Beagles usually love their people, but this can also make them more vulnerable to separation anxiety whenever you leave them alone. It is vital for you to recognize the signs so that you can solve the problem without letting it worsen any further.
Below, you can take a look at some common signs that your beagles may exhibit as well as some ways in which you can reduce this anxiety.
Do Beagles Get Separation Anxiety?
Beagles can get separation anxiety quite easily. Since these dogs are highly companionable and affectionate while also having a pack-based history, they can become anxious if separated from the pack (you, in this case).
There are several other reasons for this, such as the following.
- They do not have enough training and socialization.
- If you have brought them home from a center where they were surrounded by people and other dogs, they might not be used to being alone.
- Fear as a result of abuse and trauma can result in this kind of anxiety.
- They might feel restless and overwhelmed, especially without a safe space where they can calm down.
- Sudden shifts in routine or too much energy in them can also cause this.
Even without these reasons, separation anxiety can occur if you are gone for too long.
Signs to Look Out For
Usually, you might be able to notice some unusual signs and identify them as separation anxiety in your beagle. Make sure you observe their behavior every time you leave the house and return so that you can figure out how to proceed.
Barking
Frequent barking in beagles can be one of the surest signs of separation anxiety. Beagles are already quite vocal and tend to bark frequently, but if this is long-lasting and seems to last throughout the duration of your absence as well as after you return, this can indicate separation anxiety.
Whining
If your beagles tend to whine, howl and make other similar sounds whenever you are about to leave, when you are gone and when you return, this can also point toward separation anxiety. Usually, this can go on for quite a long time and can end up making them tired and drowsy at the end of it.
Destructive Behavior
A common sign of separation anxiety is your beagles end up causing a bit of destruction around the house while you are away. Look for torn cushions or furniture, bite marks, broken items and general disarray in your house when you come back.
This might even become a regular occurrence.
Scratching and chewing can be involved too.
Aggression
A rise in the aggression levels of your beagles can be a cause for concern. Beagles are not generally aggressive, so if you see them growling or hissing at you or other people around them, this can point to separation anxiety.
Their aggression is likely to increase while you are away and once you return. Nipping and biting can be a sign of aggression as well.
Urination
When it comes to beagles, another symptom of separation anxiety is urinating or defecating around the house. This is usually a result of the stress that they might be experiencing, causing their bodies to kickstart the stress responses.
This can take place soon after you leave them alone.
Eating Feces
Eating their own feces can be a result of separation anxiety. This condition is called coprophagia.
This is generally a behavioral issue that you can solve with training, but it is certainly something you must correctly identify.
Apart from their own feces, they might even consume other animals’ feces along with other inedible things (a symptom of pica).
Lack of Appetite
You might notice that your beagle is unable to eat properly. This behavior is actually unusual in beagles since they tend to love eating.
If this tends to arise before and after your departure and can persist for the rest of the day, your beagle is probably still afraid because of the separation.
Escaping
Beagles attempting to escape the house when you are not at home is another sign of separation anxiety. Generally, they might attempt this by digging deep holes throughout the separation period, or they might try chewing out or breaking a fence so that they can leave.
It is possible for them to succeed sometimes, which can put them in danger later on.
Pacing
A common reaction to anxiety and stress is constant pacing. Your beagle might exhibit this kind of pacing for several hours at a stretch, either when you are away or when you return.
Some other common behaviors and signs that accompany pacing involve panting and drooling.
Pre-Departure Anxiety
Sometimes, if your beagles are able to sense that you are about to leave the house for some time, they might already start to exhibit signs such as barking, howling, pacing or simply lying or sitting down in a depressed manner. They might even try nipping at you or blocking the path while also clinging to you throughout this period.
How to Reduce Your Beagle’s Separation Anxiety
Now that you are aware of some signs, it can become relatively easier for you to reduce your beagle’s separation anxiety.
Make Them Comfortable
Your beagles should feel as comfortable as possible while you are away. Set up a safe corner in your house or in your yard where they can go to rest.
You will also need to make them feel used to this space so that they can come to associate it with comfort.
At the same time, do not confine them and ensure enough space in case they want to run around. Make sure you also remove objects that can hurt them or that they can break.
Follow a Routine
Set up a routine for your beagles so that they can prepare well for your departure. For instance, stick to similar times for waking up, eating meals, exercising, playing and sleeping.
It can also help if you leave and return at similar times so that your beagle can feel assured of your return.
Provide Enough Training
You should start training your beagle from a young age. Teach them how to stay by themselves for gradually increasing periods of time but never too long at once.
For instance, you can try out counterconditioning to make them feel comfortable being alone. Avoid punishment or aversive training.
Provide Exercise
Make sure you are giving enough exercise to your beagles. Ensuring that you take the time to play and run around with them every day can keep them healthy and happy while also tiring them out.
Doing this right before you leave can help so that they can rest and sleep later.
Provide Food and Toys
Whenever you leave the house, make sure your beagle is well cared for. Leave behind some toys and puzzles so that they stay occupied and interested without feeling anxious.
Make sure you also prepare a food bowl and water bowl for them and place them in an accessible manner.
Use a Crate
Crate training can be an effective way to calm your beagles down, while also creating a sheltered place for them to go when they are feeling anxious. Not all beagles might be okay with this, so if they do not seem to get used to the crate while training, you should skip this step.
Ask for Help
An ideal option can be to ask one of your friends or family members to watch over your beagle while you are away. You can also ask your neighbors to drop in once in a while or keep your dogs at their place for the time being.
Make sure you only ask people your dog knows and trusts.
Visit in Between
If your place of work is not too far away, see if you can take some time to visit your house in the middle of your work day. For instance, you can have your lunch at home with your dog and return.
Do this even if you are visiting someone else (or, ideally, take your dog with you).
Play Music/Recordings
Turn some music on while you are gone to calm your beagle down. You can also record your voice and keep it playing while you are away.
Set Up a Camera
Set up a camera in the house so that you can monitor your beagle’s behavior. This way, you can return home or call someone for help if things seem to go wrong.
Give Enough Attention
Even when you are around, make sure you care and attend to your beagle’s needs. Feed them well, keep them dehydrated, cuddle with them and play with them.
Consult a Professional
If nothing seems to work, you can hire a dog sitter or a professional trainer. Visit the vet, too, in case there is another underlying issue.
The Bottom Line
Beagles can easily get separation anxiety since they are loyal and pack-based dogs. You can look for signs like barking, whining, scratching, aggression, destruction, fear, clinginess, pacing, urination and others to identify this anxiety.
You can then take relevant steps while you are gone to help you reduce their separation anxiety.
