Dog is man’s best friend, or so the saying goes. Sometimes, however, a dog’s reliance on her human for companionship and stability can cause destructive behavior known as separation anxiety.
Symptoms
The classic symptom of separation anxiety is destructive behavior. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors within 45 minutes of your departure, it’s a safe bet she suffers from separation anxiety:
Attempting to escape
Chewing on or excessively licking herself
Chewing or tearing furniture and other belongings
Digging
Excessively whining, howling and barking
Showing lack of appetite
Having panic attacks
Relieving himself indoors
Scratching at doors or windows
Vomiting.
Telltale Signs
Evidence of some of these behaviors will be obvious. If you come home from the movies and find your favorite shoes have been reduced to a pile of tattered leather, you can put a check next to chewing or tearing furniture or other belongings.
Other behaviors may require some investigation. To determine whether your dog has a lack of appetite, see if she ate or drank while you were gone. If you think she might be scratching at the doors, look for paw prints, claw marks and other signs.
Caution
Some of these behaviors are also symptoms of other, more serious health conditions. Lack of appetite could indicate heartworm. Excessive chewing and licking could be anything from fleas to a skin infection. Play it safe with your pooch and see a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health or behavior.
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