Separation anxiety in dogs is extremely common. It is the second highest reason why people return their dogs to dog shelters. While every dog is different, and displays their anxiety in a different way, here are three common symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
Digging, Scratching, Chewing:
The next level of separation anxiety is when a dog moves beyond barking and starts get physical. This type of scratching chewing and digging is an attempt to escape from the confines of the room, house, or yard so that they can find you. I call this "barrier anxiety". Some dogs will be so anxious and compulsive that they will injure themselves by breaking through glass, tearing down walls, and otherwise injure you or your property to get to you.
Over Excitement:
When you get home, watch your dogs behavior. Look for actions like jumping up on you, licking you, and greeting you excessively. Excessive and prolonged greetings are a common symptom of separation anxiety in dogs. The greeting is not normal and calm, it is frantic and uncontrolled. Your dog thought you would never return, so they are not just saying 'Hi', they are thrilled to be reunited with you.
Barking and Whining:
Your dog barking when you leave, and while you are gone, is one of the most common symptoms of a dogs with a moderate level of separation anxiety. Typically, your dog will already be showing signs of anxiety before you leave. As the anxiety level increases, this may change to whining, then barking. Your dogs barks sometimes become high-pitched yelps. They are truly in a panic because they think that you are not coming back and need to be with you. This is a huge problem if live in a condominium or apartment
Not all dogs display these behaviors, some display mild symptoms such as whining, others will destroy a room that they are left in until you return. Separation anxiety is a serious condition and robs both you and your dog of a healthy relationship.
When dog separation anxiety is left untreated, it can develop into a serious, destructive and expensive problem. To see a complete list of
dog separation anxiety symptoms, visit
http://www.dogseparationanxietyhelp.com
