As a pet parent, you hate seeing your pups feeling anxious, but sometimes, you don't see it because it happens when you're away. Separation anxiety and general anxiety in pets can lead to some unfortunate behaviors. Regardless, your pup is more important than property, so instead of scolding your four-legged friend to correct the behavior, watch for these signs that the problem is more than boredom or normal puppy behavior.
Barking and Whining
Excessive barking and whining are signs of separation anxiety, especially if they start immediately after you leave home. They could go on for hours, so it's important to take steps to support your dog and help them feel less anxious, which we'll touch on in just a moment.
Destructive Behavior
Chewing, scratching, and biting things in the home, and being generally destructive could mean your dog is anxious. Mild destructive habits may be curbed with more exercise and puzzle toys to help keep your pup occupied while you're gone. You should also keep things like food and treats in a secure place, like a dog food storage container, so they don't binge on food while you're away and get a serious tummy ache.
Restlessness and Pacing
Do you have a security camera inside your home? If you check the camera and notice your dog is pacing or acting restless when you're not around, take note of these habits if they occur when you are home as well. Separation anxiety may not end as soon as you get home. Your dog may feel anxious whenever a car drives past the house or if you leave for the bathroom, and restlessness or pacing can indicate it.
Scratching and Overgrooming
Patches of missing fur and irritated skin can indicate overgrooming. If you notice patches where your pup is licking, chewing, or scratching excessively, take your pet to the vet to check for infections. Once you identify the cause (a big move, a new environment, travel, or less time with you), you can help address their anxiety by spending time with your dog and giving them a space where they feel safe, like a travel kennel for dog security.
Doing Their Business Indoors
If you can rule out their age, urinating and going number two indoors is a common sign of anxiety. Many dogs are house-trained, even if you're adopting them from a shelter, but they can start acting differently if they're in a new environment or unhappy with the situation. If your dog is crate trained, you might consider putting them in their kennel for just a few hours while you're away.
Other signs of anxiety in dogs include panting, tremors, and shaking, but these can happen even when you're in the area and may be an indication of anxiety in general rather than separation anxiety. You can help reduce your pup's anxiety by using large dog kennels for security, giving them more exercise, spending more time with them, keeping the environment calm when you leave or return home, and talking to your veterinarian about pet-safe anti-anxiety medication.
About Petmate
Every day as a pet parent is a day you're happy to wake up and get out of bed. You get to spend more time with your pet and get plenty of chances to fill up your phone with more pictures of their sweet little face. Petmate understands a pet parent's feelings when they look into the eyes of their four-legged friend. The pet supply brand works hard to provide you with what you need to feel confident in your role, even if all you need is a dog couch bed. They offer a variety of high-quality toys, food storage containers, pet bedding, and comfortable travel dog cages (kennels). Petmate helps you give your dog or cat a life that's fun, comfortable, and full of love.
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