Does my dog have separation anxiety?

Dogs are social animals that develop close relationships with their humans. For some, separation, whether for a moment or more prolonged, with their attachment figure can be very difficult to live with. Recognizing the signs of separation anxiety in your dog is essential in order to be able to offer him the necessary support and guidance (non-exhaustive list):

1.  They destroy furniture/objects 🦈: When a dog has separation anxiety, they may respond by destroying things in the house in the absence of their owner. You may find furniture, the front door, walls, walls, shoes, or other objects chewed up, scratched, or completely destroyed.

2. They bark/cry excessively 🗣️📢: If your neighbor has already told you that your dog barks or whines a lot in your absence, this could be a sign of separation anxiety. Anxious dogs can express their distress vocally.

3. They defecate in the wrong places 💩: A dog who is usually clean may start defecating indoors when separation causes anxiety. This may include urinary accidents or bowel movements in the house.

4. They lick themselves a lot or even get mutilated 🤕: Some dogs develop behaviors such as licking excessively or nibbling their paws or tails when they are anxious, which can go so far as to create real injuries. Other dogs may also try to escape their living space at all costs, to the point of putting themselves in danger.

5. They seem stressed before I leave 😰: If you notice that your dog is getting nervous, shaking, agitated, agitated, salivating excessively, going back and forth, or even avoiding letting you go, it may be a sign of separation anxiety.

6. They seem sad and depressed in my absence 😖: Some dogs may behave more apathetically when their owner is not present. They may lack energy or appetite.

7. They are overexcited or even destructive at the reunion ⚡️: When you return home after an absence, an anxious dog may greet you with excessively excited or agitated behavior, which may include jumping, barking, or even uncontrolled biting.

8. They're not eating in my absence 🍗🙅: Some anxious dogs may not eat or drink when their owner is not home, even though they are normally good eaters.

9. They follow me everywhere 🐾👣: If your dog follows you around the house, it can be a sign of separation anxiety.

It is essential to note that these signs may also be associated with other behavioral or health problems, so if you notice significant changes in your dog's behavior, it's best to consult a veterinarian in priority 👩 ‍ ⚕️

❤️ Our behaviorists specialized in positive education can also assist you hand in pawon this specific problem by assessing the situation appropriately to provide you with advice adapted to your dog's situation.

💌 Click here to find out more about our educational sessions!

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