if your dog is chewing on your chairs when you go out, they may have separation anxiety

when earl and marsha adopted max, a schnoodle (schnauzer/poodle mix), seven years ago, he was the last of his seven-sibling litter to go. the family they bought him from had five home-schooled kids who interacted with the puppies frequently.

in his unfamiliar new home, max was left alone for the first time when earl and marsha went to work. he soothed and entertained himself by barking and chewing the baseboards. when they retired three years ago, they were home with max more often, but when they went out, he became frantic and “barked like crazy,” says marsha.

she says his high-pitched yelps would sometimes cause them to cancel their plans.

“i just couldn’t leave him like that,” she says. “he would get so distraught and agitated i was afraid he would have a seizure or heart attack.”

what are the signs of separation anxiety?

according to the spca, signs your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety start from the minute you prepare to leave: panting, trembling, hiding, lip-licking. when you return, you may find damage to the doors and windows, torn or ripped furniture or bedding. the dog itself could have injuries, including bleeding paws and broken teeth.

dr. rebecca ledger, a clinical animal behaviourist, sees three to four cases a week like max’s at her vancouver clinic.

“separation anxiety is an umbrella term for behaviours that could have many different causes. dogs left in an unfamiliar place, such as a hotel room, a kennel, or someone else’s home, might not feel safe,” she says.

this is particularly true for puppies, for whom moving into a new home away from their siblings, mother and breeder can be a difficult transition and lead to destructive behaviour and barking.

“people need to help their puppies feel as secure and safe as possible in their new home and that often means not leaving them alone so soon,” says ledger, adding that barking and whining are distress calls, letting their owners know they need help, that they want to be reunited with their owners.

one dog trainer saysa good rule of thumb is that pups between eight weeks and six months can be left alone for about an hour for each month of their age — for example, a three-month-old puppy can usually be left alone for about three hours before having to go to the bathroom — or becoming anxious.

older dogs can experience separation anxiety too

koharik arman, a vet and board member of the canadian veterinary medical association, says older dogs can suffer separation anxiety as well.

“dogs are highly social creatures,” she says. “they’re pack animals, and they don’t like being left alone.”

and while arman says it’s not fully understood why some dogs develop anxiety while others are fine alone, researchers believe a combination of genetics, environmental factors (such as being a shelter animal), previous experiences, and disruptions in the household — such as the death of a family member — can bring it on.

and despite the theory that over-coddling dogs can lead to separation anxiety, both ledger and arman believe that you can never be too affectionate with your pup.

“spoiling dogs is not a risk factor,” says ledger. “dogs who have anxiety often need more support, not less.”

she says that some research has shown that dogs who live with single people, particularly single women, are more likely to have separation anxiety than dogs who live with groups of people. there is also evidence that male dogs and intact dogs are more likely than females and dogs that have been neutered to be at risk for anxiety, as are dogs that are more attention-seeking towards their owners. and it often doesn’t matter if there are other pets in the house, so getting another dog to keep your anxious dog company doesn’t always work.

research shows that crate training doesn’t cause anxiety

ledger also says studies dispel both the theories that crate training causes anxiety (unless the initial experience was stressful) and that pups taken from their moms at too young an age are more prone to separation anxiety. she does, however, note that it’s important to distinguish between separation anxiety and panic. a dog living in a condo, for example, may be traumatized by a loud noise, like a fire alarm. she advises that owners look into any potential panic triggers for their dog before assuming anxiety.

avoid long goodbyes

fortunately, max has never destroyed his environment or injured himself, but for other dogs, it’s important to correct any anxiety — to protect both your and your pup’s sanity as well as your home. arman says if left untreated, the behaviour becomes ingrained and tends to spiral and worsen.

both she and ledger recommend leaving your pup alone gradually, starting with short, tolerable periods and working up to longer stretches.

“set them up in a safe and secure part of the home, maybe a sectioned-off area, with food, water, toys, treats and a comfortable bed,” says ledger.

“initially, maybe it’s just touching the door, then opening the door, and rewarding your dog each time for staying calm,” says arman. “then go through the door but come right back. very gradually, over a period of weeks, train them to understand that when you leave, you come back.”

staying calm during the departure and the return is important.

“avoid the long, drawn-out goodbyes because that only further imprints in your dog that you’re leaving, that this is a big deal, and something they should feel anxious about,” says arman. “similarly, when you come home, if they’re overly excited, wait for them to calm before interacting with them so you don’t accidentally reinforce problematic behaviours. and be sure to reward spontaneously displayed calm behaviour.”

routines are also a good idea, so your pooch knows what to expect and when, as well as “environmental enrichment items” to engage in while they are alone, such as treat-stuffed kong toys or other puzzles — some quiet background music can help too. some owners think (hope) their dog will snooze the day away but a dog with true separation anxiety will not sleep if they are too agitated, says arman, but giving them something positive to focus on will help them relax and possibly take a nap while you’re away. she also suggests offering those toys while you’re home as well so your dog doesn’t see them as a cue that you’re leaving. and don’t ignore the value of a long walk before you leave, which can drain nervous energy.

rule out medical causes

of course, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing or contributing to anxiety, such as pain, or an ear or urinary infection. if your pup is otherwise healthy, then a combination of anti-anxiety medications and behaviour training usually offers the best outcome. work with your veterinarian on the right meds and training program for your dog.

“sometimes owners feel guilty about medicating their pets, but i try to impress upon them that it’s a quality-of-life issue,” says arman. “[the dog] is suffering mentally when they experience separation anxiety, the same way a human does. you’re just helping them cope.”

thank you for your support. if you liked this story, please send it to a friend. every share counts.

if you love pets as much as we do, we have a new place for you. head over to postmedia’stailstold.comto read amazingpet storiesfrom across our network, and maybe even share a few of your own.