Separation anxiety in pet dogs is a very common and a major concern for pet owners. Most pet owners are busy nowadays and work-related trips are also very common. As a result, they are forced to leave their pet dog alone at home. Even if you keep your dog with other attendants or in a dog care house, there is a good chance of your dog developing separation anxiety.
However, many dog parents, mostly new parents, are not aware of the symptoms of dog’s separation anxiety. As a result, they tend to feel lost regarding what they can do about it. However, to help your pet dog to overcome separation anxiety it is important to understand the symptoms and to use some tactics to help your dog overcome separation anxiety. In the following section, you will find a comprehensive guide on the same.
What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
A dog suffers from separation anxiety when they are too attached to their owners. They feel extremely insecure in the absence of their owners. Some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs are:
- Nervousness, wide-eye, trembling
- Excessive barking or howling
- Scratches at windows and doors and chewing things up
- Excessive salivation
- Pacing in an obsessive pattern
- Trying to run away
These behaviours are common to a certain extent, but hyperactivity is typically a sign of separation anxiety in pet dogs. However, one way to understand that your pet dog is going through separation anxiety is to look for these traits after an episode of separation. For instance, after coming from a trip you must observe your dog for these specific traits to take necessary action.
Steps to Help Your Dog to Overcome Separation Anxiety
Dog training plays a vital role in preventing them from suffering separation anxiety. Too much dependence on owners is a big red flag for your dog. Moreover, single ownership is more responsible for separation anxiety in dogs. So, here are some useful training tips that will prevent your dog from experiencing separation anxiety.
Independence Training
Independence training is the most vital remedy to fight separation anxiety. It is not possible to attend to your dog all the time. So you need to make it practice staying alone for some time daily. For instance, if you are working from home then keep your door closed and allow your dog to roam freely. You can install a smart dog door to allow your dog to access the door as it wishes without your assistance. Moreover, with a smart dog door installation you will be able to monitor your pet dog’s incoming and outgoing remotely. This would make it independent.
On the other hand, you can take your dog to a friend or relatives house to become acquainted with them. This would help you to leave your dog to them when you are away. As a result, your dog would not experience separation anxiety.
Crete Training
Crete training from an early age is an effective way to fight separation anxiety. Arrange your dog’s crete to provide a comfortable and cosy environment. Crete provides a sense of security to them and without your presence the crete can make them feel safe and reduce anxiety. However, make sure you don’t force them to use the crete. You can offer them their favourite food inside the crete to help them get used to the crete.
Interactive Camera
Installing a pet cam is a great idea to help your dog overcome separation anxiety. With a pet cam you can communicate with your dog while you are away and sooth them to reduce anxiety. Choose a two-way model that enables both audibility and visibility for your dog. This is important because only hearing your voice might exacerbate their anxiety.
Exercise and Entertainment
Mental and physical exercise is crucial to combat separation anxiety. If your dog is involved in any mental or physical activities daily, it would require that every day. For instance, if your dog is used to playing with challenging puzzle toys then it can keep it preoccupied while you are away. This would provide him a positive distraction from separation anxiety when you are away.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety in pet dogs is a common issue and is a matter of frustration for many pet parents. However, proper training can develop self-independence and self-sufficiency in your dog helping them to fight separation anxieties. Hope the above tips prove useful for you.
