What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like?

How do you know if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety? 

According to Dr Jennie Willis, PhD, from the Colorado State University, if Fido displays any of the behaviours listed below and only in your absence, then there is a good chance that he could be suffering from this problem.

 • Barking, Whining Or Crying
Look for a rhythmic pattern and one that is higher in pitch than normal.

 • Urination & Defecation
Marking with his urine and loose stools are also associated with stress in dogs. However, do check with the vet to make sure it's not a medical issue causing this.

• Chewing To Break Out
Chewing and scratching on windows or doors, even jumping over a fenced up area, may indicate an attempt to get to the owners.

• Drooling, Shaking Or Pacing 
When escape is not possible, sometimes dogs will do this as a terminal point of panic.
  
According to Dr Willis' post on pet health, dogs between 18 months and three years of age that had a significant schedule change may be more susceptible to separation anxiety.

* The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified pet health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Always make a pet health care decision in partnership with a qualified veterinary or pet health care professional.