Are you finally returning to work after spending the last month at home? Or maybe you decided to adopt a puppy during the quarantine, and this will be the first time you are leaving them alone during the day. A change in your schedule will affect your pet, and these changes may cause separation anxiety for your dog. Whatever the case may be, if your dog is facing separation anxiety, we're ready to help!
In order to help your dog you must first understand the symptoms of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs is more than just a short yip or barking session when you are leaving. It can include the following:
· Excessive barking, crying, whining, or howling
· Destructive behavior including excessive scratching on doors or chewing of furniture and clothing
· Pacing or excessive walking
· Attempting to escape crated areas or rooms
· Having accidents
· Excessive drooling
There are several ways to treat separation anxiety in your dog, and you can try one or a combination of approaches to see what works best for your pooch. Here are several of the best ways to address separation anxiety:
Exercise
One of the best ways to help your dog manage anxiety is by making sure that they are getting enough exercise! Feel free to book with The Right Fluff for your dog walking needs. If you have a highly active dog you can try our Exercise Break, which is guaranteed to give your dog the physical activity he or she needs for improvement of both physical and mental health. We also have special packages to work with puppies and senior dogs.
Environmental Enrichment Activities
Besides getting enough exercise. there are also some other ways to treat separation anxiety, including providing environmental enrichment. This may include providing toys and games, like the Kong, which can give your dog something to do while you are gone. You can purchase bones, treat puzzles, or other activities to engage your dog’s attention while you are away.
Medicine
Just like medicines for people, there are over the counter calming medicines that you can give to your dog. Consult with your veterinarian before using, but this can be a great way to help a dog manage anxiety.
Conditioning
You can work with your dog to help condition them to ease their anxiety and self-soothe. You can do this by practicing leaving routines with your dog that do not last long. For example, put on your shoes and pick up your keys, but do not leave. Then, gradually, you can practice leaving for longer and longer periods of time. Don’t rush, and eventually your dog will build up his coping skills and come to understand that you will, in fact, return after you leave.
The Right Fluff staff members are trained to work with dogs facing separation anxiety. Our dog walking services will help you and your dog transition to your new schedule working outside of the home. Book your dog walk today!