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Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is the number one cause of behavioral problems in pets.  Have you ever wondered why your pet gets agitated or even destructive when you leave the house to go to work or run some errands?   You may have a pet with separation anxiety.  In the wild, dogs are social animals that roam, hunt, and sleep as a pack.  In your household, they see you as the pack leader and feel lonely when you are not there.  Some symptoms of separation anxiety are following you around the house and getting upset if they do not have access to you, whining and pacing when you are preparing to leave the house, destroying furniture and other items when you are away, scratching at the door when you leave, and using the bathroom in the house when they are potty trained.  Some tips to alleviate separation anxiety are feeding your pet before you leave so that they may be full and happy, leave plenty of bones and toys to keep them busy when you are away, or making them exercise before you go, such as taking them on a run or walk.  If none of these things seem to be working for your pet, then you may need to consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.