A dog behaviour expert has given an insight into which breeds suffer the most from anxiety when their owners are not home.
Whether it’s for eight hours when someone is at work, or if they are away on holiday for a week, some dogs feel the pain of separation more than other breeds.
The RSPCA said research suggests that “eight out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone” but the organisation said the “good news is that separation anxiety (SRB) is preventable and treatable”.
Natural pack animals, dogs like to feel part of a group and being apart from their human can cause stress in some pooches, according to Caroline Spencer from ProDog Raw.
Speaking to the Mail Online, the dog behaviourist said some behaviours to look out for in dogs who are anxious, include whining, pacing back and forth and excessive salivating or urinating.
Ms Spencer told the paper: “All dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, although some are naturally more independent than others. Many pets will also suffer in silence.
“The best way to determine whether or not your dog is struggling with separation anxiety is to put a camera up in your home and look out for identifiable behaviours – such as whining long after you’ve gone.”
Ms Spencer, who authored ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?’, gave an insight into ten breeds that might feel the effect of loneliness more than others.
Cockerpoos, Labradoodles, Jack Russell Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Vizlas, Dalmations, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas and Bichon Frises all make the list.
She said of cockerpoos the trick was getting them used to your movements around the house so “they know they can expect you back at a certain time”.
For athletic working dogs like border collies, the expert said the breed is “celebrated for their focus on people” which means they can be liable to “separation anxiety”.
And for Vizlas, which are sometimes nicknamed ‘Velcro dogs’ because of their fondness for staying close to their owners, Ms Spencer said: “Pretend you’re leaving the house when you’re not.
“Gradually spend longer out of the house when your dog has adjusted and is no longer showing signs of stress. When you return, give them a brief hello and wait for them to calm down.”
Finally the RSPCA website says if owners are concerned underlying health issues may be contributing to their dogs stress, they should visit a vet.
