A common problem many pet parents complain about is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive, chewing, barking, howling or even urinating and defecating when left alone. These behaviours may be indications that your pet has separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is triggered when your dog becomes upset when you leave them. The worst response is to punish your dog when you return, and there are ways to soothe your anxious dog and alleviate the unwanted behaviours. Most important: all hellos and goodbyes should be conducted in a very calm manner. When leaving, just give your dog a pat on the head, say goodbye and leave. Similarly, when arriving home, say hello to your dog and then don’t pay any more attention to him until he’s calm and relaxed. Here are some proven ways to calm your anxious dog. EXERCISE Be sure your dog gets the right amount of exercise for his age, breed and lifestyle. If you’re an apartment dweller your dog should get at least two walks a day - one in the morning and one in the evening. Larger breeds can benefit from an off-leash run at your local dog park, while a small breed dog might be okay with walking through a park a few times a day. Regular walks not only keep your dog fit, they also ensure your dog is emotionally healthy.
A brisk walk just before you plan to leave the house will help your dog cope with anxious feelings and allow them to feel more relaxed while you are gone. MUSIC THERAPY They say music calms the savage beast. I know my dog benefits from music while I’m gone. Keep in mind, it doesn’t need to be music; try leaving your TV on at a low volume. YouTube and music streamers offer channels dedicated to easing separation anxiety for both dogs and cats. PHYSICAL CONTACT There is nothing more soothing than your touch. Before leaving the house, spend some time simply petting your dog. This calming interaction will make it easier when you actually leave. Avoid “roughhousing” with your dog just before you know you’re going to be leaving them alone. CRATES & GATES If your dog is destructive when left alone, it may be advisable to have them crate-trained. Be sure the crate fits your dog, giving him plenty of room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. It’s never a good idea to crate your dog for more than an hour or two, and never use the crate as punishment. Instead put your dog in the crate with a treat for up to an hour while you are at home; this will make your dog more comfortable spending time in the crate when he is left alone. If your buddy is a rescue or an adult, crate training is still possible but will take time and patience. If a crate won’t suit your dog, opt for a pet gate to confine your anxious dog to a smaller area in the home, or set up a comfortable place in a particular room where your anxious dog will feel more secure - as with the crate, don’t use this space as punishment. Your home should always be a safe
place for your dog. If your dog chews when they feel anxious, ensure there is nothing within reach that can harm them when left alone. Furniture, electrical cords and even some toys or filling from dog beds can cause choking or other medical emergencies. CBD OIL There’s a lot of confusion between CBD and marijuana. While both are derived from the hemp plant, CBD doesn’t contain the levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the ingredient that makes you “high.” CBD oil is available at local pet stores. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES Ask your dog’s veterinarian for medications or therapies to alleviate the anxiety your dog feels when left alone. They will know what is safe for your dog’s personal health and situation. TAKE THEM WITH YOU Sometimes the best option is to ensure your dog isn’t left alone. If possible, take your dog to work with you or arrange for a family member, friend or dog sitter to come to your home and stay with your dog when you’re not there. Most dogs suffering from separation anxiety are fine as long as someone is with them. That someone doesn’t necessarily need to be you. You may also consider taking your dog to a sitter’s house or to a doggy daycare. Dogs are an important part of our lives and we always want to be sure they are happy. Always choose a dog that suits your lifestyle, your home and your family.
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