Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs Normal After Christmas? Your Dog Anxiety Questions Answered!
Will my dog feel lonelier after the Christmas holidays if they're left alone?
Christmas is often a very busy time of the year with plenty of chatter, comings and goings of sometimes unfamiliar visitors and often centres around children who may not always be permanent residents of the household.
This change in routine can often be rather unsettling for dogs, particularly those used to a rather more sedate way of life.
After the bustle of the festive period, some dogs can find being left on their own a rather overwhelming and stressful experience, whereas others soon fall back into their pre-Christmas routine without batting an eyelid.
Is separation anxiety in dogs normal after Christmas?
This very much depends upon the character of the individual dogs. Some cope with “change”, albeit temporary, much better than others. In dogs who perhaps are known for being a little “highly-strung” or prone to anxiety, a bout of post-Christmas separation anxiety would not be unusual or unexpected.
How long can a dog be left alone before they experience separation anxiety?
If a dog is going to suffer from separation anxiety, the speed of onset can be very variable due to the underlying cause(s) of the behaviour, and can even be triggered simply by the anticipation of the event/situation which is anxiety-causing, so before it actually takes place. In some cases, such behaviour will start within a few minutes of the owner leaving the property.
Can separation anxiety in dogs occur throughout the year?
Depending on the cause of the anxiety, yes, it can occur throughout the year. For some dogs, separation-related behaviours are simply a result of boredom; a lack of mental stimulation - such as the quiet period immediately after the business of the festive period.
For other dogs who may be emotionally attached to an individual or people, and that person or people go away, the separation can cause anxiety, fear, frustration and sometimes aggression.
Why does separation anxiety in dogs occur?
Identifying the triggers to the behaviours exhibited can be very tricky as the behaviour will often occur whilst you are away from home and unable to observe your dog directly - video cameras can be very useful in these circumstances and can help to identify possible triggers such as loud noises/ the sound of traffic or a doorbell, or a neighbouring dog barking, for example.
Boredom is a common cause of separation anxiety in dogs. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation if your dog is to remain healthy and active. An excess of energy can often result in destructive behaviours such as digging and chewing.
Frustration is another common cause and is the result of a dog not being able to get to something they need or want. This could be something as obvious as a cat walking past the window, or if they are craving the company of their missing owners, they may frantically try and recreate that comfort in another way.
Previous negative experiences may also be to blame and can impact hugely on the dog's future behaviour. Such fear or anxiety-linked episodes may manifest as the dog howling, barking or toileting in appropriate places. Often in such cases, as you are preparing to leave the home, putting your coat or shoes on, for example, can trigger the start of such a display of behaviour - which may start off as pretty subtle, but often deteriorates in your absence.
What are the common signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
There are several signs your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety and these include:
excessive panting, drooling, pacing, ears pinned back, tail between the legs, lip licking and yawning. They can also urinate or defecate indoors, eat their own faeces (coprophagia), or try to escape.
Is destructive behaviour a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Yes, destructive behaviour may well be a sign and often stems from the dog experiencing a sort of “frustration”. For example, if he is unable to act out the behaviour/activity he would like to, or due to boredom after he runs out of constructive things to do.
Is trembling a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Trembling can be a sign of separation anxiety, although can be due to several other reasons such as a cold body temperature, fear and stress. For example, a nervous dog will often shake or tremble when approached by an unfamiliar dog, or at the sound of thunder or fireworks. Older dogs will often tremble on their back legs as their muscle mass reduces with age and they find it harder to bear their own weight compared with when they were younger.
Is vomiting a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
It is definitely possible for separation anxiety to cause vomiting in dogs. However, it is important to make sure that there are no other reasons, for example, an underlying health condition requiring diagnosing and treating kidney issues, or gastroenteritis.
If your dog is suffering from unexplained, sudden onset or unresolving vomiting, if they seem unwell in themselves, is drinking or urinating more than usual, losing weight inexplicably, or has diarrhoea, a visit to your vet is advisable to give them the once over to make sure there is nothing more serious going on. Remember the sooner these things are diagnosed, the sooner a plan can be made, and treatment initiated as appropriate.
Is overexcitement at seeing you a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Excessive excitement upon your return can be an indicator that your dog suffers from separation anxiety in your absence. Whilst it is always a very heart-warming greeting, one has to be careful not to play too much to this behaviour and act a little aloof, so as not to positively reinforce the behaviour- thus encouraging it further, although this is far easier said than done.
Personally, we recommend a gentle pat on the head, then going about your other duties for 5-10 minutes, and then, only when the dog has settled, then make a fuss of him or her. The idea here is that they soon learn they get rewarded for calm, not manic, behaviour.
Is repeated barking / whining a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Yes, it can be, but of course, it can also be a sign of fear, boredom, attention seeking and even pain. It is therefore important to rule out other potential causes of repeated barking/whining.
Is pacing around a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
This can be a very common sign of separation activity. It acts as a sort of displacement activity - channelling some of that nervous energy.
In mild cases, a dog will walk in circles or back and forth without a specific destination in mind. However, they usually manage to settle down within 15 minutes or so and stop.
In more severe cases, the dog will appear distressed or even panicked and will trot constantly between exit points.
Is excessive paw raising a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
The lifting of a front paw excessively may also be a sign of fear or stress. It is a sign of uncertainty and as owners, we should try and reassure our pets that they are not under any threat. A calm, gentle tone of voice will provide gentle encouragement and help to put your dog at ease.
Is ears being pinned back a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Ears tilted back is often a source of stress such as separation anxiety, or fear, and is possibly also a submissive state. However, assess the rest of the body language too as ears pinned back together with growling or teeth showing could be a sign of aggression in a dog who is ready to attack, so be careful until you can judge the situation fully.
Is excessive salivation a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Excessive saliva production occurs when the salivary glands produce more saliva than the dog is able to swallow and can cause them to drool. Saliva is composed of approximately 98% water but also contains antibacterial compounds, enzymes, which are involved in the digestive process, and electrolytes - all of these things are important to overall health. Saliva also promotes dental health by bathing the teeth with proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel and reduce gum disease.
Although it is normal for a dog to drool when happy, excited or whilst waiting for his favourite treat, excessive saliva production is not normal and may indicate agitation, such as that experienced with separation anxiety. It is important to rule out other potential causes of excessive salivation (ptyalism) such as growths to the mouth, gastrointestinal problems and dental problems.
Is panting a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Dogs pant when hot or after heavy exercise as they can’t sweat. They cool themselves down through evaporation from the mouth - seen as panting. This is quite normal, but dogs can also pant when in pain with certain disease processes such as Cushing's, and also when feeling anxious, such as with separation anxiety. Hence, if your dog appears to be panting excessively, and it’s not after exercise, or due to it being a warm day, it may be suffering from anxiety.
Is refusing food a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Like many people, a dog feeling anxiety for whatever reason may well lose its appetite compared to normal. This may partly be due to the fact they may feel rather nauseous or are actually vomiting, due to the natural reaction of the body to sometimes increase the production of gastric acid whilst under stressful situations. This can in itself lead to gastric upset - perpetuated by the lack of intake of food - upsetting the natural flora and fauna of the guts.
Is pooing/weeing a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
There are a number of reasons why a dog may urinate/defecate in the house and determining the reason is crucial for developing a treatment program to try and rectify the problem.
Dogs who toilet in the house from when they first arrive have probably never been house-trained - such as puppies.
Dogs who have previously been house trained may begin soiling in the home due to medical reasons, such as incontinence, or behavioural reasons which may be due to a change in routine or housing, which may lead to anxiety and separation anxiety is another possible cause.
Dogs who exhibit increased anxiety may begin passing urine/faeces in the home, due primarily to a loss of control when anxious, and not due to spite.
Keeping a record of when and where the “accidents” occur can help to pinpoint the triggers.
Dogs with separation anxiety often wee or poo shortly after their owners depart, even if they have just been to the toilet outdoors. Often, this is accompanied by other signs of anxiety as described above, such as salivating or vocalisation.
Is self-injury a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Some dogs suffer to such an extreme that through their own destructive behaviour, they will injure themselves during an anxiety phase; some dogs will also deliberately self-harm - such as biting their own tails or nibbling at their feet or another particular part of the body. Any injuries obtained should lead you to consult a vet for appropriate treatment and advice.
Is yawning a sign of separation anxiety in dogs?
Often, if a dog is unsure about a situation, the anxiety will manifest as them yawning as it is one of many signals a dog uses to calm themselves down when uneasy or stressed. As in people, yawning can also be contagious in dogs too! In a pack, a dog’s yawn can also transmit feelings of stress to their social group..thus signalling there may be a potential danger out there.
Should I see a vet about separation anxiety in dogs?
This very much depends upon the degree to which the dog is suffering, and hence the impact on their own and your own quality of life.
In mild cases, there are several things you can do yourself before resorting to consulting a veterinary surgeon or behaviourist for advice:
Avoid known stressful situations; for example, leave your dog at home if you are going to be attending a large crowded/noisy event such as a firework display.
Create a safe space for your dog - give them a quiet room or even a well-padded crate to hide away in - with background noise (like a radio), and their favourite toys/treats.
Learn to recognise early signs of your dog’s fear, anxiety and stress - move them away from the scary stimulus; ask an approaching stranger to stop coming towards you; take your pet to a quiet location with minimal frightening stimuli.
More severely affected dogs may well benefit from specialist advice from your vet or behaviourist/trainer. Examples of some programs which may be suggested include the use of positive reinforcement - so rewarding your dog for positive behaviour - such as when they remain calm, or return to being calm - rather than praising them during the midst of an anxiety episode (which will encourage the dog to repeat the negative behaviour), clicker training and utilising anxiety management skills.
How can I treat separation anxiety in dogs?
Suggestions include the use of pheromone devices such as Adaptil - these are the calming hormones that animals calm each other down and have been recreated in both a plug-in device and an impregnated collar. It can take several weeks for the levels to build up to become effective, but can work well, and will have no other effect on any other household members or pets.
Thunder shirts can work very well in appeasing stressed dogs - the principle is rather like the swaddling effect in babies.
Zylkene - is a natural ingredient-based nutraceutical supplement which comes in a capsule form and helps both cats and dogs in stressful situations. They contain Casein which is known to promote relaxation in newborn infants after breastfeeding. They can be used either on a short-term basis (for example a visit to the vet, or house moves) or on a more long-term basis as guided by your veterinary surgeon.
Can I make it easier for my dog to be alone?
Getting things like a safe space and Adaptil on board prior to an anticipated possibly stress-inducing event is very important so that these things are familiar to your dog before they are to be left alone. Reward them for remaining calm after you leave them alone - even if it is just for 5-10 minutes at a time to begin with; then gradually extend your time away.
Always give them an opportunity to empty their bladder and bowels prior to being left alone, and try and make their environment as familiar as possible for them - leaving a radio or TV on, if that is what is usually happening at home when you are there; even leaving a bit of your clothing with your scent on it next to their bed can help - but be careful- as some dogs will take it a bit too far, and will actually eat your socks for example - leading to potentially life- endangering intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery!
What can I do to ease my dog back to a normal routine after Christmas?
Once things begin to calm down a bit, visitors have returned home, and life is beginning to get back to normal, try and fairly gradually slip back into your usual routine - walks and meals at regular times for example, back to their normal diet and treat, etc. Many pets are actually far more adaptable than we give them credit for. Try to avoid any sudden changes, particularly to the diets, as your dog’s gut biomes will take some time to adjust back to normal, so softly, softly is the way.
How can UK Pets help separation anxiety in dogs?
We stock a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription medications to help with anxiety, including stress triggered by separation anxiety. Prescription drugs can be obtained with a written prescription from your veterinary surgeon, via our website.
Sources
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/separationrelatedbehaviour
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-how-can-i-stop-my-dog-getting-separation-anxiety
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/separationrelatedbehaviour/tre+atment
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/stressed-dog-care
https://ukpetdrugs.co.uk/dog/health/calming
