Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Does your dog destroy your shoes? Maybe claw the front door, or even chew the corner of an end table while you are out?
When you have a little 4-legged friend in the house and you leave, you may notice at some point they are dealing with Separation Anxiety. This can be caused by many different reasons. In this guide, you’ll find answers and get guidance on how to naturally help your fur baby, and you along the way.
CBD for Pets:
Start with small doses of the CBD Pet Ad while conducting the training plan outlined below. Eventually the animal will not need the CBD tincture because the Separation Anxiety will hopefully be cured.
Our CBD Pet Aid will help the pet stay alert yet chill and let you decompress from the stress of training new behaviors in both of you. Since the formula is gentle it can be given at different times of the day so as not to create a departure routine.
At Meli Botanicals, we’ve created a multifunctional formula to help them, and you experience ease through the training program.
Topics Covered:
- What is Separation Anxiety?
- Simulated vs True Separation Anxiety
- Symptoms or signs of Separation Anxiety?
- Why Dogs develop Separation Anxiety?
- How to Ease Separation Anxiety?
- How to permanently curate it?
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation Anxiety is a behavior where the dog shows distress or acts out, when the pet is separated from the owner for any length of time.
Separation Anxiety is one of the top reasons pet owners give to shelters when turning in their pets. We know you’re committed to your pooch’s health and happiness. Keep reading!
Simulated vs True Separation Anxiety
Simulated Separation Anxiety happens when the dog’s behavior appears to be Separation Anxiety but instead, it’s a learned behavior. This usually occurs when the dog lacks self-control and leadership.
In Simulated Separation Anxiety, the dog knows if it acts out, it will get your attention. For some dogs, getting verbally reprimanded for bad behavior is rewarding because it makes them feel noticed.
Simulated Separation Anxiety is easy to overcome with a gradual approach, slowly increasing the amount of time spent alone or with a company without getting attention in a 
True Separation Anxiety causes real stress during the absence of the owner.
Symptoms or signs of Separation Anxiety
Please keep in mind that if a dog’s behavior is caused by Separation Anxiety, it usually doesn’t occur when his guardian is present.
Urinating and Defecating
When left alone or separated from their guardians they “relieve” themselves in places they’re not supposed to, as mentioned before, this bad behavior may be a move for attention, even if that attention is a verbal reprimanded.
Coprophagia
When left alone or separated from their guardians, some dogs defecate and then consume all or some of their excrement.
Barking and Howling
A dog who has Separation Anxiety might also bark or howl when left alone or when separated from their guardian. This kind of barking or howling is persistent and is triggered by being left alone. Some dogs may bark or howl even while you’re in the same room but not giving them attention.
Chewing, Digging, and Destruction
Dogs with Separation Anxiety tends to exhibit a tendency to destroy household furnishings, chew on personal objects, door frames, or windowsills, maybe dig under doorways. These behaviors can result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cuts and scraped paws, and damaged nails.
Escaping
Another concern with Separation Anxiety is a dog might try to escape from an area where they are confined when alone. The dog might attempt to dig and chew through fences, doors or windows, which could result in self-injury.
Pacing
When experiencing stress, the dog may walk or trot along a specific path in a fixed pattern when left alone or separated from their guardians. Some move around in circular patterns, while others walk back and forth in straight lines.
Why Dogs develop Separation Anxiety?
When our little friends were puppies, we spend most of our time with them, taking them everywhere for socialization. Then when they get older and bigger, we tend leave them alone, at home.
When they reach a certain age, they don’t only want to be with us, but they need us! We’re their source of security, confidence, and their pack. They are a part of our world, but we are their total world.
Aim to develop a behavior in your dog that reflects the harmonious partnership. Just as he’s confident and secure with you, he should have confidence in himself and in his own leadership when he’s left alone. This way, he knows that you will always provide the leadership and guidance required and he trusts and knows that you will come home.
How to Ease Separation Anxiety?
Desensitize
Grab your jacket, jingle the keys, grab a bag, or any other item you usually take when you’re heading out, during the day to avoid your dog recognizing departure routines.
Don’t say goodbye
Don’t make leaving special. Ignore your dog’s whining and barking.
Chew toys
Giving your dog toys to chew keeps him occupied and releases endorphins.
Slowly increase time alone
Start gradually increasing time of him being alone. Start as low as a couple of minutes and increase over time without taking big leaps as this can set your training back.
No greeting
Keep it as low-key as leaving. It’s cute but ignore your dog’s excitement and wait until he settles in his place.
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