A common experience among pets – most particularly dogs –
when left alone at home is separation anxiety. Many people think
their dog is angry at them for some reason when they come back to
find the dogs behavior was out-of-control, but in reality, the dog
may have been simply panicked and anxious from separation anxiety.
Some classic behaviors that dogs experiencing separation
anxiety exhibit right when an owner leaves – even if for only 5 minutes – include:
- Destroying objects
- Self-injury
- Excessive
loudness
- Inappropriate
elimination (i.e. going to the bathroom anywhere)
- Acting
with great excitement when you return home
- Acting
panicked but not angry
Providing a videotape of some of these activities
to your veterinarian is a useful diagnostic tool, as video
observation, coupled with their knowledge of your dog’s past
medical and psychological history, can help your vet rule out other
behavioral problems in making a diagnosis.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
