It’s easy to miss a loved one after an extended period. And as Animal Health Center, an animal hospital in Enterprise, AL, shares, just like humans, dogs can get lonely when they’re away from their family and companions. In fact, 20% of the nation’s 80 million dogs have separation anxiety.

With more than 50 years of experience treating uneasy pups, this top Alabama animal hospital shares five signs your dog might have unaddressed anxiety:

• Accidents in the House: Any dog can have a slip up. However, if your house-trained pup is having accidents when you’re not around, or barks, pants, and shows signs of agitation when you leave, they might be suffering from anxiety.
• Barking & Howling: Your neighbors might be more familiar with this sign than you are. If your pet cries or howls the moment you close the door behind you, they are likely experiencing separation anxiety.
• Destructive Tendencies: Are you unsure about what disaster you’re going to encounter when you open your home’s front door? If your puppy is chewing, digging, or otherwise destroying everything in the house, they might be reacting to your absence.
• Constant Pacing: This symptom might not be as obvious if you don’t have a roommate or other house companion. If your pet can’t stop pacing the same path until you come home, this is a sure sign that they feel your absence. If you live alone, try setting up a camera to see what happens when you’re not around.
• Loss of Appetite: Rule out any underlying health issues that might be deterring your dog from eating. If they have a clear bill of health, you might be looking at anxiety as the culprit for lessened appetites.

Rest assured that there is plenty of medical and psychological help available at Animal Health Center if you suspect that your pup might be constantly uneasy. The friendly staff at the animal hospital sees your pets as family almost as much as you do. From emergency vet services to animal dental care and pet boarding, their team provides comprehensive care with a compassionate touch. Learn about these services online or by calling (334) 347-0544.