If your dog suffers from Dog Separation Anxiety, here are a few suggestions you can try to help him with it.
What is Dog Separation Anxiety anyway? Do dogs actually get this? If so, how can I help him deal with it?
Dog Separation Anxiety is a common condition in canines. It can affect dogs of any age and breed and can cause distress and potential injury to them. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to make sure they are as comfortable as possible when we are not able to be with them. Do you know what some of the common causes and symptoms are? Let's take a look.
Common Cause:
While there is no recipe to follow that precisely tells us what is the cause of Dog Separation Anxiety, there are several common situations which might contribute to it.
According to petmd.com, "Separation Anxiety in dogs is a stress response that happens when a dog is bonded to a person, and that person is away from home or not in close proximity to the pet."
Some dogs are most commonly affected by the following situation:
~ Boredom: Left alone for hours on end with nothing to do. Solution: Provide mental stimulation with dog puzzle type toys which encourages them to "think". Loooooong walks and play sessions in the yard helps to create a welcome break as well as an opportunity for bonding.
Symptoms:
Dog separation anxiety symptoms can include:
Panting
Drooling
Barking
Shaking or trembling
Trying to follow or find owner
Destruction of surroundings
Having accidents in the house
It is important to note that some of these symptoms can mimic other medical conditions. If you are unsure, or see these symptoms even while you are present with your dog, seek professional veterinary consultation.
There are many techniques which are available to help your dog with his separation anxiety such as behavior modification, training, consistency, patience and distraction. Sometimes our pets need some frequent, positive experiences to allow them to realize that time away from us can be fun! Utilizing our daycare and boarding option allows pets to have a positive physically fun distraction and our Spa Services incorporate new scenery, relaxation
and a head to toe cleansing treatment that lasts for weeks!
3 Quick tips you can do to prepare your pet for success prior to staying with us:
Prepare a special blankie, removable bed cover, a piece of your clothing or toy that can capture scents from you , your home or your pet that will be a familiar comfort item while visiting us.
A great option is scheduling a short 1/2 day of boarding. Drop your pet off in the morning and return to pick him up before lunch. This allows him to get a "feel" for the staff and facility as well as know right away that you will always come back for him!
Last, but very important, is getting yourself in the right frame of mind at drop off time to the boarding facility. Pets are very in tune to their owners and can sense if their owners are sad, anxious, etc. Some pets can feed off of these emotions so it is important to remain either upbeat or neutral during this time. This allows your pet to have an opportunity to find out for himself the great place he's about to stay at! It really does help.
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