Dogs are vastly stressed because of separation anxiety. It can not just trigger their mental health but also have ill effects on the physical well being of your pet. Separation anxiety is a condition when a dog displays behavioral troubles of stress and panic after being separated from their parent or favorite person. It’s still hard to understand why some dogs suffer so severely with separation anxiety while some do not. Whatever the case be, exercise, training and reconditioning are some of the most recommended home remedies to tackle the problem of separation anxiety. However, in some cases medication may also be required to ease the matter.
How To Spot Dog Anxiety
Duress and restlessness are the most common behavioral changes to witness in dogs when separated from their owner. They tend to remain close to their person at all times, tag along with them from every room to the other, crave excessive physical and emotional affection and never want to spend outdoor times without them. Although mistaken for love, these are common signs of lack of confidence amongst your dogs.
Symptoms of Dog Anxiety
Whining, excessive seeking of attention, depressed moods and behavior at your departure are common symptoms of separation anxiety that dogs display. They may also exhibit destructive behaviors of scratching things or eating the couch to channel their stress and anxiety.
Preventing Dog Anxiety
Routine is a must
Curate a proper routine for your pooch and make sure you strictly adhere to it. This would allow your dog to naturally understand, when is the time to walk, or relieve themselves, when is the play time or time to be alone. Having a predictability of the day that calms your dog’s anxiety and helps them to cope with their day alone as well.
Tone down the entry and exits gestures
Your hellos and byes should always be calming and relaxing. They shouldn’t be too hyped so as to ensure that it’s completely alright and normal while you are gone. Don’t make your entrance or exits too grand or pompous, as this may end up overwhelming your pet. Keep the hellos calm and goodbyes calmer. Let them settle down before jumping into hugging or snuggling them after coming home. Never punish or scold them if you get back to any damaging incidents at home. This can trigger further anxiety and panic amongst the dogs.
Exercises
Indulging in fun and engaging physical activities is always a bonafide way to blow off that extra steam of brewing anxiety. Take long walks or runs, play fetching games or just go for a trip to the dog park. This can stimulate the physical health of your and tire them out which would let them rest while you are gone and long for your company too aggressively.
Mental drill
Cognitive challenge is often highly loved by dogs. Mental stimulation is a much needed activity amongst dogs. It’s always advisable to take them out for socialization or instrumentalise a new trick. If outdoors are toouch work, try resorting to tricky and fun games indoors only and indulge your pooch. A mentally stimulated and challenged dog is less likely to act bonkers when their person isn’t around.
The above listed things are great remedy to help your dog with separation anxiety. However, there may be times when no hoke remedies would bore any substantial result owing to the severe extent of the anxiety in your dog. In such cases, it’s always wise to get in touch with your vet who can put your pooch on medications and help them cope better. Stay tuned to JaldeeVets Blog for more such insightful and enriching reads.