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The idea of a dog standing near the door to salute its owner has long been a symbol of the link between humans and pets. But in some cases, your dog may not just happy to see you But completely relieved. The anxiety of separation from dogs has become much more common post-paymic after people began to return to the workplace; Some studies say dog separation anxiety increased more than 700% Between 2020 and 2022.

However, you don't always need a huge change of life to trigger the anxiety of your puppy - and it may not always be linked to being far from you. After all, there are many reasons why a dog can feel stressed, and he cannot communicate exactly what bothers them. To better understand this problem, we consulted the veterinarians. Read the rest to learn the best indicators that your dog suffers from separation anxiety and what you can do to help them feel more comfortable.

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This is why some dogs become anxious when left alone.

"All dogs are born with a range of survival instincts that can be classified as" respondents' behaviors ", which means that they are inherent in birth and not as learned behavior," said Alexandra Bassett , CPDT-KA, principal coach and behavior specialist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles .

Such an involuntary response is the display of instincts of the pack. "Since survival in the wild dictates to stay together at all costs, the instincts of the packaging force a dog to keep an eye on you and follow you wherever you go - that is why our dogs follow us to Piece in room, "explains Bassett.

She notes that this is called " Velcro dog . "Of course, when you are not at all around your pet, it can exacerbate this instinct.

It is also important to understand that dogs suffering from separation anxiety are really in difficulty as opposed to other pets who may simply prefer that you are at home.

"Like a human being with a serious panic crisis, a dog suffering from separation anxiety has difficulty calming once the response to stress comes into play," said Bassett. "The inability of your dog to face and adapt is therefore partly biochemical."

When a dog feels triggered, its limbic system can activate. It is the "primal" side of the brain that is responsible for regulating emotions.

"Once the limbic system is active, levels of assembly frustration can cause high levels of cortisol flooding the blood circulation of your dog, which makes them difficult to calm down., Which more energizes your dog and degenerates its distress", explains Basset.

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7 signs your dog has separation anxiety

1. They have destructive behavior.

Although separation anxiety can manifest in many ways, one of the most common indicators that experts indicate is destructive behavior.

"This could include shredded furniture, broken blinds, doors and seamstorms, and even a torn carpet," said Josh SNEAD , CEO of Rainwalk pet insurance .

But it is important to realize that this behavior is not made to punish you. "While people can exercise, chew the nails or have a drink to relieve tension, Dogs tend to chew , lick excessively, rhythm or house floor when it is anxious, ”explains MSPCA - Angell.

2. They bark or scream excessively.

Maybe the most obvious sign of dog separation anxiety is "excessive barking, groans or howls when you leave your home," said Melissa M. Brock , A veterinarian certified by the council and author at Pango Pets.

3. They are punctuated when you are about to leave.

Animal instincts are not a joke, so you can observe your dog's anxious behavior before even leaving the house. Brock notes that they could start acting agitated or punctuating when they realize that you are about to go.

Bassett says to look for body language clues like a crisscrossed forehead, ears pinned in the back or a nestled tail.

"They can also keep their eyes glued to you or stick near your heel when you move in your starting routine - as when you put a pair of shoes, pick up a bag or a jacket, or take a pair of keys, just Before taking out an exit door, "adds Bassett.

4. They drool or drop more than normal.

Lindsay Butzer , DVM, a popular veterinarian on social networks And a PetMeds partner, notes that anxious dogs can have physical symptoms, including "excessive drool, panting or salivation [or] an increase in heart and breathing rates".

5. They go to the toilet inside.

Brock adds that dogs with separation anxiety can start "defecor or urinate inside, even if they are trained at home".

6. They try to escape.

Brock and Butzer note that dogs can try to escape from the house, the courtyard or the box if they are struggling with separation anxiety.

When you go out, make sure that your courtyard is properly fenced and the door closed, and that all the doors and windows are solidly closed.

7. They start self -control.

In serious situations, an anxious dog can start to self -control, says Butzer, who explains that this could look like "excessive licking or chew to cause skin lesions".

In this case, immediately ask for veterinary care.

How to help a dog with separation anxiety

Unless you Get home work work , you will have to help your dog manage his separation anxiety. A good first step is to see how their stress is manifested.

"If you do not know how your dog behaves once you are far from home, remember to buy a security camera, a baby instructor or a cam to see how he acts in your absence," advises Brock.

In this case, Bassett says to look up to 30 to 45 minutes after your departure. A delayed reaction can occur when a dog does not know if you have just left for a quick race or for a longer stretch.

Gradually present your dog to be alone.

If you are able to stay at home, gradually present your dog to be alone. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Train to let your dog alone for short periods, such as getting the mail or going to the garage. Start by sharing only a few seconds and gradually increase the time you left," recommends Brock. "Dogs do not treat time in the same way as humans do, so a minute of your dog can feel the same for them at an hour's distance.

She also suggests going through the same routine as if you were Starting for a full day, such as entering your keys and your handbag.

During such a training exercise, Daniel Caughill , co-founder of History for dogs , advises to play with your dog as soon as you come back.

"When you come back, you can greet your pet, but try not to excite them too much ... This can worsen their anxiety because they anticipate your arrival," he explains. "After a few moments, tell your pet to sit down, and once they obey and calm down, praise them verbally and physically."

The desensit of your starting routine.

Your dog is probably intelligent enough to determine what you are doing when you are about to leave the house, which is why Butzer recommends trying to "desensitize your dog to your starting indices, like picking up your keys or putting your coat. "

"You can do it by performing these actions but do not leave the house. Over time, your dog will learn that these clues do not always mean that you leave," she said.

Keep television while you're outside.

Short Jackson , a veterinarian and founder of Animal digest , suggests lighting television or radio before leaving, because human voices can appease your dog.

Play with them before leaving.

Jackson also recommends taking your dog for a walk or playing session before leaving so that they are more tired and inclined to sleep while you came out.

Use strong reward treats.

Butzer suggests a training method called counter-connditioning, "which involves changing your dog's emotional response to be alone." She explains: "It could involve giving your dog a special treat or a toy only when you left."

Or you can try to give your dog a "high treat" when you return, says Brock: "It could be their favorite chewing toy or a puzzle toy filled with dogs for dogs or peanut butter. Your dog will start slowly to associate yourself with a reward. "

Use natural calming aids.

Most animal stores and online retailers are well aware of dog separation anxiety and sell a variety of natural calming aids that can help relax your dog while you are absent.

Teresa Manacy , veterinarian at Soft , suggest soothing crunch treats but note that you will want to obtain specific treats for little ,, AVERAGE , Or big dog breeds.

Other options include soothing toys ,, soothing diffusers , and even Special speakers Who play soothing sounds for dogs.

Consider the training in the checkout.

Fund training is another method recommended by almost all the experts we have consulted. There is a false common idea that this is cruel, but "many dogs feel safe inside the boxes because it looks like an environment in the shape of a den," explains Brock.

She says to start with short periods in the box, then lengthen them. "Nourish your dog all his meals inside the box and encourage your dog to sleep inside his box at night. Use treats to make the cash register and a positive environment for your dog."

You can also start with a cash register, then move your dog in a designated room without potential for destruction, and finally, obtain their diploma to be authorized throughout the house.

Visit the veterinarian.

"It's time to see a veterinarian or ask for professional help if your dog's separation anxiety is serious, hurting himself or significant damage to your home, or if your attempts to mitigate their anxiety does not work Not, "explains Butzer.

"Several times, your regular veterinarian will refer you to a behavioral veterinarian where you can further assess the actions of the dog", shares Jackson. "A last resort for many veterinarians is to place the dog on anti-annual drugs."