How do I know if my Maltese has anxiety

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Prevention, and How to Solve It

When youre raising a puppy, there can be a parade of behavioral issues that march through theirand yourlife. Separation anxiety (SA) can be one of them. Understanding and recognizing separation anxiety in dogs will prepare you to do all you can to prevent the condition as well as to address it at the first signs.

Although older dogs can develop SA, it often affects young dogs. So learn to prevent dog separation anxiety before it starts.

What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Whether in a puppy or an adult dog, separation anxiety is when your dog exhibits extreme stress from the time you leave them alone until you return. The symptoms can vary, but they will act as if they are terrified to be in the house on their own. According to Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, although we cant know for sure whats in a dogs mind, we can think of SA as the equivalent of a panic attack.

Heres the good news: As the responsible owner of a new puppy, hopefully youre already laying the foundation for a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog. Puppy training, socialization, crate training, and teaching your puppy how to enjoy being alone all contribute. Therefore, many of the recommendations here are things you may already be doing or have already done. That said, SA does present some unique challenges.

The Difference Between Separation Anxiety and Normal Canine Behavior

Separation anxiety is a serious condition, and it goes beyond the occasional mournful whimper when you leave the house or the shredded sock waiting for you upon your return. Its also not the same as boredom, and unlike a little mischief when your dog is left alone, separation anxiety is the result of legitimate stress.

Before labeling destroyed cushions or potty accidents as SA, be sure its not a case of inadequate training. Does your dog truly understand good manners, even when youre not watching them? Are they 100% potty trained? One of the best ways to see whats really going on in your absence is to get audio or video footage of your dogs behavior while youre away.

What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Dogs can exhibit stress in many ways, so there is no one defining sign of SA. Instead, there are a variety of symptoms. One or two of them, especially if they only happen occasionally, may not be a sign of puppy separation anxiety. But if your puppy shows multiple symptoms on a regular basis, they may be suffering from SA. Here are some behaviors your dog may exhibit:

• Anxious behaviors like pacing, whining, or trembling while youre gone or as you prepare to leave.
• Excessive barking or howling.
• Destructive acts, such as chewing or digging, particularly around doors or windows.
• Accidents in the house urinating or defecating.
• Excessive salivation, drooling, or panting.
• Desperate and prolonged attempts to escape confinement, potentially ending in serious injury.

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, several of the above symptoms are also some of the most common reasons owners get rid of their dogs. This is especially unfortunate because its an issue that can be treated by implementing a few simple but important tactics.

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Puppies and Dogs?

Its unclear why some puppies are more prone to separation anxiety than others. McConnell theorizes there may be several reasons, including never previously being left alone and traumatic separation (such as would be seen in some abandoned shelter dogs). Even a single traumatic event in the owners absence, like the house being robbed, can lead to SA. Finally, she suggests that personality can play a role, with clingy dogs perhaps being more at risk than independent ones.

Other triggers to watch for involve life changes like a sudden switch in schedule, a move to a new house, or the sudden absence of a family member, whether its a divorce, a death in the family, or a child leaving for college. Some research has even pointed to a lack of daily exercise as a possible cause. Because there are so many potential triggers for SA, its essential to work on prevention and start treatment at the first sign.

What Can I Do About My Dogs Separation Anxiety?

Its exhausting to come home to destruction and upsetting to see your puppy in such distress. Its even more devastating for your dog. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to deal with SA. Some of the treatments are the same as the preventative measures and may already be part of your puppys routine. But consider all of them as you tackle SA. Look at the following methods of treatment:

Crate Training

It bears repeating that a crate is your dogs friend and your ally. Its an important training tool and the solution for many puppy challenges. It isnt cruel or unhealthy if used appropriately. Instead, it can provide your pup with a safe, quiet place to relax. The trick is to teach them to associate their crate with wonderful things like chew toys and food-releasing puzzle toys so they are happy to spend time inside. Some dogs feel safer and more comfortable in their crate when left alone. However, other dogs can panic. Watch your puppys behavior to see if they settle right down or if the anxiety symptoms ramp up. Remember, the goal is not to crate your dog all day, every day as a solution to their SA. Its to keep them and your house safe while you teach them to enjoy being alone.

Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

An important part of raising a mentally and physically healthy new puppy is teaching them to be comfortable in the world and to form positive associations with new experiences. Thats equally true for time away from you. Teach your puppy that separation has its rewards. Start by leaving them for very short periods of time and gradually lengthen the amount of time youre gone. If your puppy is already conditioned to go into stress mode when they know youre leaving them, try countering that reaction by using a high-value treat they really love and that you only bring out for important lessons and rewards. If they get a special treat right before you leave, they might even begin to look forward to your departure.

You can also make your departure routine less distressing by desensitizing your puppy to the signs youre about to go out. For example, pick up your keys or put on your coat, then go make dinner rather than heading to the car. Even better, toss your puppy a high-value treat right before you touch your keys or coat. In time, they will look forward to the signs youre about to leave rather than panicking.

Exercise

Exercise cant cure SA, but it certainly can help treat and prevent it. First, make sure your puppy gets plenty of age-appropriate physical exercise. This is especially true for large, high-energy dogs with a lot of it to burn off. A tired, contented dog whos had a brisk walk and playtime with you is more likely to settle down when you leave. Second, dont neglect your puppys mental muscles. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and cognitive games are all good choices. A brain workout can be just as exhausting as a physical one: and lots of fun, too.

Clinginess: Playing it Cool

Dont encourage overly clingy behavior. Instead, develop independence by teaching your puppy to be on their own in another room, even when youre at home. Teaching a solid stay is another way to battle excessive attachment. Start with short lengths of time, and once your puppy can stay for several minutes, you can begin to leave the room. Eventually, you should be able to leave his sight while they stay for five or ten minutes.

Its also important to play it cool when you leave or return to your home. You can greet your dog with love, but dont get over-the-top emotional. Keep things calm and without fanfare. If you get worked up, your dog will see your comings and goings as a major event to worry over. Plus, if you return home to damage or accidents, dont punish your dog. You will only add to their anxiety and worsen the problem.

Medication and Natural Supplements

Sometimes, training and counter-conditioning are not enough. Some vets recommend medication such as amitriptyline, which is used to treat depression, or alprazolam, which is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. These require a prescription and are safe for most pets, though youll need to consult with your vet; be extra diligent about the use of medication with a young dog.

Another option is supplements and homeopathic treatment. Natural products like CBD or valerian might bring your dog relief from SA, or at least smooth the way during your training program. Just be sure to consult with your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter products, particularly if they are already on prescription medications. Other options for canine anxiety relief include dog-appeasing pheromone collars or diffusers and compression shirts.

Can Separation Anxiety Always Be Prevented?

Separation anxiety in puppies and dogs isnt always preventable, despite your best efforts. And once SA has taken hold, it can be a complicated process to treat. Consider working with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist to help smooth the process.

However, as serious as this condition may be, McConnell assures it has a high rate of treatment success. With patience and a positive attitude, you may be able to reduce your dogs suffering and put separation anxiety stress behind you.

Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety. While unpleasant, it is a normal and also healthy emotion. Dog anxiety can affect allbreeds, but may affect each individual dog differently. Although it is something that all dogs experience from time to time, if disproportionate levels of anxiety are left unchecked, a dog can develop an anxiety disorder. If left untreated, dog anxiety can lead to behavioral and other issues.

How do you know if your dog has anxiety? What can you do to treat dog anxiety? Were here to explain everything you need to know about dog anxiety common causes, symptoms, and treatments. Additionally, well discuss top tips for anxiety prevention. This way, if your dog ever does suffer from anxiety youll have all the knowledge you need as an owner to help.

Dog Anxiety: Causes

According to theMerck Veterinary Manual, dog anxiety can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of dog anxiety are:

Fear-related anxietycan be caused by loud noises, strange people or animals, visual stimuli like hats or umbrellas, new or strange environments, specific situations like the vets office or car rides or surfaces like grass or wood floors. Although some dogs may only have brief reactions to these kind of stimuli, they may affect anxious dogs more consequentially.

Separation anxietyis estimated to affect around 14 percent of dogs. Dogs withseparation anxietyare unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family members. This anxiety often manifests itself in undesirable behaviors, such as urinating and defecating in the house, destroying furniture and furnishings, andbarking.

Age-related anxietyaffects older dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). In dogs with CDS, memory, learning, perception, and awareness start to decline, similar to the early stages of Alzheimers disease in humans. This understandably leads to confusion and anxiety insenior dogs.

Dog Anxiety: Symptoms

So how can you tell if your dog has anxiety? There are several important symptoms to look out for:

• Aggression
• Urinating or defecating in the house
• Drooling
• Panting
• Destructive behavior
• Depression
• Excessive barking
• Pacing
• Restlessness
• Repetitive or compulsive behaviors

Some of these symptoms may be the result of occasional anxiety-causing events, but any of these can become recurrent and therefore, result in more serious issues. This being said, by far the most dangerous symptom of dog anxiety is aggression. This aggression can be targeted directly or indirectly, depending on the situation. Direct aggression occurs when a dog acts aggressively toward people or other animals. Indirect aggression can be equally dangerous, and often happens when a person comes between the dog and the source of the dogs aggression, such as another dog. Even if a dog is prevented from harming others, aggressive behaviors such asgrowlingor barking can lead to undesirable situations for humans and dogs, alike.

Urinating and defecating in the house is a common symptom of separation anxiety. Anxious dogs often work themselves up to the point that they pee or poop in the house, even if they are housebroken. This is frustrating for owners and can cause damage to property, not to mention the unpleasantness of the cleanup.

Destructive behavior is also common with separation anxiety. The damage is usually located around entry and exit points, like doorways and windows, but dogs in a state of heightened anxiety are also at risk of harming themselves. Attempts to break out of dog crates, windows, and even doors can result in painful injuries and expensive veterinary treatments.

Dog Anxiety: Treatment

The best way to treat anxiety is to talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you identify the type of anxiety your dog suffers from and the possible causes and triggers. Your veterinarian will also be able to help you determine if the anxiety is simply situational, or if it is becoming an overwhelming issue for your dog. Additionally, veterinarians can also rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your dogs symptoms.

Your veterinarian will help you come up with a treatment plan. Since excessive anxiety is often caused by a variety of factors, the best way to treat it is usually through a combination of training, preventive strategies, and in some cases, medications.

Training and Counterconditioning

There are several training strategies owners can use to treat dog anxiety. One way is counterconditioning. The purpose of counterconditioning is to change your dogs response to the stimuli responsible for anxiety, usually by replacing the anxious or aggressive behavior with a more desirable behavior, like sitting or focusing on the owner.

Another training strategy is desensitization. The owner slowly introduces the dog to the source of anxiety, preferably in small doses and at a decreased intensity. Repeated exposure and rewarding positive behavior can go a long way toward managing anxiety.

You might want tocontact a professional dog trainerto help you choose the best approach for your dog, as training an anxious dog is not always easy.

Anxiety Medications for Dogs

If your dog develops a serious anxiety disorder, your veterinarian may recommend medications or natural therapies. SSRIs and antidepressants are occasionally prescribed for dogs with anxiety, including fluoxetine and clomipramine. For predictable anxiety-producing events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides, your veterinarian might prescribe a medication such as benzodiazepine in conjunction with an antidepressant to help your dog cope with the stress.

Senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome may benefit from the drug selegiline, which can help reduce some of the symptoms of CDS. Selegiline is also used for treating chronic anxiety in Europe.

The Merck Veterinary Manual also states that natural therapies and products can help dogs with anxiety. Some products work best in conjunction with other medications, while others can be used alone, depending on your dogs case. Natural products use pheromones and aromatherapy to reduce anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian about the natural products best suited for your dog.

Using CBD Oil for Dog Anxiety

Some dogs owners have reported success in usingCBD oilto treat dog anxiety. CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp that dog owners, as well as humans, have found useful for treating a variety of different health conditions. Anecdotal reports from dog owners claim that CBD oil can be effective in treating dog anxiety.

Its important to note, however, that although many humans use CBD oil for anxiety treatment purposes, there is currently no scientific data on how using CBD oil affects dogs. Additionally, CBD products are not yet regulated meaning consistency and purity are not always validated. Therefore, if youre considering using CBD oil as a treatment for dog anxiety, its best to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine if CBD oil might be a good treatment for your dogs anxiety, as well as discuss different products, possible side effects, and risks.

Learn about the CBD oil study being conducted by the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Dog Anxiety: Prevention

It can be difficult to predict exactly what will make your dog anxious, and even more difficult to determine if your dogs anxiety will develop into a more serious disorder. However, there are ways to help a dog or puppy avoid anxiety-related problems.

Body Language

One of the best things you can do is learn toread dog body language. Knowing when your dog is uncomfortable or scared can help you avoid negative experiences or use them as a positive training moment. Body language can also tell you when a dog is getting anxious, which is especially useful if your dog has a history of aggression-related anxiety.

Socialization

Propersocializationcan prevent the development of anxiety. Introducing your dog to new people, dogs, animals, places, and experiences can help avoid an exaggerated response down the road, and also helps your dog become a well-adjusted canine citizen.

Obedience

Obedience trainingis an essential tool for preventing and managing dog anxiety. It lays the foundation of a healthy relationship and establishes trust. A well-trained dog is easier to socialize than a dog without training, and obedience classes are a great place for dogs to meet other dogs in a controlled environment.

Exercise and Nutrition

Regularexercise and stimulationare crucial for a dogs development, physical, and mental well-being. A stimulated dog is less likely to pick up destructive behaviors, andgood nutritionis equally important for your dogs health. Making sure you take care of your dogs physical and mental needs can help you prevent any behavior problems that dont stem from anxiety, letting you know the areas where your dog needs the most help.

Situation Avoidance

If your dog has been diagnosed with anxiety issues, you can also try to avoid or prevent situations that trigger your dogs anxiety. For example, if you know that your dog grows anxious around large groups of dogs, you should avoid dog parks. Avoidance does not mean that you need to put your life on hold, but it can reduce some of the stress on you and your dog.

If the source of the anxiety cannot be avoided, preventive measures like leashes, body harnesses, and, in some cases, basket muzzles, can prevent dangerous situations. Once you know your dogs triggers, you can prepare for these situations ahead of time.

Dog Anxiety: The Bottom Line

Like humans, many dogs will experience anxiety at some point throughout their lives. Although not all dogs will have anxiety that leads to a diagnosable anxiety disorder, its important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment options involved with dog anxiety. Understanding these important facets can help you, as an owner, know the best ways to help your dog in anxiety-inducing situations. If you think that your dog might have an issue with anxiety, its best to consult your veterinarian your veterinarian can diagnose your dog, rule out any other health issues, and help you develop a treatment plan that best fits your dog and lifestyle.