Dogs, like humans, experience stress when separated from those they are attached to. This condition is called separation anxiety and is quite common among dogs. It should not be ignored, as it can lead to destructive behavior in your pet.
Modern veterinarians, using the term “separation anxiety” in the context of dogs, rely on the classification of human diseases, as there are no mentions of such a disorder in animals in official documents. Nevertheless, dogs also experience stress from being separated from their loved ones, whether it be their mother, siblings, or owner. This sadness can manifest not only in solitude: a pet may feel anxious and wait for their owner to return while surrounded by other family members.
When it comes to stress caused by loneliness (when there is neither a person nor another animal nearby), this is most often encountered in puppies, unsocialized dogs, and pets that have changed owners. For such animals, loneliness causes intense anxiety and stress.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety most commonly manifests in destructive behavior: a dog may chew on furniture and shoes, scratch doors, howl, or bark continuously. It is also possible that the pet will relieve itself in inappropriate places. Upon the owner's return, the dog may display excessive joy, urinate from happiness, and take a long time to calm down.
How to Help Your Pet
A key role in addressing this issue is proper training. From the first days in the home, the dog should be accustomed to being calm while alone.
The optimal solution would be to create a cozy “nest” for the dog—a basket, box, or crate where it can sleep peacefully or chew on bones. Initially, it is better to leave the door of this refuge open, with the owner nearby. Then, the door can be closed, and the dog can be left alone for a short period. Gradually, the pet will get used to staying calmly in its place and may even rest there. Usually, a dog can sleep peacefully for several hours, especially after a long walk.
