Among the various ailments affecting one widespread problem that not only affects their physical wellbeing, but also the mental stability as well, preventing the dog from being able to develop a healthy life. and even, in some cases, leading to a devastating end. The separation anxiety, which affects an estimated 40% of the canine population, is one of the best known and most common canine behavioral disorders. fear produced in the canine’s human companions.
What does it mean if a dog suffers from separation anxiety? It is a common doubt, in especially when the term is mentioned to people who have not had any contact with with this or similar problems in dogs. To know a little more about the what is separation anxiety is a great help for owners to help them to and prevention, as well as detection of the disorder, before it can be detected. harm the life of the dog and its family.
What is anxiety about separation in dogs?
Separation anxiety is a canine behavioral disorder that is triggered by several reasons, generally defined as a dog’s fear of being left alone, developing high levels of anxiety in response to this fear. This is often mistaken for demonstrations of frustration and frustration with the boredom that canines have, since they share a common symptom: the destructive behavior.
The onset of separation anxiety responds to certain elements that the dog may have been carrying for some time. long time or that have recently appeared in your life. The triggering factor of this state occurs mainly when the person that the dog considers to be his or her guide or the alpha, leaves, either for a short or long period of time; causing fear and desperation in the dog to be reunited with its base safe, i.e. with its owner.
Separation anxiety can lead to manifest themselves at different levels and not all dogs respond in the same way. Identify and treat correctly treat separation anxiety in dogs is of utmost importance. for their well-being, so you should take the dog to a veterinarian or a canine ethologist if suspected.
Reasons behind anxiety about separation
There are several causes that can lead to this anxiety in dogs, among canine ethologists, specialists in the field of behavior of canines, the main research and explanations have been made for the following:
- Pathological hyperattachment to its owner: dogs with an excessive attachment to their owners. owners or other family members tend to be more likely to have a higher likelihood of develop separation anxiety. Since for them the feeling of being separated from them is unbearable, and they feel vulnerable. It occurs mainly in dogs with shady pasts or those that have created a strong but insecure bond with their owners.
- Early weaning: puppies that have been separated from their mothers prematurely, usually before 8 weeks of age, they are more likely to have separation anxiety. Since it is not possible to cut the cycle in a natural way and learn basic concepts from his mother, such as being alone for a certain period of time and develop independence, these dogs become more vulnerable to the anxiety and fear of loneliness.
- Traumatic experiences while the dog was alone: if the dog had traumatic experiences during the absence of their owner, such as loud noises, knocks, among others, will relate the bad experience with the fact of the absence of its owner and the fear of being alone will be activated.
- Changes in circumstances family or environment: dogs feel that they are more secure when they have an established routine, so that changes are can severely affect your sense of security. Moving, the the departure or arrival of a new member of the family, changes in the family’s schedule owners’ usual times of arrival, etc., are factors that may cause the onset of separation anxiety in dogs.
Symptoms of anxiety due to separation
Symptoms are the basis for the diagnosis of separation anxiety, but it is essential to rule out other symptoms first. pathologies that may be causing its presence in the dog in order to avoid a misdiagnosis. All symptoms may appear together or only some of them, These are as follows:
- Destructive behaviors in the home when the dog is left alone.
- Excessive vocalization.
- Inappropriate disposal: defecating and urinating all over the home.
- Hypersalivation and hyperventilation.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Repetitive movements.
- Self-mutilation and licking excessive.
- Signs of depression such as apathy and inactivity.
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