Common Symptoms Exhibited in Dogs Suffering From Separation Anxiety
By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2011-10-11 23:59:55 | Word Count: 523
There are many common symptoms exhibited by dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. It has been established that one of the most common complaints made by dog owners is that their pets become extremely disruptive and/or destructive when they are not with them. These behaviors are most commonly noticed once a pet owner has returned and the dog has been left alone for an extended length of time. Many dogs that suffer from this condition have been housetrained and know what is expected of them while in the home, but the situation becomes so stressful that they act out.
The symptoms that a dog with separation anxiety experiences comes as a result of the distress that they suffer from when apart from their owners. Dogs will attempt to escape in order to get out of the situation they are in. In many cases, these attempts may be considered extreme. It is not at all uncommon for a dog to get destructive or even hurt themselves. In this pet guide, you will be introduced to other symptoms that may be experienced by a dog suffering from this issue. If you are interested in helping your pet overcome separation anxiety, you must teach your pet to be tolerant of being alone.
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One of the first symptoms that may be experienced by a dog that experiences distress when left alone is barking. This may or may not be accompanied by periods of howling. As a pet owner, you may notice this symptom nearly immediately after leaving a pet alone. In some instances, you may notice it when you come back to the home. Barking associated with this type of distress is often described as "persistent". Once you return, you will likely find that any howling or barking that was being engaged in ceases.
Upon returning to the home after being away, you may notice that your dog has urinated or experienced a bowel movement inappropriately or in a manner that is uncharacteristic. If your pet understands the guidelines on appropriately relieving himself and does not have accidents or purposely attempts to relieve himself in your presence, but does it when you are away, it is likely that this is a behavior that is induced by the distress that is experienced when the dog is away from you.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety often exhibit destructive behavior when left alone. It is not at all uncommon for a dog to chew on parts of a home such as door frames or the sills of windows. It is also not uncommon for a dog to chew on objects in the home such as furniture, decorative items, and other objects. Chewing and other types of behaviors that are similar in nature are often caused by a dog that is attempting to escape from their isolation. In other instances, it is a coping mechanism for the distress that is experienced. If you find that your pet suffers from this condition, it is important to condition the pet to adjust appropriately when away from you and avoid using punitive measures to deal with the behaviors exhibited.
Author Resource:-
Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find large dog car seat covers, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.
