You can prevent separation anxiety in puppies by training them for a few months.
Puppies form strong bonds with humans at a young age.
This is because they are inherently sociable beings.
Elevated separation anxiety is linked to an abrupt experience of being alone for a long time.
Separation anxiety (also known as SA) may be quite problematic for dog owners and their canine companions.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent it.
How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Puppies?
- What is Separation Anxiety in Puppies?
- Why do Puppies Suffer from Separation Anxiety?
- Best Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety
- At What Age do Puppies Get Separation Anxiety?
What is Separation Anxiety in Puppies?
Separation anxiety in puppies is a state of distressing behavior.
It usually appears when the owner is leaving them alone.
When their owners leave the house, dogs frequently feel separation anxiety.
When the owner is about to leave, they may become concerned and try to stop them.
They may also show their distress by drooling and loud chewing. Barking, and exhibiting other distressing behaviors could also occur. [1]
If your dog is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety, it is crucial to handle it.
If prevention is not possible.
It may be challenging to distinguish between separation anxiety and normal puppy behavior.
Crying and whining are common behaviors.
Disruptive or destructive behavior includes:
- Tearing up a room
- Persistent barking
- Whining
- Pacing
- Efforts to flee
- Defecating and urinating inside [2]
Pet owners can benefit a lot from the book “I’ll be home” by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
Patricia McConnell as Animal Behaviorist and biologist claims that SA can be compared to panic attacks.
Also, she claims that SA is terrifying and the symptoms can vary.
Why do Puppies Suffer from Separation Anxiety?
Puppies suffer from separation anxiety due to unexpected family changes.
A dog’s lifestyle disturbance is typically the cause of separation anxiety.
If your dog goes through a big shift, it might start to fear other big changes.
Experiencing a family change is the situation that causes separation anxiety most frequently.
Due to their anguish of losing an owner, many rescue dogs have separation anxiety.
Your dog may also experience separation anxiety if you move into a new house, have a baby, or adjust your routine.
Your dog will get used to your constant presence if you adopted them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It might initially be a significant shift for your dog if you start going back to work five days per week. [3]
Will My Puppy Grow out of Separation Anxiety?
Yes, your puppy will grow out of separation anxiety.
Best Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety
- Crate Instruction
- Exercise
- Training
- Rewards
- Counterconditioning and desensitization
- Medication
Crate Instruction
A crate is both your dog’s friend and your ally, as it is worth mentioning.
It’s a crucial training aid and the answer to a lot of puppy problems.
If utilized properly, it is neither cruel nor unhealthy.
Instead, it can offer your dog a secure, peaceful space to unwind. [4]
The secret is getting him to associate his crate with chew toys and puzzle toys that release food.
These rewards will make it want to spend time inside.
When left alone, some dogs find their crates to be safer and cozier.
Keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior to observe if the anxiety symptoms subside quickly or if they get worse.
You should consult with your vet before using medication on a young dog.
Natural products such as CBD or valerian may provide relief for your dog’s SA.
One of the best options is Billion Pets with Omega acids dog hemp drops.
These drops are FDA approved for treating separation anxiety in dogs. [5]
Exercise
Although SA cannot be cured, exercise can help treat and prevent it.
Initially, ensure that your puppy gets a lot of age-appropriate physical activity.
This is especially true for big, energetic dogs who have a lot of energy to expend.
A dog that has enjoyed a play session and a brisk walk with you is more likely to settle down after you leave.
Secondly, don’t undervalue your puppy’s cognitive abilities.
Training exercises, puzzle toys, and mental games are all excellent options. [6]
A mental workout can be as demanding and enjoyable as a physical one.
Adding a second dog will not alleviate separation anxiety.
If your pet is becoming anxious due to your absence, the second dog will have no effect.
In some cases, adding a second canine may even cause jealousy.
Training
Teach your puppy to go to another room alone even when you are home to develop independence.
One such strategy for combating excessive attachment is to teach a strong stay.
Start with brief periods.
After your puppy can remain in the room for several minutes, you can start to leave.
You should be able to step away from him for five to 10 minutes.
Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain your composure when leaving or entering your house.
Do not become overly sentimental when you greet your dog.
Keep things quiet and understated.
Your dog will worry about your arrivals and departures if you become anxious about them. [7]
Rewards
Making your dog’s alone time enjoyable is another strategy to reduce separation anxiety.
You can achieve this by giving your dog unique goodies or toys that are only given out when they will be left alone.
This aid is to change the perception of your departure from unpleasant to nice.
You can make a good association by giving your dog a favorite toy.
You could stuff a toy with peanut butter, or give them an interesting puzzle to keep them busy. [8]
Counterconditioning and desensitization
Teach your puppy to feel at ease in the environment and create good connections.
This is an essential component of growing a psychologically and physically sound puppy.
That also applies to time spent away from you.
Teach your puppy that being apart has its advantages.
Start by only leaving him for brief intervals, then gradually increase your absences.
Your puppy may already be trained to get anxious when you leave it.
So try preventing this behavior by rewarding it.
Give it a high-value treat that it truly enjoys.
You should only use it to reinforce significant lessons and behaviors. [9]
He may even start to anticipate your departure if he receives a special reward just before you leave.
You can also lessen the distress caused by your departure routine.
Try desensitizing your puppy to the indications that you’re about to leave.
Instead of going to the car, for instance, pick up your keys or put on your coat before making dinner.
Better still, give your dog a high-value reward just before you reach for your keys or coat.
Over time, it will stop freaking out and start anticipating the indicators of you leaving. [10]
Medication
Sometimes training and conditioning are insufficient.
Some veterinarians recommend amitriptyline, which is used to treat depression.
Alprazolam, or Xanax, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
You can start using it if other options don’t work out.
With time, you can gradually lower the dosage until you completely exclude the drug.
Dramamine is mostly used to treat motion sickness.
But can also treat anxiety and depression, even separation anxiety symptoms.
Make sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications. [11]
At What Age do Puppies Get Separation Anxiety?
Puppies get separation anxiety before the age of two.
There is not a certainly confirmed age, but it usually happens at six-eight months.
At this age, they start feeling at home at your house.
They also realize that you are their “master” and will do anything to get some time with you.
As dogs age, the occurrence decreases until they reach their senior years.
They may feel more exposed now due to aging-related changes.
Our dogs go through several stages in their lives, but separation anxiety is not one of those stages.
Age or breed don’t matter and any dog may experience this issue. [12]
The majority of dogs experience progressive separation anxiety.
This fact shows us that it will worsen over time.
If you can step in before the situation escalates, we can stop the conduct.
At What Age do Puppies Develop Separation Anxiety?
Puppies develop separation anxiety at the age of 6-8 months.
But you can prevent it with proper training.
This is not a strict time frame, since SA development can vary.
It usually happens until the age of two.
Proper training and crate instructions are some of the best ways to prevent it.
If pet owners cannot solve this issue, they should consult a veterinary professional.
References
