Many people who close the door when leaving the house are waiting to meet their furry friends again, who are waiting for them with unique excitement. Imagine coming back and find yours dog jump for joy, that tail is constantly wagging, or maybe she’s showering you with puppy kisses. But this overflowing love can hide a little-understood problem: Separation anxiety in dogs.
In our world Petsespecially dogs with separation anxietyloneliness can be really scary. So how do you know if your furry friend is in the eye of this emotional storm?
Signs of separation anxiety in dogs
According to dog behavior experts, there are clear signs that can tell us whether a dog is experiencing separation anxiety:
- Desperate attempts to escape: If you notice your dog trying to open doors or windows, this is a sign.
- house damage: Scratches on the door, wall or any surface are clear signs.
- verbal communication: Incessant howling, constant barking, and even crying may be signs that dogs are experiencing separation anxiety.
- Self-harming behaviors: Although it may seem alarming, some dogs can go to such extremes due to stress.
- anxiety before leaving: This condition is especially observed in dogs that begin to show signs of anxiety even 20 or 30 minutes before departure, detecting routines or movements made before the owner’s departure.
These episodes vary in intensity and duration of occurrence. They may appear just before the owner leaves, in the owner’s absence, or even shortly before returning. But in most cases there is one thing in common: the anxiety usually dissipates when reunited with the caregiver.
But the good news is that there is a solution to separation anxiety in dogs. Many experts offer valuable advice that can make a difference:
- Avoid pre-departure rituals: Although it may seem like a loving gesture, saying goodbye to your dog for a long time can increase his anxiety.
- Indifference before leaving: Although it may seem paradoxical, it may be beneficial to ignore your dog for a while before going out.
- calm return: When you return, wait for your dog to calm down before showing affection. The first 20 minutes are very important to stabilize you emotionally.
- If there is damage, do not punish: Punishing your dog for making a mess in your absence can increase “separation anxiety in dogs.”
Our canine friends deserve understanding and love. Understand the symptoms of separation anxiety dogs and acting accordingly is the first step Making them feel safe and secure even when we are not with them. Because after all, there’s nothing like the bond between a human and their furry best friend.