Three Top Separation Anxiety Myths

Separation anxiety is a common problem among canines, and it can cause destructive behavior such as chewing, soiling carpets, and aggression. Many dog owners don’t understand canine separation anxiety and there are many myths about the problem. Here are three of the most common:

• Letting your dog sleep in your bed will cause separation anxiety – Research shows no basis for the theory that co-sleeping with your pup will make him more likely to experience separation anxiety. However, if your dog already suffers from separation anxiety, co-sleeping may exacerbate the problem. For dogs suffering from separation anxiety, a better solution is allowing the dog to sleep in a bed near you.
• Chewing is always a symptom of separation anxiety – Chewing doesn’t always indicate separation anxiety. Chewing could be a symptom of under-stimulation or the result of inadequate training. Chewing may be a symptom of separation anxiety if it involves personal belongings of the owner, such as shoes, or areas where the owner enters and leaves the home.
• Ignoring the dog for 10 minutes before and after leaving is an effective means of treating separation anxiety – In many cases, this serves only to exacerbate the problem.

To diagnose and treat separation anxiety in dogs, consult with a veterinarian or dog behavior specialist. They know best how to identify the signs of this problem and recommend effective ways to eliminate the problem.

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