When barking could be a sign of trouble

Staying away from owners can be real torture for dogs. Some end up barking more, crying, stopping eating or destroying objects because of it. “The ideal is to have someone present in the animal’s daily life, but if that is not possible, it will have to get used to being alone”, explains Roberto dos Santos Teixeira, a veterinarian at Univet.

How to help

• Have a well-established routine. Imagine that every time it gets dark, your dog sees you coming through the door. On the day when it gets dark and you don’t arrive, he will be much more agitated.
• Don’t make drama to say goodbye or party when you arrive. Long goodbyes can make the dog insecure and make his suffering worse. Wait until the dog calms down before giving him attention when he arrives.
• When you go out, leave a radio on. This can lessen the feeling of loneliness.

Keeping an eye on the movement

A car passed, a dog, a person… He barks! Doing this every now and then is natural, but barking all day can be synonymous with stress or health problems.

How to help

• Do not encourage this behavior. Get the dog to associate barking with something bad. As soon as he starts making the noise, shake a can of coins. Repeat when he starts barking again.
• Barking can be complaints. Make sure the animal is well accommodated: spaces that are too small, hunger or cold can irritate it.
• If the problem persists, visit a veterinarian. He may be sick or in pain.

Play with me?

Many dogs bark because they have little activity in their routine. Some breeds need hustle in everyday life. If the owners are very absent, they look bad.

How to help

• Keep the dog busy when you are not at home. Provide appropriate toys for dogs and always leave them within reach of the animal.
• Try walking him more than once a day. Ask a relative for help or pay someone to do this.