What classifies as a "separation"? This varies greatly between animals: some must have "their person" within their line of sight, other pets are fine as long as the owner is within a comfortable distance (i.e. somewhere else in the house), and still others are fine until the owner leaves. Even finer distinctions would be animals that are fine for a certain period of time after their owner leaves, but then start to show signs of anxiousness some time later.
Just like the variance in what stresses out each individual, the signs of separation anxiety vary greatly as well.
The following signs are some of the more common behaviors seen in dogs and cats suffering from separation anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety:
- inappropriate urination or defecation
- scratching, chewing or other destructive behavior
- vocalizing -- meowing/barking
- excessive grooming or licking
- hyperactive or depressed/lethargic
- pacing
- drooling
- trying to escape, sometimes breaking teeth or toe nails in the attempt
Separation anxiety can be a serious problem
Scolding your pet will only make the anxiety worse. Working with a qualified dog trainer, animal behaviorist and/or veterinarian will help you find the source of your pet's anxiety to address the problem. Behavior modification and possibly pheromone and/or medical therapy may be necessary help alleviate your pet's anxiety.
