How To Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Does your dog get nervous when they see you getting ready to leave the house? Do they burst into utter delight when you reach home? Did they nibble the corner off an end table, step on your shoes, or smash the door while you were away?

The possibility of dog separation anxiety exists.

Explain it.

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog relies highly on its owner and is left alone. It entails more than simply a little complaining before you leave or some difficulties while you’re away. It’s a problematic issue that frequently leads to dog owners losing patience and giving up their pets. You can help with a variety of things, though.

First, recognize the causes of your dog’s behavior:

• For the first time, they are used to being around people and are left alone.
• Transfer of ownership
• Moving from a shelter into a home
• A modification to the family’s routine or timetable
• The passing of a loved one

Symptoms of separation anxiety

A dog with separation anxiety often exhibits a lot of tension when left alone. They might:

• Howl, bark, or groan too much.
• Despite being housebroken, they have “accidents” inside.
• Cheat things, dig trenches in the ground, and rap on doors and windows.
• Pant, salivate or drool significantly more frequently than usual.
• Pace frequently displays an obsessional tendency.
• Try to escape

While you’re present, they’ll probably refrain from taking these things too far. An average dog might do some of these things once in a while. Still, a dog with separation anxiety will do them almost constantly.

How to treat it

Consult your vet first to rule out any potential medical problems. Occasional house accidents in dogs might be caused by illnesses, hormone imbalances, or other medical conditions. It could also be the outcome of poor housebreaking. Additionally, several medicines have the potential to cause accidents. If your dog takes any medications, ask your vet if they are to blame.

If the problem is mild,

• Give your dog a treat every time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). Give them this treat before you leave, and when you come back, take it away.
• Avoid making a large number of greeting guests as you arrive and go. Ignore your dog for the first few minutes after you get home.
• Leave a few of your freshly laundered clothes outside.
• Consider giving your pet a natural sedative sold over the counter.

If the problem is more serious,

A dog with severe anxiety won’t be distracted by the tastiest treats. You’ll need to acclimate them to your absence gently.

They can become nervous when they see you putting on your shoes or grabbing your keys, which are signs that you’re getting ready to leave. Perform those things, but leave them behind afterward. Put your shoes on and then sit down at the table. Pick up your keys, then switch on the TV. Repeat this several times daily.

Once your dog feels less anxious about it, you may begin to disappear gently. Initially, enter the door from the opposite side. After asking your dog to stay where it is, close an internal door between you. Reappear a few moments later. Gradually extend your absences to last an extended length of time. Put your shoes on and pick up your keys. Tell your dog to stay outside while you go into another room.

Use a door outside, but not the one you use to leave your house every day, and extend your time as they become more accustomed to the “stay game.” Make sure your dog is at ease before you leave.

Only you can determine when your dog is ready to be left alone for more extended periods. Keep things moving slowly. Please give them a stuffed treat once your interval has been raised to around 10 seconds. Keep your cool both when you leave and when you return.

Build up the time till you can briefly leave the house gradually. Then stay for steadily more significant periods.

To all the canines

Make sure your pet gets enough daily activity. A tired, anxious dog will be less stressed after you leave. It’s crucial to encourage your pet to think. Play games of fetch and training. Utilize playable puzzles. Exercise both your body and mind. While you’re away, this will keep them amused, content, and too exhausted to worry.