Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Reasons why dogs have separation anxiety?

By Jerry Welsh


Dogs have always been considered as special pets because of the great influence they have made on people's lives. One of the reasons why dogs are considered as man's best friends is the legendary attachment these animals have for humans. The strong ties humans have with their dogs is one of the additional benefits that people gain in keeping a dog for a pet. Dogs are different from aloof cats as these pets are very dependent on their owners.

Dogs would give loads of affection and joys to the family but a pet dog would not only expect to constantly receive attention but would want to be with the master always. This is probably the reason why dogs are known as Velcro pets. Ironically, this close tie dogs have with humans is the reason why many of these animals are abandoned by their owners and end up in animal shelters or even euthanized. Because of separation anxiety a dog can develop destructive behaviors.

Barking, chewing, digging and house soiling comes with the territory of owning a dog. In dogs with separation anxiety disorder, the normal canine behaviors becomes destructive behaviors. When a normally well behaved dog manifests inappropriate behavior like excessive barking, chewing and digging when separated from its owner, it is highly likely that the dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Severe cases of separation anxiety can make the dog jump through windows, mutilate the body and cause serious destruction every time the owner is not around.

What are the reasons for a dog's separation anxiety disorder? Being social creatures, dogs would always love to interact with all the members of the family. Dogs can be the shadow of the master as these pets follow their masters around. A dog that is separated from its owner becomes vulnerable, confused and have panic attacks. Dogs are pack animals and they can consider the pet owner as the leader of the pack. Dogs that were not properly trained would consider themselves to be the alpha male and the humans as members lower in rank. Either way, the dog would not appreciate being separated from the pack.

Abused dogs, abandoned dogs and dogs that have been transferred from one home to another commonly suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety would start to be destructive as soon as the master leaves home. At the sight of the master picking the car keys or taking the coat from the rack will trigger a panic attack and make the dog starts its destructive behavior.




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