Tips and tricks to help prevent the stress of separation.
Separation anxiety in dogs is more than your dog donning a sad face as you leave out the door or letting out a few mournful whimpers; instead, it can be quite destructive and elicit behaviors such as excessive barking or howling, chewing furniture or scratching out window screens, having accidents in the house, excessive panting and drooling, pacing, and attempted escapes from the house.
These behaviors are also very chronic and occur every time you leave the house, and may even be triggered before you actually leave. Grabbing your keys and getting your coat can spark separation anxiety.
The wellness of your four-legged friend is crucial to us at The Vet Set. Beyond your dog’s physical health is their emotional wellness, and this is just as important for a happy and healthy dog. Learn more about what you can do to curb separation anxiety in your dog.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Whether your dog has been adopted and has a tough background or you’ve been home with them for an extended period of time (maternity leave, quarantine during the pandemic, etc.), leaving them can be tough — for both of you.
Sometimes, the best way to help a distraught dog before conditioning can take place is by helping them cope. Ensure your dog gets a healthy dose of exercise — maybe more than your average pup. A tired and content dog may help them settle before you leave.
Training with a professional, medications, CBD, and other herbal remedies can also be helpful to help soothe and calm your dog and keep them from hurting themselves and destroying your home while you’re away.
To keep separation anxiety behaviors at bay, here are some easy ways to help improve your dog’s response.
Keep a Normal Routine
Routines are vital to puppies and dogs alike, so make it a habit to set a good routine. When you establish when their breakfast is and when you’re leaving for work, there are no sudden surprises. This turns otherwise fearful activities of grabbing your coat and picking up your keys, normal and routine.
Crate Train
Consider crate training your dog. A crate is a good thing to implement as a puppy to help keep them out of trouble when you’re out, and as they grow and don’t need it as much, it becomes a safe place for them to return to when you’re gone or they need space.
Crate training can happen with older dogs as well, especially those who have destructive separation anxiety behaviors. You can crate train your dog to keep them from destroying the house when you’re gone, and as they adjust their behavior they can use it as a safe place, too.
Leave the House
You may have your own fears about leaving your dog home alone, but it’s important to leave your house to build trust and show your dog that you’ll come back.
Starting in smaller time increments can be helpful — try going for a walk or run some errands. Gradually increase the time you’re away, building up to at least an eight-hour absence.
Spend Time Alone
Create time in your day where you’re home, but you’re not with your dog. This can be reading in another room or relaxing somewhere where they’re not! Give your dog some space, while reaffirming they’re safe.
With a few minor tweaks, more mindful decisions, and a little more effort, you’ll be able to help acclimate your dog and create a trust that can help soothe and mitigate their separation anxiety.