Soothing Separation Anxiety: Tips for Owners

It’s great to have a new animal friend in your life, but some dogs can feel anxious and restless when left alone. Dogs often develop behavioural problems when separated from their owners. These problems can manifest in different ways, such as excessive barking, destructive behavior or house soiling. As a responsible pet owner, understanding and treating separation anxiety is important to your dog’s health. This guide explores what causes separation anxiety, how to recognise the signs, and some helpful ways to help your furry friend feel better when he or she is anxious.

How to Understand Separation Anxiety:

When a dog feels uncomfortable or nervous when he is away from his owner or anyone near him, this is called separation anxiety. It can occur in dogs of any age, but is most common in puppies or dogs that have recently moved or undergone a change in living environment. Here are some common reasons why people experience separation anxiety:

Changes in Routine: Dogs are very habitual and any sudden change in routine, such as a new job or place of residence, can make them anxious.

New Environment: Moving to a new home or taking your dog to a new place can be difficult. It can take a while for a dog to adjust to new things, and during this time, separation anxiety can develop.

Chronic Absence: Dogs are social animals and enjoy being around other people. If a dog is used to being around people all the time and is then left alone for long periods of time, he may develop separation anxiety.

Traumatic Past Events: Dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, or injured in the past are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Their fear of becoming isolated may stem from bad events in the past.

Untrained: The degree of training affects a dog’s behavior. Dogs that have not learned how to cope with being alone may become anxious when left alone.

How Do You Know If Someone has Separation Anxiety?

Finding out if your dog has separation anxiety is important to finding effective ways to relieve his discomfort. Some common symptoms are:

Excessive Barking: Dogs with separation anxiety may bark excessively when left alone. This can be a way for them to express their concerns.

Destructive Behavior: When dogs are anxious, they may chew furniture, scratch walls, or damage personal belongings. Most often, this behaviour occurs when dogs are trying to cope with feelings of loneliness.

Accidents at Home: If your dog has an accident at home, even if he is house-trained, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. When dogs are left alone, they may go to the toilet out of stress.

Pacing and Restlessness: When a dog has separation anxiety, he may pace, be restless, or be unable to settle down. This behaviour shows how restless and nervous they are.

Trying to Escape: Dogs with severe separation anxiety may try to escape from a crate or other small, enclosed area. This can hurt them and worsen their worries.

How to Soothe Separation Anxiety:

Gradual Desensitisation: Over time, this approach can increase your dog’s tolerance for being alone. Start by keeping your dog separate for a short period of time and slowly increase the time as your dog gets used to it. Treats and positive feedback can help your pet feel good when he or she is alone.

Create a Routine: Dogs like routine, and routine makes them feel safe. Set regular times for eating, walking and playing so your dog can get used to and look forward to the routine.

Create a Comfortable Space: Provide a safe and comfortable place for your dog when you are not around. This can be a comfortable place for them, with their bed, toys and other things they know. Make this space a cheerful and inspiring place.

Interactive Toys and Treats: To keep your dog busy while you are away, give him interactive toys or treat-dispensing devices. These keep your dog’s mind active and distract from his worries.

Obedience Training: Take the time to teach your dog to obey commands and build a strong bond with your dog. Giving simple commands such as “stay” and “wait” can reinforce good behaviour and make your pet feel safe.

Consult with a Professional Trainer or Behaviourist: Talk to a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. If your dog suffers from extreme separation anxiety, you may want to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can find out what your dog needs and offer you a personalised approach to dealing with problems.

Use Relaxation Products: You can create a soothing space for your dog by using relaxation products such as pheromone diffusers or calming collars. These items act like natural dog hormones and can help reduce stress.

Practice Leaving Cues without Leaving: When you do things like put on your shoes or grab your keys, your dog may know that you are about to leave. Doing these things won’t actually make your dog desensitised. This helps break the connections between these wires and separations.

Consider Canine Companionship: If you can, consider making your dog a friend. You will feel less lonely and anxious in the company of another pet, such as another dog or even a cat.

Talk to Your Vet: If your pet’s separation anxiety doesn’t go away despite your best efforts or gets worse, contact your vet. Underlying health issues may be the cause of behavioural issues. Your vet can help you rule out any health problems.

Conclusion:

To help your dog overcome separation anxiety, you need to be patient, consistent, and know exactly what your dog needs. By getting to the root of the problem, recognising the signs and using positive teaching methods, you can ensure that your dog feels safe and happy when you leave him. Keep in mind that every dog is different and it may take some time to find the best way to train your animal friend. If you put in the effort and love it, you can help your dog overcome separation anxiety and develop a better bond with your faithful friend.

FAQs:

1. How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?

Watch for signs such as excessive barking, destructive behaviour, house soiling, pacing, and attempts to escape when you are not around. This behaviour could be a sign that your dog is struggling with separation anxiety.

2. Can changes in the daily routine cause separation anxiety in dogs?

Yes, sudden changes in routine, new living situations, or extended absences can cause separation anxiety. Dogs thrive on consistency, and disruptions to their routine can lead to stress and anxiety.

3. What is progressive desensitisation? How does it help relieve separation anxiety?

Gradual desensitisation involves slowly getting your dog used to being alone. Start with short periods of separation and gradually increase the time. Use positive reinforcement and treats to create positive connections during alone time.

4. Are there specific toys or products that can help relieve separation anxiety in dogs?

Yes, interactive toys and treat dispensing devices can keep your dog engaged. Calming products, such as pheromone diffusers or collars, can also create a soothing environment. These can help distract your dog and reduce stress.

5. When should I seek professional help for my dog’s separation anxiety?

If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe and persists despite your best efforts, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can assess your dog’s specific needs and provide tailored strategies to address anxiety. Also, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health problems.