Dog’s Shadowing Behaviour: How to Handle Their Separation Anxiety

Half an hour after you leave your dog at home, they will feel the anxiety of the separation. The level of their anxiety may be mild or severe.

Your dog may suffer separation anxiety when they damage or ruin your things or look worried. They may also follow you everywhere or get hysterical when you return home. A suspicious look before you leave may also be a sign.

With the right call of action, separation anxiety in dogs can be treated and prevented.

What is dog shadowing behaviour, and how do you handle your dog’s separation anxiety? What are the common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs? What are the causes of separation anxiety in dogs?

This article discusses dog shadowing behaviour. It also explains how to handle your dog’s separation anxiety, the symptoms, and the causes.

How to Handle Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

It is crucial to determine immediately if a dog suffers from separation anxiety. It will provide a better chance to treat them and prevent the anxiety from worsening.

There are ways to handle your dog’s separation anxiety. But, you must first identify whether their condition is mild or severe.

It would be best if you got a consultation from a dog psychologist or behaviourist professional to figure this out.

The Correlation Between Dog Shadowing Behaviour and Their Separation Anxiety

When your dog is following you wherever you go, room to room, especially when you are preparing to leave, this is also known as shadowing behaviour.

Shadowing behaviour may signify that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety because they fear they will be left alone and eyeing your every move.

Treatment for Mild Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Treatment for your dog’s separation anxiety may vary depending on the anxiety level. A dog with mild separation anxiety is addressed differently from one with severe.

Suppose your dog is experiencing moderate separation anxiety. In that case, the first thing you may do is not make a big arrival or departure. Not giving your attention to your dog at first may help, but you can gently pet your dog after a couple of minutes.

You may leave clothes that have your scent in them or a make familiar action or word that communicates to them that you will be back.

You can also buy products that may reduce your dog’s fear. A delightful treat for your dog to chew before you leave may also help.

Ensure that your dog gets the exercise they need. It may relax your dog to do some activities since they get physically tired.

Take your dog to a park and give it at least half an hour of aerobic activity. Search for parks near you at Area Guides.

Treatment for Moderate to Severe Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety may be treated by having your dog get enough exercise, treats, and toys. Familiar sounds, like when you are near the front door after being away for some hours, may also calm your pet.

There is severe separation anxiety, and you may want to seek professionals in such cases to get tests and evaluations.

Together with the specialists, you can treat your dog’s anxiety. Patience is needed since it may take months to resolve the issue, but you have to be with them through the process.

Dog’s separation anxiety treatment and other expenses can be high. It is essential to know the cost of owning a dog.

Generally, with the right action and process, your dog will respond to treatment and get better.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Symptoms of separation anxiety may be when your dog is following you from room to room.

If your dog is hysterical, vomiting, drooling, howling, or whining, it may signify separation anxiety.

Destructive behaviour or causing damage on the exits of your house, such as windows and doors or clothes with your scent, maybe a sign of separation anxiety.

Your dog may suffer from severe separation anxiety when it has a series of panic attacks or hurts by breaking through windows or forcefully leaving its crate.

Diagnosing your dog with separation anxiety can be complex because symptoms are visible in some medical issues, such as diabetes, seizures, cystitis, or renal disease.

In case you think your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. In that case, It may be best to stop by your veterinarian and consult about your dog’s unusual behaviour if they are having any. They may run some tests and provide a diagnosis.

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

The reason why some dogs experience separation anxiety while not other dogs is not completely clear.

It is not that your dog is making you suffer in a way, but they want to be with you. Some cases may trigger separation anxiety in a dog.

If it is their first time being alone, they might get overwhelmed by the separation when they are suddenly used to being with you and are left alone.

Suppose your dog remembers being in a shelter or boarding kennel or events that may cause trauma. In that case, it might trigger their separation anxiety.

A loss of another pet or a family member may trigger separation anxiety in your dog or if your family has a distinct routine and it is changed.

It is essential to note that your dog is a social animal naturally, and being left alone is not ideal for them.

Many dogs in a home with a system or routine may not develop separation anxiety, even if their person leaves for work. But if your routine or daily life changes suddenly, this may trigger separation anxiety in your dog.