Dear Inquisitive Canine,
Q. My 7-year-old rescue dog, Chestnut, has a tough time being alone. As soon as I leave, she starts howling, pacing, and sometimes has accidents in the house, even though she is well potty-trained.
I’ve heard about crate training and anxiety wraps, but I’m unsure if they would work for her.
Could you recommend some effective strategies or treatments to help reduce her separation anxiety?
Thank you, Chestnut’s Dad
Dear Chestnut’s Dad,
A: Thanks so much for taking the time to write in, and for rescuing your inquisitive canine!
To begin, it helps to keep in mind that dogs are social animals, which means they need to learn to enjoy being alone, some dogs more than others; each is unique. (FYI, separation anxiety affects about 1 in 6 dogs in the United States!)
If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety or isolation distress, it’s important to remember it’s not your fault, or your dog’s fault.
I want to relieve pet parents of feelings of guilt or blame. Just like physical ailments such as allergies, some dogs are more prone to separation distress than others. No one is to blame.
Instead of focusing on a cause (there often isn’t one), you’re right to focus on understanding what’s happening from your dog’s point of view and how you can help her.
Start with a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions causing or contributing to Chestnut’s distress.
From there, to determine if she has separation anxiety or isolation distress, consult with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a trainer who is certified in separation anxiety training (CSAT).
Separation Anxiety and Isolation Distress
Behaviors that might indicate a dog is suffering from separation distress can range from mild or vague to more extreme.
Outward signs that a dog struggles when alone can include pacing, whining, chewing, barking/howling, severe destruction, self-mutilation, aggression toward the guardian, salivation (drooling), vomiting, diarrhea, escapism, sweaty paws, anxious panting, disinterest in eating, and/or eliminating (house-training accidents) out of panic.
Behavior Science to the Rescue
Separation anxiety is a real panic disorder. Your furry family member is not being spiteful or naughty, or trying to make you feel guilty about leaving. The signs and symptoms seen are expressions of a deep emotional response.
Effective training protocols include gradually desensitizing Chestnut to being left alone.
Routines are divided into little bitty steps and “doses” of minuscule absences, keeping your dog under threshold and below her breaking point, to gradually help her feel more comfortable being home alone.
It’s important to keep your dog stress-free during your absences so her condition doesn’t worsen.
This approach means avoiding longer absences so your pup isn’t left alone longer than the amount of time she can handle without panicking (“OMG he’s leaving me!!!”).
Initially, to prevent the onset of the fear/panic response, try to enlist help from others to be with Chestnut when you cannot be.
While separation anxiety is sometimes seen as a frustrating problem, there is absolutely hope! Separation anxiety training is designed to help your dog get to a place where she can enjoy her “me time” when you’re not home, which means you can both feel more comfortable, secure and confident.
Thank you for being an inquisitive dog guardian and for asking this important question!