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Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is the fear of being abandoned by someone with whom you have a strong bond. In children this can translate to parents and other care givers. In pets this can translate to owners or companion animals. The anxiety occurs because the child or animal knows that the person is gone, but does not understand when or if the person will return. In some cases, there is no direct cause for separation anxiety. In other cases, a traumatic event--such as being left alone or sudden changes in daily routine--can trigger the disorder.

  1. Human Signs and Symptoms

    • Although distressing, separation anxiety is a normal part of child development. Babies under six months adjust well to other people, but, according to KidsHealth.org, as babies get older, they develop a sense of object impermanence. They also don't have a clear sense of time, and 10 minutes can feel like 10 hours. When a child can't see his parents, he knows that they are gone, but he doesn't understand where they are or that they will return. The separation anxiety can manifest as crying and temper tantrums when the parent leaves. The child may also physically cling to his parents, try to block them from leaving, and resist attention from others. In severe cases, the child may exhibit panic symptoms such as vomiting and shortness of breath, nightmares about separation, and fear of sleeping alone. He may also exhibit excessive worry about getting lost or being out without his parents.

    Canine Signs and Symptoms

    • Dogs exhibit similar behaviors as human children, including vocal displays such as howling, whining, and barking, and emotional tantrums. The dog may also scratch and chew at the doors and windows, and urinate and defecate around the house. When the owner is home, the dog may follow him around, and become depressed or anxious when the owner prepares to leave, and try to prevent him from leaving. The dog will also be overly enthusiastic, even frantic, when the owner returns. Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit these behaviors regardless of the length of absence, and the behavior usually begins as the owner is leaving or shortly after.

    Feline Signs and Symptoms

    • Cats are actually very social creatures and form attachments to their people and other animals, just like dogs. Cats may defecate or urinate around the home--especially near the door or on the owner's personal items. In rare cases, cats may also exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and scratching. When the owner is home, the cat may follow her from room to room, and sulk or try to prevent her from leaving. The cat may sulk when the owner returns or be overly enthusiastic. The cat may also stop eating or vomit when the owner is gone.

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