How to spot the signs of post lockdown separation anxiety in dogs

From happily pitter pattering around us while we’re home schooling or working, to excitedly running alongside us on walkies and snuggling up next to us in front of Netflix, our dogs have loved spending so much time with us during lockdown — and the feeling’s mutual.

For us humans, life is returning to normal; schools have re-opened, offices are welcoming back staff and now holidays are a tempting possibility. But our pets, to whom the novelty of constant companionship became a luxurious lifestyle, may be struggling to understand and missing having their favourite person around all day every day. We’re the centre of their world so, after months spent together in lockdown, being left alone can cause distress. This highest level of this upset is known as ‘separation anxiety’. 

To help you care for your pooch in the best way possible, the grain free dog food experts at Canagan have compiled everything you need to know about separation anxiety and how to manage it. 

What can trigger separation anxiety?

Dogs are very social animals that naturally live in family groups and have evolved over time to become domestic animals living side-by-side with humans. This pack mentality means they view you as their leader — a dependable figure vital to survival — so being alone can feel very unsettling.

Over lockdown, your dog’s pack mentality may well have grown stronger. After spending every day in a sudden, new routine with you, they’ll likely experience separation anxiety when that all changes — even if they’ve never showed signs before. Abrupt changes in your schedule like returning to work, a family member or friend who became your lockdown partner moving out, or children returning to school, can be troubling for our four-legged friends. 

You may have welcomed a new furry addition to the household over lockdown. Puppies or rescued adult dogs are even more likely to experience separation anxiety, as they will have grown accustomed to having you around 24/7 and do not know any different.

Spotting the signs

For a highly dependent dog, the first 15 minutes after you leave are the hardest. Physiological signs of fear include: 

• Quickened heart rate
• Heavier panting
• Increased saliva
• A need to go to the toilet

Once you’re gone, these heightened feelings can cause a dog to act out in the following ways:

• Persistent howling, whining, barking
• Causing destruction — from jumping on windowsills to digging, scratching at doors and destroying household objects. These behaviours can go as far to cause self-injury such as broken teeth, cut paws and damaged nails
• Escaping
• Pacing up and down in a fixed pattern or turning in a circle
• Urinating or defecating

 After a frantic episode, your dog may settle and chew on something that carries your scent. Dogs chew these belongings into small pieces and curl up in the debris, creating a barrier of your scent for comfort.

When you return your dog may seem besides themselves with excitement — spinning, jumping and howling with joy. If they seem wet, they may have salivated excessively or drunk lots of water due to stress. From then on, your furry friend may follow you wherever you go. If they suspect you’re leaving again, the anxious cycle of panting and pacing could re-start.

Why do dogs feel unsettled when left alone?

• In a post-lockdown world, they may simply have grown used to your company and can’t recall life before
• They have little to no experience of being left alone
• They feel at risk and vulnerable
• They are of a nervous disposition. From the fear of a daily occurrence, like the postman arriving, or an infrequent, unexpected event like a thunderstorm or fireworks, the slightest noise can shake a sensitive dog
• Boredom — especially for young, energetic puppies. If these pooch personality types are left alone for too long and if they haven’t had exercise in a while they may create their own entertainment, like rummaging through bins or chewing household objects

 Regardless of how old your pet is, it’s never too late for training to give you greater freedom, reassurance and ensure your dog is self-sufficient. Because a dog that enjoys their own company and being with their owner is a happy dog.

Finding a ‘safe space’ for your dog to relax

Decide on a space where you feel comfortable leaving your dog. The kitchen is a popular choice, due to the ease of cleaning up mess. Create a cosy space for your pet to relax in so they don’t associate it with isolation and add the following creature comforts:

• Ambient noise, by playing the radio softly
• A couple of chew toys as chewing will keep your dog occupied
• An item of clothing that you’ve worn recently as your scent will reassure them
• Add blankets and low heating if it’s chilly, or a fan in the summer if it’s hot. The right temperature is essential in ensuring your dog feels comfortable 

Training your dog for time alone

Although dogs should never be left for too long, familiarising them with the feeling of being alone for short periods of time will soon mean they feel relaxed and comfortable when you leave in future.

Stair gates are a great solution to help dogs acclimatise to being alone because they aren’t as intimidating as shutting a door. To introduce your pet to the habit of staying behind a stair gate and settling in their ‘safe space’, try the following tips:

• Gradually create distance by staying in the next room initially so they can still see, smell and hear you
• At random points in the day, pop a tasty treat or chew behind the stair gate to encourage your dog into that space
• Check in on your pet after a while. Hopefully they’ll still be engrossed in a treat!
• If they’re distracted by you and stick by your side, sit in the space for a while. Don’t interact with them, just stay there quietly. Your dog may feel confused at your behaviour initially and look to play
• Over a few days, gradually increase the time your dog is left behind the stair gate until you feel relaxed enough to leave their sight completely

Settling your pet before you set off 

So, you’ve experimented with minutes, or hours, away from your dog. They’re perfectly content to be left to their own devices and you’re planning to leave for a full day. Before you go it’s worth doing the following:

 Walk them. Just like us humans, our pets need physical and mental stimulation in order to lead healthy, happy lives. And a pet that’s well exercised will easily settle down to sleep in the peace and quiet of an empty house!

• Ensure they’ve gone to the toilet to minimise a mucky homecoming for you
• Feed them a small meal as this will help relax them and encourage sleep
• Remember that dogs are attuned to sound. They’ll quickly pick up on familiar noises that form part of your ‘getting ready’ routine such as the jangling of keys or the clunk of a bag. Desensitise them by rehearsing this routine within the training (without actually leaving). Over time, this routine won’t faze them
• Don’t punish them if they aren’t playing ball when you need to leave, as it’s a sign they’re simply not ready and will undo your progress
• Equally, try not to create an excitable scene when you return. Greet your pet in a friendly yet calm way. If you notice they have inflicted damage while you were away don’t scold as they won’t understand and this will only fuel the fear of being left alone

Include your pet if they can’t face total independence

For some dogs, the prospect of being without their owners — whether it’s for five minutes or five hours — is too much to bear and may spotlight an underlying issue. To minimise stress for your pet, find opportunities to include them. If you’re returning to the office, ask your boss if you can bring a canine colleague with you. Allow them to spend time with close friends and family, who you can call on to dog-sit if you have plans. If you’d like to go on holiday, there’s always the option of travelling with your pet. 

While some dogs will progress without a fuss, others may take longer to get used to being alone. Ultimately, patience and perseverance are key to paving the way to time apart after many months of quality time in lockdown. Soon, your normal routine will paw-fectly slot back into place.

This is a guest essay by Canagan.