4 Ways to Manage Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Dogs have grown to become our steadfast friends over the years. They are happy creatures and always eager to welcome you home, whether you went out for a quick errand or returned home after a long day's work. It is common to see your canine friend feel lonely and anxious when you leave. Unfortunately, this can cause several behavioral problems. For example, separation anxiety, affecting roughly 14% of dogs, can distress you and your canine and potentially affect your relationship. Consider the four tips below if you are told of persistent howling, barking, and other unpleasant behaviors while away.

Take the dog for a walk before leaving

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It is recommended to take your dog along when going for a daily morning run or walk. You can put a backpack with extra weight on your canine friend to make the walk a little bit strenuous. Also, reward it with food, treats, and water for a calm-submissive spirit. Taking your dog for a walk can help leave it in a calm and resting state in your absence. However, it is worth mentioning that dogs, like people, are multifaceted and different. So there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing separation anxiety.

Try pet boarding

Pet boarding is similar to pet sitting, where you can leave your animal friend with a trusted friend, family member or company. Generally, it is more advisable to use an experienced organization, which is sometimes called a dog resort. This is because your pooch will be cared for by trained professionals in the presence of other dogs. Therefore any anxiety will be significantly reduced. Most boarding establishments have large indoor and outdoor play spaces to enable dogs to enjoy themselves and socialize with others to manage their anxiety.

Leave the dog with a toy

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In addition to providing your dog with interesting activities when you are not around, you can occupy their time by providing a long-lasting chew or stuffed toy to play with. Ensure that your furry friend likes the toy when you are around. If it does not use it in your absence, it might hint that the dog is anxious when you are not around. To avoid overfeeding, keep any food treats separate from your pet's normal meal rotation. Calming toys that address stress like separation anxiety are some of the greatest weapons in your arsenal.

Establish boundaries

Dogs, like humans, depend on structure and regularity in their daily routines. Experts advise categorizing your dog's whole day into interaction and non-interaction. Establishing boundaries means you decide your dog's play, walk, snuggle, or training times. This way, your dog will stay calm when you are not purposely engaging with it. This prevents it from racing or fretting and fosters trust in you.

The pandemic may have affected your routine and resulted in working at home more often. This can be welcoming news for your pet friend as you spend more time together than usual. However, it is best to consider the tips above if there is a routine shift and your dog isn't taking it well.

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