Is my dog's destruction due to separation anxiety when I leave?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 27th, 2017

  Bear is a cutie. He may be starting to show some signs of seperation anxiety. I would try crating him when you leave to see if he will settle in a crate. Also give him approriate, safe toys to chew on. If he is ok with other toys, it may just be teething and puppy hood. If he is upset every time he is left alone, look at the following article about seperation anxiety. If you think that is some of his issue, consider a visit with a veterinary behaviorist or vet that specializes in behavior as he is young enough that you may be able to limit this disorder. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

  

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on July 18th, 2018

  Hi there. You can certainly try leaving him with some additional things to chew on while you're not home to see if this helps. Some good options would include large rawhide chews, bully sticks, or puzzle toys such as a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter. You could also feed his breakfast and dinner out of a puzzle toys such as a Kibble Nibble or Buster Cube while you're gone, rather than giving it to him in a bowl when you're home. However, I would caution you that destructive behavior while you're not home is a very common sign of separation anxiety. If Oakley has this problem, leaving him with treats and puzzle toys may still help, but he may also need prescription anti-anxiety medication from your vet to treat the issue effectively. To find out if he is anxious or just bored, I would recommend setting up a video camera to record him the next time you leave the house. When you watch the recording, it's usually pretty easy to tell if he's upset vs. just bored.

  

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 19th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At 9 months of age he is done teething. Excessive chewing of inappropriate things could be due to being a puppy or anxiety. He should have plenty of dog chew toys available. All things of value should be put away. He needs to be watched or leashed to an adult when you are home. When you leave him at home, he should be confined in a laundry room, crate or other safe room with no objects to chew. You may want to sign him up for doggie daycare a few times a week. If he has separation anxiety discuss medications with your Vet. As for the begging that is training. He should be taught to go to his bed when you are eating. Or you can crate him during meals. I recommend basic training classes as trained dogs that listen are better dogs at home and in public. I wish you the best!

  

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