Why Does Your Dog Follow you Everywhere: Separation Anxiety 101 – DISCOVER Magazine

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If your dog follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom, it might be a sign that he or she is suffering from separation anxiety. This can be a very serious problem for dogs, as it can lead to destructive behaviors and even health problems. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs, as well as how to treat it. You will learn more about why does your dog follow you everywhere: separation anxiety 101 today!
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When a pet parent leaves their animal alone, one of the most popular gripes is that their dogs are mischievous or destructive. Their canines might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig, or attempt to flee. Despite the fact that these issues usually indicate that a dog requires training in polite home etiquette, they can also be signs of anxiety.
When a dog's issues are coupled with additional anxiety behaviors, such as drooling and whimpering when his pet parents are about to depart the house, they do not indicate that he isn't house trained or doesn't know which toys are his to chew.
Instead, they are signs of separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety experience sadness as a result of being separated from their guardians, people to whom they are bonded. Dogs that have separation anxiety frequently make strong attempts to escape and may cause self-injury and property damage, particularly around exit points such as windows and doors.
When their owners prepare to leave, certain dogs with separation anxiety become restless. Others appear anxious or dejected before their guardians' departure or when they are not around.
Some people try to prevent their guardians from leaving. The dog will often begin barking and displaying other anxiety symptoms within a few minutes of being left alone after the guardian has gone, typically within minutes. When the guardian returns home, the dog appears to have missed his mother or father for years!
The objective when treating a dog with separation anxiety is to alleviate the dog's underlying anxiety by teaching him to enjoy or at least endure being alone. This is accomplished by making the environment so that the dog experiences the situation that elicits his worry, namely being alone, without experiencing fear or anxiety.
The first step is to get the dog used to being alone for short periods of time. This is accomplished by gradually acclimating him to being in his own space without you there. The goal is to increase the amount of time he is comfortable being alone until he can stay alone for several hours without showing signs of anxiety.
One way to do this is by using a baby gate or exercise pen to create a designated space for your dog. Make sure the area is comfortable and has all his favorite toys and bones. Then, begin spending time in the room with him while he is in his designated space. Start by sitting with him for just a few minutes and then gradually increase the amount of time you are gone.
If your dog begins to show signs of anxiety while you are gone, such as pacing or whining, decrease the amount of time you are gone until he is comfortable again. Once he is able to stay in his space without showing signs of anxiety, you can begin leaving the house for short periods of time.
Start by leaving for just a minute or two and then gradually increase the amount of time you are gone. If your dog begins to show signs of anxiety, such as pacing or whining, decrease the amount of time you are gone until he is comfortable again.
It is important to remember that this process takes time and patience. Do not expect your dog to be comfortable being alone overnight. It may take weeks or even months of gradual exposure before he is able to stay calm when you leave.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help make the process easier on both you and your dog. First, make sure that all of your departures are calm and low-key. Avoid making a big deal out of leaving or coming home.
Second, provide your dog with plenty of exercise before you leave. A tired dog is a calm dog and is more likely to be able to handle being alone for a short period of time. Finally, give your dog lots of love and attention when you are home so that he knows that being with you is a good thing.
By following these steps, you can help your dog overcome his separation anxiety and learn to enjoy being alone. Just remember to be patient and consistent, and soon your dog will be happy and relaxed when you leave the house.
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause anxiety in dogs. These include separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. Each of these conditions has different symptoms and treatments.
Separation anxiety is the most common type of anxiety in dogs. It occurs when a dog is separated from its owner or family members. Symptoms of separation anxiety include barking, whining, howling, pacing, panting, and destructiveness. Dogs with separation anxiety may also try to escape from their homes or yards.
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry. Dogs with this condition may be afraid of people, other animals, sounds, or changes in their environment. Phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations. Common phobias in dogs include thunderstorms, fireworks, and car rides.
Treatment for anxiety depends on the underlying cause. For example, separation anxiety can be treated with behavior modification techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning. Generalized anxiety disorder may require medication in addition to behavior therapy. Phobias are usually treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication.
There are a number of possible reasons. One is that your dog may have separation anxiety, which is a condition that can be treated.
Another possibility is that your dog simply isn't used to being left alone. If this is the case, you can help your dog get acclimated to being alone by gradually increasing the amount of time he is left alone.
Finally, it is also possible that your dog is picking up on your own anxiety about leaving him alone. If this is the case, try to stay calm and relaxed when you are getting ready to leave so that your dog doesn't sense your anxiety.
There are quite a few symptoms that your dog may exhibit when experiencing anxiety from separation. Here are just some of the more common signs that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety: 
When left alone or separated from their guardians, some dogs urinate or defecate. If a dog soils his home while his guardian is present, it's unlikely that separation anxiety is to blame.
When left alone or when separated from his caretaker, a dog with separation anxiety might bark or howl. This noisy behavior is continuous and does not appear to be prompted by anything other than being abandoned.
When left alone or separated from their owners, dogs with separation anxiety chew on items, door frames, and window sills, dig at doors and doorways, or break household objects.
For example, separation anxiety can cause a dog to bite his paws or chew himself. A lot of dogs have broken teeth, cut and scraped paws, and damaged nails as a result of this sort of behavior. Dogs don't usually act out in their guardian's presence if their chewing, digging, and demolition are caused by separation anxiety.
When a dog with separation anxiety is left alone or separated from his caretaker, he may try to break free from the area where he's confined. The dog might gnaw and dig through doors or windows in an attempt to escape, which can result in self-injury such as fractured teeth, cut and scraped front paws, and damaged nails. 
If you think your dog's escape behaviors are due to separation anxiety, take him to the vet for a checkup. It's possible that he could be suffering from an underlying medical condition that is causing his anxiety. Once any potential medical problems have been ruled out, you can work with a behaviorist or certified applied animal behaviorist on a treatment plan for your dog's separation anxiety.
When left alone or separated from their owners, some dogs walk or trot in a pre-determined route in a set pattern. Some pacing canines perform long marches back and forth, while others move about in straight lines. When the cause of a dog's pacing is separation anxiety, it usually ceases when his owner is present.
Some dogs defecate and then consume all or part of the excrement if left alone or separated from their guardians. If a dog eats feces as a result of separation anxiety, he is unlikely to do so in the presence of his guardian.
There are a few supplements that can help with separation anxiety in dogs. One is CBD oil, which has been shown to be helpful in reducing anxiety. Another is omega-three fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function. 
Finally, probiotics can help to regulate the digestive system and reduce stress levels. Talk to your veterinarian about which supplements are right for your dog and how to use them safely.
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs, but it is one that can be overcome with patience and consistency. By gradually exposing your dog to being alone and providing him with plenty of exercise and love, you can help him to overcome his anxiety and enjoy his own company. 
Remember to supplement his diet with CBD oil, omega-three fatty acids, and probiotics to help reduce his anxiety levels and improve his overall health. With a little time and effort, your dog will be enjoying solo time in no time.
CBD oil helps reduce anxiety in dogs by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep. 
By interacting with this system, CBD oil helps to promote calmness and relaxation. It can also help to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation. Talk to your veterinarian about whether CBD oil is right for your dog and how to use it safely.
CBD oil is just one of the many supplements that can help with separation anxiety in dogs. Other helpful supplements include omega-three fatty acids, probiotics, and Bach flower essences. 
If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, you may be wondering how long it will take for supplements to help. The answer depends on a few factors, including the severity of your dog's anxiety and the type of supplement you're using. 
In general, however, most dogs will see a reduction in their anxiety symptoms within a few weeks of starting supplements. If your dog's anxiety is particularly severe, it may take longer to see results. 
If you're looking for a natural way to help your dog cope with separation anxiety, supplements are a great option. 
There are many supplements on the market that claim to help with separation anxiety in dogs. So, how do you know which one is right for your dog? Here are a few things to look for when choosing a supplement for your dog's separation anxiety:
The first thing you'll want to look at when choosing a supplement for your dog's separation anxiety is the ingredients. Make sure the supplement contains ingredients that are known to help with anxiety, such as chamomile, L-theanine, or magnesium.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a supplement for your dog's separation anxiety is safety. You'll want to make sure the supplement is made with safe, natural ingredients that won't harm your dog.
Finally, you'll want to make sure the supplement is effective. Look for reviews from other dog owners to see if the supplement helped their dogs with separation anxiety. If you can't find any reviews, ask your vet for a recommendation.
We've taken the liberty to include our top recommendations for supplements that might help your dog with separation anxiety: 
Image courtesy Pupper
This solution is designed to assist dogs during travel, storms, fireworks, separation, and other events. Organic and natural herbs including chamomile and passion flower are used to soothe stressed pups. This is a wonderful method to relax your dog.
The fight, flight, or freeze reaction is a vital and life-sustaining survival mechanism that springs into action in the face of genuine danger. When the reaction is activated in anticipation of something that can't cause actual damage.
The canine health system is complicated and difficult to comprehend. Their mission is to provide dog owners with all of the information they need to choose the best option for their pets.
A successful product is made from high-quality ingredients. Every stage of the supply chain has been evaluated. Partner farmer and suppliers chose high-quality components for formulation. Your dog deserves nothing less than the finest care possible.
Image courtesy Penguin CBD 
This CBD oil is meant to assist your dog with separation anxiety. It's a 100 percent natural product that doesn't include THC. It's also made in the United States and GMO-free. This oil might help your dog relax and feel more comfortable.
One of the finest methods to help your beloved dog live its best life is by giving it CBD oil. These CBD oils, which are exclusively developed for pets, are one of the greatest ways to provide your beloved pet with the CBD it requires to live a happy and healthy life. These CBD supplements, which are made from all-natural, carefully cultivated industrial hemp, are guaranteed to be a hit with your dog.
Each bottle contains 150 or 300 mg of potent and effective full-spectrum CBD oil, which may be used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, anxiety, and inflammation.
Chicken-flavored CBD oil, manufactured with Oregon hemp grown to the highest standards, is a nutritional supplement for your canine companion. Each batch is made from a refined broad-spectrum extract.
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These CBD dog treats from Verma Farms are vegan, GMO-free, and THC-free. They're also made in the USA with natural ingredients. The company says their treats might help with everything from pain and inflammation to anxiety and stress.

Image courtesy cbdMD
These hard chews from cbdMD are designed to help dogs with anxiety, joint pain, and more. They're made in the USA with natural ingredients and they're GMO-free, gluten-free, and THC-free.
The treats come in three different flavors: Peanut Butter & Honey, Bacon & Cheese, and Beef & Liver. CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in dogs. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD oil was able to significantly reduce anxiety and improve behavior in dogs with separation anxiety.
If you're looking for a natural way to help your dog feel better, CBD chews are a great option. 
Image courtesy Holistapet
These CBD soft chewables are designed to relax your dog and decrease hyperactivity with HEMP, L-tryptophan, phosphatidylcholine, and chamomile. These amazing substances work in tandem to dampen overactive nerves and control mood.
These soft foods are ideal for helping your dog maintain a healthy nervous system. They're high in nutrients such as proteins, fats, and antioxidants that help to keep their brain working properly. They also contain HEMP, which has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and improving behavior in dogs.
If you're looking for a natural way to help your dog relax, CBD soft chews are a great option. 
Image courtesy Pet Hemp 
These CBD dog treats from Pet Hemp Company are designed to help your dog relax and feel less stressed. They're made with all-natural ingredients and they're GMO-free, gluten-free, and THC-free. The company says their treats might help with everything from separation anxiety to noise phobias. 
CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in dogs. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that CBD oil was able to significantly reduce anxiety and improve behavior in dogs with separation anxiety.
If you're looking for a natural way to help your dog feel better, CBD treats are a great option. CBD products for dogs are available in a variety of forms, including treats, oils, and chews. When choosing a CBD product for your dog, it's important to choose one that is high quality and backed by third-party lab testing. Look for products that are made in the USA with all-natural ingredients. 
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