Proven Strategies for a Stress-Free Pup
Does your furry friend suffer from separation anxiety when you leave the house? It's a common and challenging issue many pet parents face. But worry not! In this blog post, we'll explore "what are some ways to deal with a dog's separation anxiety", ensuring their happiness and well-being even when you're not around.
Short Summary:
- Separation anxiety in dogs is characterised by extreme stress when left alone and can be managed through behaviour modification.
- Creating a comfortable environment, gradual desensitisation training, and encouraging independence can reduce separation anxiety.
- Early training, socialisation and exposure to being alone are essential for preventing puppy separation anxiety.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dog separation anxiety is when dogs experience extreme stress from being left alone until their beloved family member returns. Many factors can cause separation anxiety in dogs. These may include changes in pet owners, new socialisation habits, environmental modifications, neglect, extended holidays, inadequate training, early adoption, the passing of another pet, or even hereditary behaviour and genetics. Boredom is also a possible cause.
With proper dog behaviour modification and professional guidance, a high treatment success rate has been observed in dogs that develop separation anxiety. The primary focus of treatment for dogs suffering from separation anxiety is modifying their behaviour and helping them feel more comfortable when left alone.
To address separation-related issues in dogs, counter-conditioning establishes a connection between unaccompanied and beneficial things, such as delectable nourishment. According to Patricia McConnell, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, separation anxiety in dogs can be likened to a panic attack in humans. Hiring a dog sitter may alleviate the dog's stress when the owner is away.
Recognising the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety in dogs is a severe condition that results from genuine stress and exceeds occasional whimpering or misbehaviour. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs can be physical. These can include drooling, barking, howling, dilated pupils, panting, trembling and pacing. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may demonstrate unusual behaviours like refusing to eat, eating their excrement, destroying furniture or trying to escape from a cage or room. Their owner's arrival may be met with excessive joy as they believe they have not seen them in years. These symptoms are indicative of separation-related behaviour that needs to be addressed.
In severe cases, anti-anxiety medication may be considered part of the treatment plan. It's important to note that punishment is ineffective in preventing separation anxiety in dogs. This is because dogs will associate punishment with their behaviour at the moment and will not connect the reprimand to their actions before their owner's arrival.
Instead, early detection and proper intervention are crucial for managing separation anxiety in dogs.
Strategies for Reducing Separation Anxiety
To reduce separation anxiety in dogs, we'll explore strategies such as creating a comfortable environment, gradual desensitisation training, and encouraging independence.
Creating a comfortable environment involves providing a safe and secure space for the dog, such as a crate or bed. This area should be where the dog can relax and feel safe. It should also be equipped with toys and treats to keep the dog occupied.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Constructing a soothing atmosphere can aid in decreasing a canine's stress and anxiety levels, facilitating its ability to deal with solitude. Furnishing a secure and tranquil area for the puppy to unwind can assist in diminishing their levels of anxiety. Items with the owner's scent, such as worn clothing, can relax the dog.
One recommendation for addressing a dog's separation anxiety is to feed your dog all of its daily meals in unique toys, such as a KONG or two stuffed with their breakfast and some tasty treats every morning before work. Pet Remedy products emit comforting pheromones that can aid dogs in feeling more tranquil or try calming supplements. A puzzle toy is filled with food that will take the dog at least 20 to 30 minutes to complete, helping cultivate a connection between being alone and pleasant experiences.
Playing background music can also assist the dog in calming down and drifting off to sleep. This will create a comfortable environment for the dog, reducing its stress and anxiety when left alone.
Gradual Desensitisation Training
Desensitisation training involves gradually leaving the puppy alone for short periods and incrementally increasing the duration. By desensitising a puppy to the signs of going, the puppy will anticipate the movements of leaving rather than becoming distressed. Utilising a high-value reward that the puppy is especially fond of and is only used for significant lessons and tips can effectively alleviate a puppy's stress when leaving.
If your canine companion has difficulty with the training technique, it is advised to remain in the room with them. However, no interaction should be made. This will help your dog become more comfortable alone, starting with short intervals and increasing over time.
Encouraging Independence
It is essential to avoid accentuating your departure and arrival, as this may inadvertently reinforce the canine's apprehension of your absence. To foster independence in a puppy exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety, accustom the puppy to spending time alone in another room, even in the owner's presence. Additionally, teaching a reliable stay can help reduce the puppy's attachment to the owner.
Exhibiting composure when entering or exiting one's home is crucial to prevent the canine from becoming agitated and perceiving arrivals and departures as a significant cause of anxiety. When returning home to a dog with separation anxiety, it is suggested to quietly greet the animal and refrain from being overly affectionate until the dog has settled.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Exercise and mental stimulation can assist in alleviating stress and anxiety in dogs and provide an avenue for their energy. Physical activity may prove advantageous for dogs with separation anxiety, as it can stimulate both their mind and body before being left alone, thereby assisting them in remaining calm during the owner's absence. Interactive toys for dogs are those that can be filled with treats and provide mental stimulation.
Activities that can assist dogs with separation intolerance include locating treats hidden in a puzzle toy or playing a scenting game such as "find the toy". Trick training can also assist dogs with separation anxiety by providing mental stimulation and preparing them for rest.
Professional Help and Medication Options
For severe cases of separation anxiety, it's essential to explore professional help and medication options to treat separation anxiety, including obtaining specialist guidance and employing medication and natural supplements.
These options can help reduce the intensity of the anxiety and provide the individual with the tools to manage their symptoms.
It is important to remember that the process of recovery is not a straight line and that it can take time.
Seeking Expert Guidance
Obtaining specialised advice from a certified animal behaviourist or veterinary behaviourist is imperative, as they can provide personalised treatment plans tailored to the dog's particular needs. Pet owners should consider engaging the services of a trainer or behaviourist with experience in treating separation anxiety, such as a certified separation anxiety trainer or a veterinary behaviourist who can prescribe medication if necessary.
It is advised that owners of female dogs with an established separation problem seek professional help to implement the most effective treatment plan, as addressing dog struggles like these requires expertise. Most dogs can benefit from professional guidance when it comes to behavioural issues.
Medication and Natural Supplements
Prescription medication, CBD, and Calming Wraps may be considered for dogs with severe separation anxiety. Medication may be employed to assist canines with separation anxiety in scenarios where the puppy is inflicting injury upon itself due to its stress, causing harm to other animals in the household, damaging household items when left unattended, or their quality of life or potential to remain in the home is impaired.
The two treatment options for anti-anxiety medications for dogs are anxiolytic drugs (anxiety-reducing drugs), typically employed for long-term use and event-specific medicines that can be administered when a known trigger is expected.
CBD is a natural supplement derived from the hemp plant that has been found to possess calming properties for canines. A calming wrap is a snug-fitting garment that applies gentle but constant pressure to reduce anxiety in dogs.
Alternative Care Solutions
Various calming aids, such as sprays, tablets, collars, toys, and treats, may be beneficial in mitigating separation anxiety in dogs. Assistance from a neighbour, friend, family member, dog walker, or day-care may be helpful during the training process. It can help alleviate a dog's anxiety when the owner is away for an extended period.
If away for an extended period or holiday, inquire with a friend or relative or explore the possibility of a doggy day-care or pet boarding service to care for your dog.
Preventing Separation Anxiety in Puppies
Early training, socialisation, and gradual exposure to being alone are essential in averting puppy separation anxiety. It is necessary to ensure puppies become confident and relaxed when alone in a manner that is both gradual and positive. The puppy may express distress by whining, whimpering, or barking in an attempt to return to their mother and littermates when separated.
Puppy training, socialisation, crate training, and teaching your puppy to enjoy solitude effectively prevent separation anxiety in puppies. By addressing separation anxiety early on, pet parents can help puppies grow into well-adjusted, happy dogs that cope with being alone.
Summary
In summary, dealing with a dog's separation anxiety is challenging but manageable. By understanding the causes and symptoms, implementing strategies such as creating a comfortable environment, desensitisation training, and encouraging independence, along with professional help and medication options when necessary, pet parents can help their dogs lead happier, stress-free lives even when left alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a dog trainer help with separation anxiety?
Yes, a dog trainer can help with separation anxiety. It is essential to consult your veterinarian first and find a qualified trainer who specialises in behaviour modification. The trainer will design a program that includes desensitisation and counter-conditioning techniques to help the dog learn to be comfortable when alone.
This plan should be tailored to the individual pet's needs and should include guidance to help ease their distress. Working with a qualified professional familiar with the particular challenges of this issue can be very beneficial in helping to manage separation anxiety.
Does ignoring your dog help with separation anxiety?
No, ignoring your dog will not help alleviate separation anxiety. Some studies have shown that providing adequate stimulation and quality time with a pet can help minimise stress levels in both the pet and its owners.
Furthermore, punishing your pet for signs of distress can worsen the issue instead of helping.
Do dogs naturally get over separation anxiety?
No, dogs do not naturally get over separation anxiety. Dogs can learn to become more comfortable when left alone with the proper guidance and help from an experienced veterinarian, behaviourist or trainer.
What breed of dog has the most separation anxiety?
Labrador Retrievers have the highest frequency of separation anxiety among dog breeds, followed by Labrador retrievers and Border collies then Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Jack Russel terrier.
Is separation anxiety in dogs severe?
Yes, separation anxiety in dogs is a severe condition. It causes a lot of distress for dogs and can lead to destructive behaviour, including attempts to escape the home or injure themselves.
It is, however, preventable and treatable, so owners need to recognise the signs and consult with their vet to get help.