Separation anxiety in dogs is an anxious reaction that manifests in some individuals when they are left alone or separated from their owner. The problem can arise when the animal is left at home, but sometimes it is enough for the dog to be physically separated from the owner — for example, shut in another room or in the car. It is one of the most common behavioural problems in dogs and, consequently, one of the main issues referred to dog trainers and canine behaviourists.

Behaviourist Eleonora Mentaschi explains: "Separation anxiety can manifest primarily through three symptoms: destructive behaviour, barking (or whining, crying or other forms of vocalisation), and eliminating urine or faeces in an inappropriate place. The dog may display just one symptom (for example, only destructive behaviour), or two or three symptoms at the same time. The symptoms appear solely and exclusively when the dog is separated from its owner. It is worth knowing that separation anxiety can manifest even after short separations lasting only a few minutes."

Leggi anche: La nostra ansia e il nostro stress rovinano il rapporto con il cane, secondo una ricerca

Why dogs develop separation anxiety

But why do dogs suffer from separation anxiety? "Anxious reactions following separation are very common in social species such as the dog," Mentaschi continues. "The dog is, in fact, an extremely social animal that has, as part of its innate behavioural repertoire, a great need to feel part of a group; solitude and separation from its social reference figures are situations that are very difficult to manage and tolerate. Separation anxiety can also stem from excessive dependence or excessive attachment on the part of the dog towards one or more family members. This is why the symptoms always appear when the owner is absent or in the moments leading up to the human companion's departure. The factors underlying this problem can be varied, and not all cases of solitude-related issues are the same. In some cases, separation anxiety can be triggered by a lack of habituation to being alone, or by very unstable daily routines."

How to overcome anxiety

In treating separation anxiety, it is very important to understand that the dog is NOT taking revenge and is not misbehaving out of spite. Extensive scientific research conducted around the world has shown that the destructiveness, vocalisations and elimination of organic material that appear solely and exclusively at the moment of separation from the owner are simply a manifestation of the anxious state the dog is experiencing at that time.

But what is the key to identifying the problem? The behaviourist explains: "Not all dogs that engage in destructive behaviour, bark or eliminate faeces or urine indoors suffer from separation anxiety. In order to identify a problem of this kind, the dog must display the symptoms solely and exclusively when the owner is absent." There are problems linked to certain conditions, in fact, that are mistaken for anxiety-related issues. This is the case with dogs that urinate indoors without being able to wait for their daily walk. These are often phenomena linked to kidney problems or chronic cystitis that are, precisely, mistaken for separation anxiety.

Leggi anche: Cani e stress, anche il loro pelo diventa grigio

"Separation anxiety in dogs is a condition that can be treated and managed. Each case has a different prognosis, which only a specialist can provide. It must be borne in mind, however, that it cannot be resolved overnight, and that patience is the winning strategy. If you are willing to work with the canine behaviourist and follow their guidance, the therapy can yield remarkable results. Separation anxiety in dogs should, in fact, be regarded as a genuine illness. And as such it must be addressed and treated," Mentaschi continues.

Treatment of this type of behavioural problem involves a set of behavioural guidelines prescribed by the professional consulted (whether a vet, behaviourist or trainer), which must be followed by all members of the household. "Therapy will begin with a detailed behavioural consultation, and only afterwards will the most suitable therapy and the most appropriate course of action be indicated," Mentaschi continues.

Each individual case is treated differently, and the therapy is agreed upon with the owners according to their time constraints, availability, lifestyle and so on. Mentaschi concludes: "It is important to emphasise that the input of a specialist is essential in these cases. Only a qualified professional will be able to help you approach the most suitable therapy for your specific situation in the right way."

Separation anxiety in dogs: exercises to keep it in check

Separation anxiety causes great stress in dogs, who perceive the absence of members of their family group, and is diagnosed in 20–40 per cent of dogs seen by specialists. There are three therapies for tackling this problem: behavioural, environmental modification, and pharmacological. The first is the most important and, if carried out correctly, can eliminate the condition without resorting to medication. The help of a behaviourist is certainly recommended; however, there are some steps we can take to reduce separation anxiety in dogs. It is important, for example, to give the dog a reassuring routine by establishing fixed times for walks and meals. It is advisable to ignore attention-seeking behaviour and reward desired behaviours, and in particular to pay attention to interactions at the time of departure and return. To encourage the dog to relax, it is a good idea to ignore it for the 15–30 minutes before leaving and after returning. Finally, it is absolutely essential to remember that a dog must never be punished for behaviour linked to anxiety, as this would only amplify the problem.