A dog chewing shoes and clawing the door may be suffering from separation anxiety.
“Separation anxiety happens when a dog that’s hyper-attached to his owner gets super-stressed when left alone. It's more than a little whining when you leave or a bit of mischief while you’re out. It's a serious condition and one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. But there are plenty of things you can do to help,” said WebMD in How to Ease Your Dog's Separation Anxiety.
It helps if a dog owner understands what triggers this in his/her dog.
WebMD listed the causes of separation anxiety:
• For the first time, the dog is left alone and the dog is used to being with people.
• When the dog has a new owner.
• When the dog is brought to a shelter or a new home.
• When the routine or schedule of the family is changed.
• When a member of the family leaves or dies.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
A dog with separation anxiety will show the following signs when he is alone:
• Have indoor "accidents" or poop even though he is housebroken
• Howl, bark, or even whine excessively
• Chew items, dig holes and scratch at doors and windows
• Pant, drool or salivate excessively or more than usual
• Pace repeatedly, often in an obsessive pattern
• He will try to escape and leave the house.
“He likely won't do any of these things to an extreme while you’re around. A normal dog might do some of these things once in a while, but one with separation anxiety will do them almost all the time, “ WebMD said.
How to Treat It
Rule out any problems first by having your dog checked by a vet.
“Sometimes dogs have accidents in the house because of infections or hormone problems or other health conditions. It also could be due to incomplete housebreaking. And some medications can cause accidents. If your dog takes any drugs, ask your vet if they are to blame,” WebMD said.
If the Problem Is Mild …
• Do give your dog a special treat whenever and ONLY when you will leave the house. This can be a puzzle toy with treats inside. Take the toy away when you return.
• Do not make a fuss when leaving or returning home. Make your leaving and returning low-key. Ignore your pup for a few minutes after you get home.
• Leave some of your clothes with your smell on it for your dog to feel secure.
• Ask your vet for over-the-counter natural calming supplements.
If the Problem Is More Serious …
“A dog with severe anxiety won't be distracted by even the tastiest treats. You'll need to slowly get him used to your absence,” WebMD said.
A dog may start to get nervous when he sees you doing things he associates with your leaving the house.
So put on your shoes in front of your dog BUT DO NOT LEAVE. Pick up the keys BUT DO NOT LEAVE.
“So do those things, but then don't leave. Put on your shoes and then sit down at the table. Pick up your keys and watch TV. Do this over and over many times a day, “ WebMD suggested.
“When your dog starts to feel less anxious about that, you can slowly start to disappear. First just go on the other side of the door. Ask your dog to stay, then close an inside door between you. Reappear after a few seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you're gone. Put on your shoes and pick up your keys. Ask your dog to stay while you go into another room,” WebMD said.
“As he gets more used to the ‘stay game,’ increase the amount of time you're gone. Then use an outside door, but not the same one you go out every day. Make sure your dog is relaxed before you leave,” WebMD added.
WebMD said only the owner can say when the dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods.
“Don't rush things. Give him a stuffed treat when you've built up to 10 seconds or so apart. Always act calm when you leave and when you return,” WebMD said.
“Gradually build up the time until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Then stay away for longer and longer periods,” WebMD added.
For All Dogs
It is important to make sure your pet exercises every day.
If your dog is tired and happy, he will be less stressed when you leave the house.
“It's also key that you challenge your pet's mind. Play training games and fetch. Use interactive puzzles. Work his mind as well as his body. That will keep him busy, happy, and too tired to be anxious while you're gone,” WebMD said.
