Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What Breeds Are Most Affected?

Separation Anxiety Disorder in Dogs

One of the most common pathologies in dogs is separation anxiety disorder. The symptoms of anxiety indicate that our dog depends on us to such an extent that its body undergoes all kinds of changes when it is not with us. If we do not act, the problems can escalate and lead to very harmful behaviors.

The Most Common Causes of Separation Anxiety

The most common causes of this disorder are usually:

∙ After having gone through a traumatic event for them: abandonment (if it is an adopted dog), or a change of owner, a change of routine or home... something that can make the dog anxious.

∙ Or it is a dog of a breed prone to separation anxiety (Dachshund, Pug, English Bulldog...).

∙ It may be due to a death in the family, either of another dog or another person, which has caused an anxiety flare-up.

∙ Or because it has too much stimulation in its daily life.

These causes, or a combination of several, can lead your dog to suffer from a disorder and not behave normally when left alone at home.

Breeds Prone to Separation Anxiety

Some breeds are more prone to anxiety than others. Perhaps this is because they are more affectionate dogs and need more attention; these dogs eventually develop needs that make them behave strangely when we leave them alone at home (destructive behaviors, excessive crying and barking...).

Some of these breeds include Golden Retriever, Labrador, Dachshund, English Bulldog, or Pug. As you can see, most of them are small dogs that enjoy receiving attention, playing, interacting, etc.

Symptoms to Know if My Dog Suffers from Separation Anxiety

There are several clear signs that indicate our dog is overly dependent on us. The most common are:

∙ Displays destructive behavior, if we come home to find everything in disarray and things chewed up...

∙ Constant barking, crying, and noise.

∙ Has urinated or defecated in the house, instead of in their usual spot.

∙ If it has been in an enclosed space, such as a crate, and has injured itself trying to escape.

Treatment for Separation Anxiety

The first step will always be to consult a veterinarian for guidance. Make sure your dog is tired; if it's not and it's also bored, it will look for furniture to pass the time or chew on your sneakers. If you have to go out for a few hours, take it for a long walk so it releases all its energy and becomes more relaxed and spends its time sleeping; if you prefer, you can hide treats around the house and wait for it to find them, or buy one of those toys to fill with food, while it's entertained your things will be safe.

If you train your dog from a young age and teach it that it sometimes has to be alone, it will be easier and you will avoid the dreaded separation anxiety. Do a little training with the sound of house keys, putting on your coat, and leaving it alone for brief periods. Once it's accustomed, gradually increase that time. And reinforce its positive behaviors with rewards when it has been alone.

We hope we have given you some guidance on separation anxiety in dogs; if you have any questions, always consult a veterinarian.

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