Separation Anxiety Pets

Allow yourself to remember back to that day when you first saw your soon-to-be newly adopted Daschund puppy. Little did you think then that you would be stressing over her long periods of howling when you left for work each day. You thought she would grow out of it but now the question foremost in your mind is “Can a dog get over separation anxiety.”

She was a shelter adoption. Her previous owners turned her over to the local shelter stating that they had to move out of their home as the Dad had lost his job at the local appliance factory. No money for mortgage and while they still wanted the pup, they had to move in with another family and the dog was not invited. Bad time for them, but you were happy to take on this red, wiggly challenge.

Happily, Gidget, came potty trained and that was really a bonus. She did have a couple of accidents while you were away at work, but you blamed yourself for keeping her alone too long without a potty break. This wasn’t right, so you arranged to have the neighbor come let her out for a romp in the patio area at 10am and 2pm. It never crossed you mind that these accidents might be a symptom of dog separation anxiety behavior.

Somewhere in the first 20 days together with your pup your neighbor called to tell you that your puppy was howling from the time you left for work for an hour or so and then again after her morning and afternoon potty break. You were stunned! You thought that providing your dog additional attention would solve the potty accidents, but now you wonder if it contributed to her dog separation anxiety problem.

Animal behaviorists often see signs of dog anxiety manifest in several ways. In this case, the potty accidents might actually have been early signs of dog separation anxiety behavior. You provided a temporary ‘fix’ with the neighbor’s doggy visits, but now your pup is missing the Potty Visitor and you. A double dose of dog anxiety.

First Steps for You and Your Pup

Vets and animal behaviorists have not really nailed down why some dogs develop the problem and others do not. However, shelter dogs have a tendency for developing problems, but that probably doesn’t surprise to you. There is good news though.

You do need you have your dog checked by the vet to rule out physical problems that are leading to ongoing potty problems, barking, howling, anorexic eating, and other behaviors activity related to dog separation anxiety. Now your vet may suggest a form of doggy Prozak to calm your pup down, but is that really your only option?

Before jumping into a lifetime doped up dog and costly prescription pills ask your vet,” Can a dog overcome separation anxiety using natural remedies?” Find out how at http://Dog-Anxiety-Treatment.com.

Reduce Anxiety in Pets