Leaving your furry friend at home can feel like a necessary chore, but for some dogs, it can be a traumatizing experience. This concern is called dog separation anxiety, and it’s a delicate issue that can be addressed.
Whether you’re a new dog owner or have an older, experienced pup, you might be wondering what causes dog separation anxiety. The most typical cause is the lack of exposure to isolation as a young pup. If dogs aren’t appropriately socialized as puppies, it may result in negative behaviors in adulthood, including anxiety when left alone.
Occasionally, it could stem from a traumatic experience, such as a change in the dog’s surroundings or the absence of a former owner. Although these situations aren’t as prevalent, they’re still significant to consider.
If your dog exhibits separation anxiety symptoms, including howling, scratching, and chewing on items within the house, it’s crucial to identify the issue and implement a strategy. Attempting to solve separation anxiety in dogs is a process that involves deliberate steps to accommodate your pet’s habits.
Here are a few things to consider to help your dog reduce their anxiety levels:
- Slowly familiarize your dog with being alone. Gradually increase the length of time your dog is left alone, starting with a few minutes and working up to longer periods over several days.
- Provide a calming influence. Leave your dog’s preferred toy or blanket with them, as it can bring them a sense of comfort and security while you’re gone. Aromatherapy sprays, calming pheromone diffusers, or calming music could also help ease your dog’s anxiety levels.
- Don’t make too much fuss when you leave or come back. Although it’s tempting to want to lavish your dog with plenty of attention before you leave or when you get home, too much emotion can make things worse. Calmly greeting and leaving your dog will help reduce anxiety in the long run.
- Engage your dog before you leave. Take a morning walk or playtime before you leave. A tired pup is more inclined to sleep during your absence than a restless, energetic one.
- Crate train your dog. If your dog is crate trained, it can offer a sense of safety and security while you’re away; however, you need to ease into putting your dog in a crate and leaving them alone. The crate should also be a comfortable and enjoyable space where your dog can relax.
It’s vital to remember that during the process, it’s essential to be patient and consistent with your dog. As a pet owner, the journey to dealing with your pet’s anxiety can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s vital to remember to support your dog through the process.
If you’re looking to provide an additional source of comfort to your dog, pet CBD oil could also potentially help. CBD oil has become a popular complementary treatment for pet owners, and it’s thought it could have a calming effect on stressed-out dogs. It’s important to discuss using CBD oil with your veterinarian before you use it, however, as it’s important to ensure it’s safe and used correctly in pets.
Dealing with dog separation anxiety is a journey, and it’s essential to monitor your dog’s behavior consistently. Whether it’s implementing new habits to ease anxiety, using CBD oil, or consulting with a veterinarian, there are several steps that can be taken to support your furry friend through their anxiety. In time, with patience and dedication, you can help your dog conquer their separation anxiety and live a happy, balanced life.