Separation Anxiety

It’s that time of year again. Teachers and students are back in school, while some pets are wondering what happened to their best buddy they played with all summer. Unfortunately, this scenario can sometimes lead dogs to bark obsessively, chew incessantly, soil the house, and even carry out self-destructive behaviors. These are all signs that a dog is experiencing separation anxiety.

While most dogs will adjust without any issues when routines change in the fall, some pets may not. Certain dogs are more prone to experience separation anxiety than others. According to Jacque Lynn Schultz, director of Companion Animal Services at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “The canines most likely to fall victim are second-hand dogs. Whether from a shelter, rescue group, or greyhound-track adoption program, dogs re-homed in adolescence or older are at greater risk of suffering separation anxiety than puppies. This is probably because it is more difficult for these dogs to accept changes in their routine and environment. They cling to their new pack leader and panic when that leader leaves home to go about his or her daily business.” I want to emphasize that just because you have a rescue dog, it does NOT mean the dog will experience separation anxiety.

Before you lose any sleep, or your sanity, over this issue, there are tricks to help deal with separation anxiety. Here are some tips to help your dog adjust more easily: