Is your dog suddenly acting anxious or sick? Is he barking unusually much or withdrawing? This is of course worrying. The signs of separation anxiety can look similar to serious symptoms of illness - but they are often due to stress. Dogs can react very sensitively to changes - if their owners' routine changes, it can cause them anxiety. A new job with different working hours, a new addition to the family or a move can be causes of great uncertainty.
In order to rule out health-related causes, we would like to point out that you should definitely take your four-legged friend to the vet. If nothing is found there that explains the symptoms, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety.
The symptoms
Look for behavioral changes in your barking roommate:
If a normally calm dog becomes aggressive towards other animals or people, the trigger may be fear or stress.
If the vet has ruled out stomach problems, but constipation, diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite still occur, this could also be because your dog is stressed.
Voluntary isolation is also a warning sign that should be paid attention to. Does your four-legged friend hide from company even though he previously enjoyed it? Does he sleep significantly more or significantly less than usual?
Then stress and separation anxiety can cause these changes.
Other signs of separation anxiety include if your dog:
- Chews or breaks objects
- licks his fur down to the skin
- becomes sluggish
- is very affectionate
- gets hectic when you come home or leave.
But luckily there are some tips that can help here:
Quality time in a pack
It's a big help if you set up playtime with your buddy before you leave the house and when you come back. A walk or run together could also help. Because an exhausted four-legged friend is more likely to use the time alone to rest.
As much playtime and cuddle time as possible assures your dog that he is still part of the pack and doesn't have to worry.
Create a haven of peace
Overlooking a wide area can further unsettle a fearful dog. A bed in the middle of the living room can also make your four-legged friend feel uncomfortable. This can be remedied by creating a retreat where he can have peace and quiet - such as a darkened box.
Pet sitter
If you have a particularly sensitive dog, it may make sense to hire a dog sitter who regularly spends time with him. The visit distracts your animal roommate and calms him down - especially if a walk is on the agenda.
