Dachshund Separation Anxiety: 11 Signs, Causes & Preventions

Separation anxiety is a big problem most dog owners encounter, so let’s take a look at dachshund separation anxiety if you want to know more about it!

We will be discussing all the common signs of separation anxiety that you may see or notice in dachshunds, we will outline the common causes of separation anxiety in Dachshunds.

Finally, we will outline and discuss some common ways to prevent separation anxiety in dachshunds, before then let me explain dachshund separation anxiety!

Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a health problem that causes aggressiveness, biting, or barking in dachshunds when they are left alone or unmanaged for an extended period of time.

When dachshunds are separated from their owners for an extended period of time, or even when they are left alone for an extended amount of time, they develop separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dachshunds manifests itself in biting, nipping, barking, self-isolation, destructive chewing, etc. 

Signs of separation anxiety in dachshunds

The following are all of the common indicators of dachshund separation anxiety that you should be aware of and on the lookout for:

1. Continues digging when alone

One of the most common causes of your dachshund digging up your yard, fence posts, bed, or cellar is separation anxiety.

They dig to keep themselves engaged and away from boredom or loneliness when they are bored or have nothing else to do.

As a result, if you return home to find your dachshund digging in your yard, basement, bed, or fence base, you must intervene and try to alleviate separation anxiety.

That’s a solid sign your dachshund is bored and ignoring it will only worsen the situation.

2. Excessive barking on owner’s departure

Separation anxiety can cause dachshunds to bark excessively due to despair, frustration, stress, tension, and loneliness.

Separation anxiety in dachshunds develops over time, however, it might manifest itself within minutes of the owner’s departure, as previously stated.

Because he is terrified of being alone, your dachshund may bark excessively when you go to work or somewhere else.

As a result, if your dachshund begins to bark substantially more than normal when you leave or enter, you should be concerned.

3. Pacing on owner’s return or departure

When you return home or leave, some dachshunds with separation anxiety will pace around your house, which can be a sign of an overworked pooch.

They will stroll in a circular motion around the house or back and forth in front of furnishings or windows.

This is another item you won’t notice until you’re ready to go or have already left.

If you see your dachshund pacing, and it isn’t typical, it might be a sign of separation anxiety.

4. Destructive chewing of furniture when alone

When a dachshund is separated from its owner, he or she may scratch or chew the furniture.

You may get home to find your dog has eaten the table legs, doors, window sills, door frames, or even ripped the couch or cushions.

Depression, stress, and loneliness are the most common reasons of harmful chewing, all of which can be precipitated by separation anxiety.

Chewing and digging in your house might result in your dog getting wounded, such as breaking teeth, getting cut, injuring its claws or paws, or even getting hurt on the broken furniture.

5. Try to escape on owner’s departure

When their owner leaves them alone, dachshunds with separation anxiety may attempt to flee the house following owners.

The dachshund may try to gnaw through the door or window, or they may try to get past a barrier that you have placed in front of them.

This can be harmful to your dachshund, just as chewing on the furniture can cause harm to the doors, windows, or your pup.

6. Frequent potty accidents

Assume your dachshund is entirely housebroken, but he continues to have accidents when you leave the house and return to discover them.

This is a significant indication that your dachshund is worried about you while you’re away, and it will only become worse if not addressed.

Keep an eye on your puppy or adult dachshund if he or she becomes nervous and starts eating his or her own feces.

Regardless of how inconvenient this symptom is, you may take actions to avoid it or just heal the underlying condition, which may be a source of concern.

7. Frequent freezing on owner’s departure or arrival

Your dachshund freezes or becomes rigid when you get home from work or leave because he is afraid of being alone.

Freezing in your dachshund all of the time may be dangerous for both you and your dachshund, as it can lead to biting and other behavioral disorders.

If your dachshund continues to freeze needlessly as you move away, it’s an indication that he’s anxious and won’t be able to handle the situation, which might result in a bite.

When their owners leave or return, dachshunds with separation anxiety are known to freeze needlessly, which is a definite indicator of separation anxiety.

8. Unnecessary whining on owner’s departure or arrival

Your dachshund may whine at any time if he is furious, worried, or suffering from separation anxiety.

If the stressor is something your dachshund can’t escape, whining will almost always be followed by pacing.

It’s most likely stress if your dachshund isn’t screaming because he has to go outside or is in discomfort.

When dachshunds are stressed out as a result of separation anxiety, they might lose control of their natural whimpering.

However, it is a sign that something is wrong with your dachshund’s surroundings. Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, one of which is whining.

9. Hiding on owner’s departure or arrival

Self-isolation in dachshunds can be prompted by a variety of circumstances, the most prevalent of which are separation anxiety and fear.

When a dachshund feels afraid, he may hide in a small chamber or a piece of the owner’s clothing that smells like him.

Curled up beneath the table or somewhere in the home, your dachshund may urinate needlessly for hours.

Don’t ignore it if your dachshund begins to hide unnecessarily; instead, try to figure out why.

This is one of the most evident signs of separation anxiety in a dachshund.

10. Constantly scratching of doors or walls

Separation anxiety creates tension and grief in dachshunds, which can lead to clawing at doors and walls.

If your dachshund has separation anxiety, you’ll notice him scratching the exit door as you leave for work.

You could also observe your dachshund scratching at your walls, which is an evident sign of anxiety brought on by being alone.

If you arrive home to find scratches on your walls or doors, it’s an indication of irritation from your dachshund separation anxiety.

11. Coprophagia

Coprophagia is when your dachshund defecates in the house and then eats it, which is an indication of separation anxiety. When dachshunds are left alone and angry, this is a common occurrence.

It is not unusual for your dachshund to use the toilet while you are away, such as urine or feces.

When your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it may cause havoc in your home.

Cause of separation anxiety in dachshunds

You should be aware of the following common reasons for separation anxiety in dachshunds:

• Leaving your dachshund alone for a lengthy period of time is not a good idea.
• Changes your dachshund’s food routine on a regular basis.
• The death of a loving dachshund owner.
• Continues boredom or depression.
• It was a horrific event or traumatic experiences.
• Changes in your surroundings on a regular basis.
• Ownership transfer.
• Extended loneliness.
• A move to a new city or place.
• Owner continues to be abusive.
• Inability to hear or poor vision in a dachshund.
• Frustration.
• Over time, there is insufficient mental stimulation.

If your dachshund is already suffering from separation anxiety, the two most frequent strategies to alleviate it are to visit your veterinarian and spend time with your dachshund.

How to prevent separation anxiety in dachshunds

Separation anxiety in dachshunds may be prevented or reduced in a number of methods, some of which are described below:

1. Provide a clear window view

If you live in a busy area, provide a clear window view to guarantee your dachshund has a good view of the outside world.

From the window, your dachshund may watch passers-by as well as birds.

To keep your dachshund from barking at other dogs from the window, you must socialize with him.

Make sure your dachshund has a simple method to get up and down the clear glass shielded window.

2. Crate training sessions

Crate training is a popular puppy training technique for a variety of issues, including separation anxiety.

Crate training may provide a safe and tranquil environment for your dachshund when you’re gone for an extended period of time.

The goal is for the dog to link fun stuff like chew toys and food-releasing puzzle games with his kennel, making him want to spend time there.

When dogs are left alone, they may feel safer and more at ease, so keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior to see whether his anxiety symptoms improve or worsen.

3. Leave your TV and radio on

Another common way to help dachshunds with separation anxiety is to train them to associate calmness with watching TV or dog shows.

While you’re gone, you may show your dachshund a range of dog shows to help them relax and watch.

Get as many dog movies as you can and let your dog choose the ones that will keep them engaged and quiet.

While you’re doing something else, teach your dachshund to sit and watch some dog shows on TV.

As a consequence, your dachshund will enjoy exciting dog shows while you are away and will remain calm.

4. Try desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

Counterconditioning is a technique for reducing your dog’s fear while you leave. You must link something positive with your dog when you leave in order to achieve this.

Consider a dog puzzle that is filled with foods that your dog enjoys. It should take your dog around 30 minutes to finish all of the food.

Try dog food, kibble, peanut butter, bananas, cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and other dairy products.

If your dog is suffering from severe separation anxiety, you may need to apply desensitization techniques.

This may be difficult and time-consuming, and you must be careful not to make your dog more fearful.

If you think you won’t be able to accomplish it on your own, you may hire an expert to assist you.

5. Invest in pet cameras and dispenser

This is a terrific technique to keep your dachshund occupied while you’re gone; dachshunds enjoy treats and food, so you can use those to keep them occupied.

As a result, you’ll need to be cautious; you may program the dispenser to distribute your dachshund treats over time.

Another alternative is to buy one of the Amazon-available remote cameras.

You’ll be able to view and talk to your dog while you’re at work. This might offer you a significant amount of relief.

These dog cams have excellent Amazon ratings and might be a good option if you intend to leave your dog alone at home for a long period of time.

A suggested treat dispenser is available on Chewy, and this one is also available on Amazon.

6. Get a dog sitter

After crate training and other approaches, this should be your final resort.

If you’ll be gone for the bulk of the day, consider hiring a pet sitter for your dachshund.

Depending on your state, agreements, and who would watch your dachshund, a pet sitter for your dachshund will pay between $20 and $35.

As a consequence, your dachshund will be visited on a regular basis by the pet sitter while you are away till you return.

7. Maintaining a daily schedule

Always feed your dog at the same time each day, and make sure your dachshund gets the necessary amount of outside activity.

Do this on a regular basis and try not to deviate from it, even if it means hiring someone to come in and walk your dachshund while you are at work or away.

Before you go, take your Dachshund for a long walk to tire them out. This may exhaust them and put them to sleep while you are away.

8. Invest in anti-anxiety products

Dachshunds who become agitated when you leave may require medicine to help soothe their emotions. You can get anti-anxiety products to help your pup.

If you and your dog are unable to overcome your dachshund behavioral issues through changes or training.

Speak with your veterinarian about what drugs you may give your dog before you leave to assist calm their anxiety.

I hope your question or concerns about dachshund separation anxiety was resolved!

Get anti-anxiety products through your vet and spend more time with your dachshund to completely resolve separation anxiety.