Pet Information > Others > Vets Pet Health > Experiencing Separation Anxiety By Dogs

Experiencing Separation Anxiety By Dogs

27 11:52:41
Anxiety is a medical condition characterized by emotional, somatic, behavioral and cognitive components. Separation anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders in both humans and animals. Yes, what you read is right. Even pet animals like dogs can feel anxious when they are separated with their owner.

Dogs are pack animals. They always want to be with their owners whom they considered as their pack. Separation anxiety occurs when their owner leaves the house. Separation anxiety in dogs is observed in 10% of puppies and older dogs. It can be compared to separation anxiety experienced by humans.

Separation anxiety in dogs is caused by various reasons. This condition is a part of their panic response of being alone and away from their owner especially when they are already accustomed to constant human companionship. Their anxiety can also be caused by a traumatic events related with a boarding kennel, shelter or being left alone at the early stage of their life. This can also be caused by a sudden change in the familys structure or routine such as loss of a member or a new pet. Lack of stimulation, rejection and poor health can also cause separation anxiety in dogs.

Dogs experiencing separation anxiety shows distress and behavior when they are alone. There are different symptoms of separation anxiety in pets. Destructive chewing, barking, and whining are the most common symptoms of anxiety in pets. There are some dogs that dig and scratch the door or the window in attempt to reunite with their owners. It can also be characterized by defecation and urination anywhere in the house even for housetrained dogs.

Separation anxiety can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the condition. Since this condition is based on fear of being alone, it is very important for the owners to make their dog feel safe all the time including the times when they are away from each other. Pet owners must ensure their pet that they will return. By gradually eliminating the dogs fear and fostering a sense of safety for the pet, many behaviors can change.

There are also anxiety medications and supplements available. These medications are very effective in calming the nerve and inducing sleep. Anxiety relief medications contain compounds with stimulant properties that help relieve mental stress, depression, restlessness and symptoms of anxiety.

It is very important for owners to get a veterinarians advice as soon as possible if they noticed that their dogs are showing symptoms anxiety. Since separation anxiety may be a sign of other health conditions, it is recommended to treat it before his condition gets worse.