The fitdogster.com team has spent over 25 hours researching puppy separation anxiety. We read several studies, scoured the internet, investigated social media platforms and spoke with experts (trainers and veterinarians) directly.
What We Cover In This Article…
How Common is Puppy Separation Anxiety?
Symptoms of Puppy Separation Anxiety
Common Causes of Puppy Separation Anxiety
Treatment Alternatives and Techniques
Prevention
To Sum It All Up
How Common Is Puppy Separation Anxiety?
Puppy separation anxiety occurs when your dog exhibits significant distress when left alone. About 14% of dogs[1] experience separation anxiety at some level. Some studies have found separation anxiety in dogs as high as 18.7%.[1]
Symptoms of Puppy Separation Anxiety
Excessive vocalizing, distress as you prepare to leave the house, house training accidents, or destruction of items while you’re gone, and escape attempts. Are any of these familiar? If so, your puppy (& you!) may be dealing with some of the many symptoms of puppy separation anxiety. Puppies adopted less than eight weeks of age, mixed breeds, and puppies adopted from shelters are at the highest risk. [2]
To diagnose separation anxiety in a puppy, observe the previously mentioned symptoms. There’s a difference between your dog just reacting to your departure and an actual case of dog separation anxiety. In cases where puppies have separation anxiety, they have an unhealthy attachment to their owner. They may even engage in destructive behaviors.
Common Causes of Puppy Separation Anxiety
There are several causes of puppy separation anxiety. This behavioral condition is usually the result of a puppy’s past experiences, a sudden change of environment, or a traumatic event. However, puppies can be genetically inclined to have certain behavioral disorders. Also, puppy separation anxiety may actually be related to other underlying anxieties, phobias or frankly just regular dog behavior.
Renowned dog trainer Cesar Millan, best known for his tv series “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan”, says “It is natural for dogs to follow. For dogs the natural way of being is to follow someone always and to be with someone always. They have done this for their survival.” Therefore, we have to work on “making the unnatural, natural” through positive training techniques so the dog is happy and the human as well is happy. It’s unfortunate but our dogs can’t follow us everywhere, like to work, for instance.
Treatment Alternatives and Techniques
A key point to always remember, puppies should never be punished for any anxiety-based behavior. Punishment will make the issue worse. Destructive separation behaviors can be reduced with measured steps.
Adjusting your puppy’s surroundings can be a helpful tool to relieve puppy separation anxiety. Many tactics related to this can help your dog’s anxiety by improving their existing environment. Creating a “sanctuary space” in your home for your dog might provide them with a secure place. When they are stressed they can go there while you leave for work or for longer periods. You might also consider using dog daycare, a dog sitter, or a dog walker. Also, adding food puzzles and challenging their brain can help. Activities such as nosework in a comfortable space (i.e. a spacious crate with a comfortable crate pad) can keep them focused on things other than their anxiety.
Desensitizing your puppy to your absence is key to improving anxiety. For instance, try picking up your car keys 50 times—but then don’t leave. Put on your coat or open the door several times but stay inside. Repeating these things will make them less meaningful and the puppy will be calmer when you actually leave. You should also build up a tolerance to your absence. Try leaving for one minute at a time, and then two minutes, five minutes then work up to hours.
By making your puppy tired from exercise before you leave the house you can reduce their energy level. This leaves less energy to destroy while you’re away. The key to this is exercising with your puppy before you leave and not after work. After a long day of work you’re less apt to have a long, high energy exercise session with your puppy. They can sense your energy level.
A veterinarian may also prescribe drug therapy that relieves the anxiety. Clomacalm (clomipramine hydrochloride) or Reconcile (Prozac or fluoxetine) are common drug options. CBD oil has also been used with some success by holistic vets and owners. However, drugs and CBD oil alone don’t always cure the anxiety. These professionals have to be confident your dog will be likely to respond to these options for maintenance (daily), situational or other uses.
Prevention
There are several techniques to prevent puppy separation anxiety. It’s crucial to have stability in your puppy’s routine and to be disciplined about duration and frequency for leaving your puppy alone. Uncertainty can promote anxiety but it’s an important balance. With your routine, you should avoid leaving your puppy alone for too long. Also, avoid long uninterrupted periods without leaving your puppy. This balance helps prevent separation anxiety.
In addition, exposing your puppy to a lot of socialization helps. Get them outside of the home in the first 5 – 10 months of age to reduce the chance of developing separation anxiety.[2]
To Sum It All Up
There are several causes of puppy separation anxiety. It’s important to consult your vet and/or holistic vet to make sure you’re actually dealing with puppy separation anxiety. Make sure it’s not some other anxiety or phobia. There are also varied treatment plans for puppy separation anxiety. Many involve training techniques, behavior changes, exercise routines and possible changes in environment. In some cases, this can include the use of certain drugs or more natural alternatives such as CBD oil. Again, be sure to work closely with your vet/holistic vet and dog trainer. Develop a plan to work through this condition with your beloved furry friend.
