff the crate with chew toys and food-releasing puzzle toys such as KONG Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy that would entice your pet for the time you won’t be around. Be sure to get him a variety of food-releasing puzzle toys to keep him busy.

3.    Counter-Conditioning

You can teach your pet that separation has some rewards. This is what we call counter-conditioning. Give your pet a high-value treat before you leave the house. He might even start looking forward to your departure. Make your departure routine less distressing to your pet by showing him signs that you are about to leave. You can toss the car keys in your pockets while you continue doing some few things.

Even better, toss your pet a treat before you touch your coat or keys. There is a wide range of treats you can choose from, including DoggyMan Single-Ingredient Treat Ray Sticks Dog TreatsCattyMan Tuna & Bonito Cube Treats Cat Treats, and Fruitables Whole Jerky Dog Treats In Alaskan Salmon Dog Treats.

4.    Don’t Encourage Overly Clingy Behavior!

Teaching your pet to develop independence is another perfect way to battle excessive attachments. Play it cool when you leave or return home. Ignore your pet until it’s relaxed every time you come home. Depending on the level of clinginess, you may greet your pet with love, but don’t get too emotionally attached. Train your pet to be alone by providing areas such as dog beds for him to lie down while you do your duties.

5.    Consult Your Vet

Talk to your vet to rule out any medical problems. Your pet could be chewing and destroying household items because of infections, hormonal issues, or other health conditions. Other pets also exhibit behavioral problems after taking some medications. So, you must ask your vet if the drugs are to blame.

6.    Other Natural Options

Pet owners should also try appeasing pheromone collars and compression shirts like ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Solution for Cats and ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Solution Pink for Dogs to help reduce separation anxiety in cats and dogs. ThundeShirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most pets that are overexcited, fearful, or anxious.