Separation Anxiety in Pets

The Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus is temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 related staffing shortage. All animals currently housed at the shelter are being transferred to their other campuses. They want to thank you for your understanding and support!

Separation anxiety is the physiological and behavioral response a dog experiences when separated from his guardian, resulting in panic and undesirable behaviors. Your dog may show their anxiety when left alone by whining, barking, howling, or with destructive behavior such as chewing or digging. They may also take extreme measures to try and escape their environment, soil the house, pant heavily, or show signs like dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and/or sweaty paw pads.

Here are a few tips to help you alleviate your dog’s separation anxiety:

1. Keep your arrivals and departures as low key as possible. 
2. If one event seems to trigger your dog’s anxiety, begin desensitizing him to that trigger. 
3. Vigorously exercise your dog for at least 15 minutes twice daily. 
4. Provide your dog with a special toy when you leave, such as a KONG stuffed with yummy treats and a bit of peanut butter. 

For more information on separation anxiety in pets, visit wihumane.org!