Destructiveness Associated with Separation Anxiety - Tomball Veterinary Clinic Dogs bond emotionally to their human caretakers and can experience emotional distress at any age when separated from you or other family members. Separation anxiety may take several forms. Anxiety may result when an individual experiences social isolation or even temporary separation from others. This anxiety can become particularly intense when the pet anticipates periods of separation.
Dogs are quick to learn when their owners are about to leave the house.
Emotional tension builds before your departure. Peak anxiety, expressed as whimpering, barking or howling, likely occurs within the first minutes after your departure. During extended periods of separation, the pet may engage in more passive displays of anxiety, such as depression, withdrawal or self-mutilation. Copyright 2000 Tomball Veterinary Clinic. All Rights Reserved Web site designed and maintained by 202 South Web Designs, Inc.