COVID Lockdown Dogs with Anxiety

Pets that were adopted or gotten during COVID have more anxiety and separation issues than most pets now that COVID lock down is over.

The COVID-19 lockdown was hard for many people in the year of 2020. Starting in March the government issued a nationwide (United States) lockdown due to the rapidly spreading disease, Coronavirus (COVID-19), due to increasing cases of death. What made the lockdown so hard for some people was having to stay at home from school, work, or regular activities such as grocery shopping, and going out into public meant to follow certain social distancing guidelines. During the pandemic it became a trend to adopt a pet for companionship, they were called pandemic pets or more specifically pandemic puppies. Christie Siettou says,  “[…] societal interest in puppies increased during […] The national Covid-19 pandemic response policies, including lockdowns, accelerated this trend significantly.”  The Journal of Surgical Research says, “Dogs have been one of the ways people and families have mitigated the emotional stresses of the pandemic.”

According to ScienceDirect, many pet owners reported an improved environment with their pet being there with them, “The majority of respondents indicated that their psychological tension was reduced due to the presence of the dog[…].” 

Pandemic puppies thus became used to their owners being home and never worried about them leaving for long periods of time. This created separation anxiety in pets, as stated by the AVMA Publications, “[…]is the second most com- mon behavioral problem in dogs […].” 

When the COVID-19 lockdown ended and things started to get back to normal, such as going to work or school, these pandemic puppies gained separation anxiety. Barbara L. Sherman at North Carolina State University wrote,  “Separation anxiety is a behavioral syndrome of dogs characterized by signs of distress when the affected dog is left alone or is separated from the person or people to whom it is attached.” Any type of dog can have it whether it is a chihuahua or a husky, “Dogs with separation anxiety may be of any breed or mix.” However not all dogs with separation anxiety also “express generalized anxiety or hyper attachment to the owner.” Some characteristics of separation anxiety in dogs as expressed in the Understanding Behavior article are, “destructiveness, housesoiling, hypersalivation, vocalization, and pacing. ” To diagnose separation anxiety these actions must be done when the dog is alone. The ScienceDirect Journal of Veterinary Behavior says, “The separation from only one of the owners could trigger a light expres-sion of distress for a short time, essentially crying next to the door then the dog would settle down.”

Separation anxiety though not set to just one breed it is often seen as unclear as to why some dogs get separation anxiety and others do not, according to Bonnie V. G. Beaver who wrote Canine Behavior Insights and Answers, “Why some dogs develop separation anxiety and others do not is unclear.” 

Though there were reports of benefits of having a dog during the COVID lockdown there were also reports of behavioral changes in the pets during the lockdown such as “[…] in particular negative behavioural changes such as increased vocalization, fear of loud or sudden noises, problems with being left alone at home, and aggression towards unfamiliar humans and dogs” (ScienceDirect). Vocalization in dogs comes from a deep rooted action of calling out for their mothers when in distress and not by their mothers side, a separation anxiety. “When young puppies are separated from their mother, they use distress vocalization as a technique to reunite them” (Bonnie V. G. Beaver). According to The Veterinary Record, Volume 187, Issue 8, “Our research shows some early warning signs that lockdown is having a negative impact on some dogs behavior.” Aggression in dogs is identified as “perhaps the most challenging canine behavioral problem presented to behavioral specialists and continues to be the most common reason for referral to veterinary behaviorists” according to Ilana R. Reisner in an article ten for Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice. 

Codependency between a pet and their owner can be a big problem. Codependency is “excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support on account of an illness or addiction.” Codependency can include “[…] signs such as barking or crying; pacing; chewing or otherwise damaging furniture or the house; using the bathroom on the floor; and even running away.” (Petbucket).

Separation anxiety in dogs, like in humans, can be managed. The Understanding Behavior states the three ways separation anxiety can be managed is “[…]environmental control, behavior modification, and medication.” AVMA Publications released an issue about a study done to test anxiety medications on dogs, whether they improved in their behavior or not. Thirty-Two of the fifty-two dogs in the study showed improvement in separation anxiety behavior, “Thirty-two (62%) dogs had improved, whereas 20 were the same, were worse […].” Along with anxiety medication there are actions that can be done to fix the behavioral problem, such as music therapy, exercise, and creating a safe space according to Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin and Cathy Johnson. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior  says, “The importance of environmental influences, learning opportunities, and effects of underlying temperament on the outward expression of fear and anxiety should not be underestimated.”

In conclusion, the COVID-19 2020 lockdown affected dogs greatly in a sense that they gained separation anxiety for their owners when left alone for long periods of time. It is evident that dogs thrived on the continuous presence of their owners. The sudden return to a regular schedule is stressful on them. More time together strengthened the bond, making it harder for pets to adjust to being alone more often when the COVID Pandemic Lockdown ended.

COVID dogs (dogs gotten during the COVID Pandemic Lockdown) gained separation anxiety because owners started to go back to work once the COVID pandemic ended. According to the Canine Health Foundation, Separation anxiety in dogs is a fairly common condition in dogs in which they experience behaviors that are destructive when separated from their owners. It is important to know the causes of separation anxiety since “…10-20% (sometimes 30%)” (American Kennel Club) of dogs experience separation anxiety in their lifetime. According to ScienceDirect,“The main problematic behaviors reported for 345 dogs were … fearfulness (27.9%) …”

One of the causes of separation anxiety in dogs is negative experiences of socialization during the puppy stage. According to the authors of the article, Critical Period in the Social Development of Dogs,  dogs’ critical period of development is between five to fourteen weeks. “The socialization period is also the period when puppies learn how to handle stressful situations, such as meeting new dogs, going to novel environments and thunderstorms.” (Kimberly Brown). In the research article Early Life Experiences and Exercise Associate with Canine Anxieties on Plos One, puppies that are not exposed to different environments, people, or other animals may become more fearful and anxious in situations, especially when left alone.   ScienceDirect states, “Canine separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder of dogs when left alone or separated from a significant person or persons.”

Experiences during the puppy stage that involve trauma or neglect can significantly contribute to the development of separation anxiety. Dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered to shelters, or rehomed multiple times often struggle with attachment issues and tend to become overly dependent on their new caregiver. According to the author of an AVMA Publication, in the article Review of epidemiological, pathological, genetic, and epigenetic factors that may contribute to the development of separation anxiety in dogs, it is stated that  “Dogs that were relinquished through shelters or rescues or abandoned at veterinary hospitals are more commonly reported with SA in some studies.”

Another factor in separation anxiety is a change in the dog’s environment or routine. Dogs form strong associations with the people in their lives, and anything that is to disrupt this can trigger separation anxiety in the dogs. “Since a dog can attach quickly to a person, they can also have anxiety when that person leaves, which can explain why dogs that have recently been adopted may exhibit separation anxiety when their new owner leaves.” Being separated from members that dogs are attached to can lead to separation anxiety,  “…severe distress experienced when an individual is distanced from other group members.” Common environmental changes that may cause separation anxiety include moving to a new home, “…due to the stress of a new environment or being taken away from its original owners,” or a change in the household composition, such as a new work routine that leads to more extended periods of time away from home. For instance, a dog may have been accustomed to a caregiver being home for long periods, but if that person suddenly starts working longer hours, the dog might feel abandoned or neglected. 

Training is a key factor in preventing separation anxiety. Dogs that have not been taught how to be left alone might develop a behavior of separation anxiety when faced with separation. Inadequate training can occur when a dog is not taught how to be independent. For example, if a dog is always allowed to follow their owner around the house, it may unintentionally reinforce the dog’s dependence, “In some cases, dogs may follow their owners due to separation anxiety. This can manifest as distress when separated from their owners, leading to constant following as a means to alleviate their anxiety.” This can make the dog more likely to become anxious when left alone, as they have never learned how to handle being alone in a calm and healthy manner.

Socialization also plays an important role in helping dogs become prepared in different situations. Dogs that are not socialized can become fearful of unfamiliar experiences, which can increase anxiety when faced with separation. Sara Swanson, author of the report The effects of socialization on dogs states, “These fear-based behaviors, such as aggression and anxiety, have an ontological aspect where the potential for development for these behaviors can be linked to distress or lack of desensitization during primary social development.”  Dogs that have not been exposed to being left alone may feel more stressed when left alone without their owners presence, as they have not learned to cope with the unfamiliar feeling. 

According to ScienceDirect, “Dogs may also have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety.” Genetics is another factor to be considered when trying to deduce the causes of separation anxiety in dogs. Linn Mari Storegen wrote Genetic Studies of Canine Anxiety, which expressed, “The fear response is a normal and self-protecting behavior which can enable the dog to escape potential dangerous situations, but may, in some cases become inappropriate and negatively impact the dog’s welfare.” On a scientific note, certain glands can be stimulated which cause a bodily response to a perceived threat and therefore cause separation anxiety. “The sympathetic system releases adrenal steroids (noradrenaline and adrenaline) from the subcortical areas of the brain and adrenal gland, resulting in an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and vasoconstriction in internal organs.” Gender comes into play with separation anxiety in dogs as ScienceDirect, “… found that male dogs outnumbered female dogs and that male dogs had higher probability of elevated levels of separation-related distress.”

In conclusion, separation anxiety in dogs is a condition with multiple factors, including early life experiences, genetics, environmental changes, and not enough training or socialization. Understanding the causes of separation anxiety is important for dealing with the condition since about 30% of dogs can face separation anxiety. 

While it’s known that genetics can play a role in the development of anxiety in dogs, it is important to recognize that anxiety is complex and genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Things such as environmental/social factors and traumatic experiences play a big role in anxiety separation development for dogs. When COVID dogs (dogs that were gotten during the COVID pandemic lockdown) were adopted during the pandemic lockdown they became used to having their owner around all the time as the owner most likely did their work or school or both from home, remotely. The dogs being so used to their owners being home got attached to the point of any separation between the two would cause distress in the dog. Stefanie Schwartz wrote in an article titled Separation anxiety syndrome in dogs and cats, “In dogs, the degree of distress is likely dependent, in part, on the degree of attachment to an absent figure.”

Separation anxiety symptoms that are common do not include genetics, “Common risk factors associated with SAS in dogs include a history of traumatic separation, inexperience with being left alone, excessive greetings and pro- longed departures by owners, changes in the owner’s routine (dogs susceptible to SAS may develop clinical signs in response to even slight changes in routine), relocation to a new home, addition of a new pet sitter, and a death in the family (conspecific or other family member).” (Schwartz). While genetics can play a part in anxiety, “Dogs may also have a genetic predisposition to develop anxiety,” it is not the most common reason behind separation anxiety in dogs. According to the authors of a ScienceDirect article, “[…] previous studies reported that the development of anxiety disorders could be associated with many factors including breed, sex, age, the dog’s age when owners obtained it, and the source from which the owner obtained the dog.”

One argument in the idea that separation anxiety in dogs is genetic, is that certain breeds are more prone to anxiety. While it’s true that mixed breed dogs may have higher chances of anxiety, that does not mean that every mixed breed will have anxiety. Anxiety, as a disorder, is seen as an interaction between environmental and developmental factors. According to the Genetic and environmental factors interact to influence anxiety journal, “Both genetic and environmental factors influence normal anxiety traits as well as anxiety disorders.” It is important to know that while genetics can play a role in behaviors of dogs, these traits are not set.

One of the biggest factors in the development of anxiety for dogs is their environment. Dogs who are raised in environments where they experience neglect or trauma are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. According to Peter L. Berstein, “[…] neglect if it was forgotten or if […] dogs have a significantly higher risk for separation anxiety.” Early experiences with situations, people, and other animals are important to how dogs handle stress. Puppies who do not receive correct socialization during the age window of five to fourteen weeks, may develop fears that later turn into anxiety. According to the authors of the article, Critical Period in the Social Development of Dogs,  dogs’ critical period of development is between five to fourteen weeks. “The socialization period is also the period when puppies learn how to handle stressful situations, such as meeting new dogs, going to novel environments and thunderstorms.” (Kimberly Brown).

It’s also important to know the role of training and socialization in preventing anxiety in dogs. Well-trained or well-socialized dogs are usually more confident, which can reduce their  anxiety. A lack of training or socialization can contribute to behavior problems, including separation anxiety. Inadequate training can occur when a dog is not taught how to be independent thus causing them to develop separation anxiety. According to HPM,  “In some cases, dogs may follow their owners due to separation anxiety. This can manifest as distress when separated from their owners, leading to constant following as a means to alleviate their anxiety.” Many dogs that are initially fine with being alone may develop anxiety when their owners return from a long absence, like if an owner who was at home for a long period of time left to go back to work. This development is not due to genetic factors, but instead due to a lack of training and desensitization.  According to the authors of a ScienceDirect article titled The efficacy of systematic desensitization for treating the separation-related problem behaviour of domestic dogs, “Systematic desensitization is a technique widely used in human behaviour modification for the treatment of phobias or fear/anxiety responses to a particular stimulus (Cooper et al., 1987, Wolpe, 1962). It involves the gradual and progressive introduction of the stimulus eliciting the phobia (in this case, the absence of the dog’s owner).” 

Additionally, the way a dog’s owner interacts with them can also have an impact on its emotional state. Dogs who are constantly coddled may develop anxiety due to a lack of exposure to the outside world. According to the K9 coach, “Giving too much attention to an animal creates a need in the animal for constant attention and they are less likely to become independent thinking dogs, explore on their own, or make judgments”

In conclusion, while certain breeds may have temperaments that make them more prone to nervousness or reactivity, the claim that anxiety in dogs is primarily due to genetic factors is not true. Anxiety in dogs is likely to be from environmental stressors, poor socialization, and past traumatic experiences than from genetics. By focusing on the environmental, social, and experiential causes of anxiety, rather than genetic determinism, we can ensure that dogs receive the care and support they need to thrive.

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