Dog Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, due to the fact that they are instinctually pack animals. This simply means that your canine companion is a very social animal, and thrives in a “pack” environment. Due to this need for social interaction, many dogs can become distressed or anxious when you leave the house, or force them to be alone for any significant amount of time.

Exercise your dog for around 20 – 30 minutes before you leave. A tired dog has less energy to spend on barking and ruining furniture.

A few minutes before you leave, give your dog an engaging toy filled with peanut butter, or a big bone to chew on. This may take your dogs mind off the fact that you are leaving.

Make your departures and arrivals as calm and non-eventful as possible. If your dog is over excited upon your return, ignore him until he calms down.

Consider booking your dog into Doggy Day Care or leaving him with a family member or friend.

Go through the actions of departure, without actually leaving. For example, pick up your car keys and put on your coat, but then relax on the couch instead of leaving.

Our veterinarians at Sydney Animal Hospitals will give your four legged friend a full clinical checkup, including blood tests, to rule out any underlying clinical causes for your dogs behaviour. This is necessary due to the fact that occasionally illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes are responsible for your canine companions distressing behaviour.