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Have you ever come home to see your dog upset or your place a mess?
This isnt just bad behavior; its a cry for help.
In many dogs separation anxiety is a big issue.
It affects how they feel.
But what can you do as an owner to help and stop this problem?
Consistent training and understanding their emotional needs are key.
Read our full guide to learn different ways to help your dog suffering from separation anxiety.
Lets ensure your dog feels secure and happy, even in your absence.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.
Both young and older dogs can have this issue.
Its more than just whining or being a bit naughty when youre not there.
Some dog breeds get really attached to their owners and are more likely to have separation anxiety.
It often starts before they are 2-3 years old.
And they usually show signs when the pet parent isnt around.
They include:
Seeing these signs once in a while might not mean your dog has separation anxiety.
But if they happen a lot and together its a strong sign.
Pro-Tip:You might not always see these behaviors yourself, as they often happen when youre not there.
Using a pet camera can help you see what your dog does during your time away from home.
However the situation is even more heart-wrenching for your dog.
Fortunately, there are several measures it’s possible for you to implement for preventing and treating separation anxiety.
Early socialization means letting puppies experience different places, people, other animals, and things.
And, this helps them become confident and less anxious as adults.
Remember, consistent training and positive reinforcement are important for dealing with separation anxiety in dogs of any age.
Play, cuddle, and train your dog with rewards.
This teaches them that time you leave, good things happen.
And they might even start to look forward to you going.
It helps lower their anxiety and makes them feel more secure.
Also, keeping their mind busy is just as important.
These activities tire them out mentally, offering an enjoyable and exhaustive experience.
Its best to be calm when youre leaving or coming back.
And try not to make a big deal with emotional goodbyes or hellos.
Dogs pick up on how we feel and can act the same way.
And this helps them stay calm and not worry when you go and return.
Dogs shouldnt be alone for too long not more than four hours for grown-upsand even less for puppies.
Getting mad or showing youre upset can make their anxiety worse.
Instead of connecting your anger to what they did earlier, they become more anxious about your future departures.
So its really important not to hit or yell at them.
Doing that can make them more stressed and make things worse.
Medication and Supplements
For dogs with severe separation anxiety training and counter-conditioning alone isnt sufficient.
In these cases, they might need long-term medication.
And this can make their lives better and stop them from being given away.
Important Note:see to it any medicine or dose is okayed by your vet.
This is for your dogs safety and to double-check it works well.
Seeing a vet is important to find out if theres a medical reason for their anxiety.
Sometimes treating things like cognitive dysfunction or other health issues can help a dog with their anxiety.
And if medical issues are ruled out, behavior modification techniques like desensitization training can be effective.
However, the training should be tailored to the dogs capabilities, considering their age and health condition.
Remember: Every older dog is different.
What helps one dog might not help another.
The aim is to make your dog feel safe and calm, especially during times of separation.
Can Crate Training Alleviate Dog Separation Anxiety?
And this can help alleviate separation anxiety.
But using a crate abruptly for long stretches can backfire.
Gradual acclimation is key, not as an immediate fix.
Remember, patience and consistency are key in addressing this common issue.
Its about building trust and security for your dog, ensuring they feel safe even when youre not around.
