Puppy Separation Anxiety At Night

What is separation anxiety in puppies?

Puppy separation anxiety at night is a disorder in which dogs experience anxiety when they are separated from their owners. The signs of this disorder often include destructive behaviors while the dog is left alone, barking excessively, excessive salivation, and whining. It can be very hard for dog owners to know when these behaviors are normal or abnormal. Some dogs may experience separation anxiety only during the first few days of being left alone, while others may develop it later in life or never develop it at all.

The symptoms of separation anxiety in puppies

The alarming symptoms of separation anxiety in puppies are caused by hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This is the body’s system responsible for stress response, which is regulated by various hormones. The release of these hormones can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, excessive barking or whining, constant pacing, and destructive behavior. These are all signs that an animal has had their safety compromised and are seeking some type of relief.

How to prevent separation anxiety in puppies

It is often difficult for owners to figure out how to avoid separation anxiety in puppies, but the following steps may help:
Avoid leaving your puppy home alone. Dogs can become anxious when they are left alone for long periods of time. Offer the puppy some company when you leave for work or errands.
A dog might not feel so anxious when he is left at home with another human or animal companion. Provide lots of mental stimulation when you are home with your puppy.

Socializing your puppy is very important

In order to prevent a dog from developing separation anxiety, it is important to socialize them early on in their puppyhood. Early socialization produces a dog that is well-adjusted and confident, as well as calm and less likely to develop abnormal or problematic behaviors. To socialize your puppy, take them out for walks around the neighborhood so they can meet other people and animals. Take them to playgroups with other dogs as well as any local dog parks.

Medication can help

In many cases, a veterinary professional will advise owners to administer drugs for puppy social anxiety when the behavior has continued and is affecting the dog’s quality of life. The most popular medication given to pets is Prozac. This drug can be bought in pill form or in liquid form, and it’s typically mixed with food. The serotonin levels in the brain are increased by Prozac, which can make dogs more receptive to their environment and less anxious.

Exercise is also a good idea

Many dog owners who work long hours worry about how their pets will behave when left alone. Whether it be pacing, whining, or tearing up the furniture, anything could happen without proper exercise and stimulation. Exercises can help with separation anxiety and make your pet calmer and more content when you step away for a few hours.
Exercise is a great way to keep your dog’s mind occupied while you are away. However, it is important to make sure that the exercise is not too strenuous since this can contribute to anxiety. A good option would be playing fetch or tug of war with your dog before leaving for work or on vacation.

Crate training

Puppy separation anxiety at night crate training is done to calm your dog down, but you need to make sure they are not left alone in the crate for too long. Crate training should be done with patience and consistency. The crate should only be used when the owners are gone for short periods of time, and never overnight. If crates are used correctly they help reduce barking, destruction, and stress behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of how your puppy is reacting when you are away at night. Our pets are usually left alone all day, but their nighttime separation anxiety can actually be more severe. If your pet is exhibiting signs of excessive barking, distress, or destruction, it may be time to call a professional behavior therapist for help.
Be careful to monitor how often and what type of behavior your dog exhibits while you are away at night.