The term separation anxiety is used to refer to the problems that some dogs (also cats) experience when they are left alone at home . This problem can occur because there is a hyperapism, that is, the dog seeks to be in constant contact with its owners but it can also be derived from other factors. Separation anxiety is believed to affect 15% of dogs .
A dog with these distress problems may break household objects when left alone, may bark and howl very loudly, urinate, defecate, vomit, and may also do all of the above together. These symptoms not only appear when the dog is left alone but can also occur when his favorite person has left or when he is locked in a room but there are people at home.
Sometimes the anxiety begins minutes before the owner leaves home and sometimes when it has only been a few hours and is scared by something. The amount of time will vary for each dog. Sometimes manifestations of panic can arise from a change in schedule : if the owner usually comes home after work at six in the afternoon and one day arrives at eight, the dog will notice it and start to get overwhelmed.
However, it is important to know how to differentiate when the dog is afraid of being alone at home from when it is destructive when playing as in young dogs. It should also be clear that despite educating him positively from a puppy, separation anxiety can arise when the dog is older for no reason or because some situation has caused fear.
In any case, the dogs with the highest risk of suffering separation anxiety are those that come from shelters , kennels, from the street or that have been for long periods of time with an elderly or sick person who does not usually separate from him. Also those who are separated from the litter before time.
If you want to know how to prevent and intervene in case your dog panics when left alone, here are 15 tips that you should follow. Of course, remember to always consult a veterinarian or ethologist to advise you with your pet.
