When a dog struggles with separation from you, it can become heartache for you and your fur buddy. Your dog is your best friend so spending time with your cherished pet is a top priority in your life. However, when you have to leave without your companion, sometimes, your dog doesn't take well to your departure. You can use several solutions to find a treatment plan for your dog's separation anxiety symptoms.
What to Look for
Before we get into some possible solutions for your dog’s separation anxiety, we need to discuss the causes and symptoms of it. Knowing these will allow you to narrow down the problems you face with your dog and ensure separation anxiety is the problem.
Causes
Your fur buddy has feelings just like you. When changes or events occur and rattle the routine they’re used to, they show it. By identifying what’s causing their anxiety, you can narrow down how to find the best solution for your dog's separation anxiety. Here are four common causes of separation anxiety.
- When their routine changes
- When you start leaving home more often
- When they lose one of the animals or humans in their home
- When they are rehomed
Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms of dog separation anxiety that you can watch for in your furry pal. If you notice any of these, it might be time to find a suitable solution for your dog's separation anxiety.
- Your dog gives sad looks when you leave
- Your dog follows you around constantly
- Your dog tries to break out of your home or their crate
- Your dog barks, whines, or pants excessively
- Your dog drools or licks excessively
- Your dog bites or paws more than normal, which typically leads to destruction
- Your dog urinates or defecates in the house more than usual
Solutions to Your Dog's Separation Anxiety
Every pet owner dealing with an anxious dog is more than ready to get their dog back on the right mind frame and happy again. Here are five great solutions to help your beloved pet establish a comfortable, safe home.
1. Build Your Relationship
Whether your dog is new to the family or has been with you for years, maturing your relationship in a positive, independent manner is very important. Your dog should know that you love them and want to spend time with them while also understanding that you cannot be with them every second of the day, even if you are at home.
You can begin your solution for treating your dog's separation anxiety by spending time training your dog to be independent. Give your dog specific toys and unique places to go while you do other activities. Build routines and boundaries that fit your lifestyle and relationship, so your companion has structure and understanding of why you need space.
2. Crate and Comfort Places
One of the best things you can do for your dog is to crate train them when you are away and at night. This habit allows your dog to know boundaries and rules quickly. Crate training is an excellent solution for separation anxiety in dogs because it establishes a location in the house where your dog knows to go for security while you are away.
You don't want to keep your dog in a crate at all hours of the day. When you are home, you can have a special place with a pillow or blanket in the house for your dog to go while you are on your own time. This place should allow your dog to feel comfortable when apart from you.
3. Break Old and Build New Patterns
Break the old patterns of how you leave and return home. Make new patterns that don't stress your fur buddy out or add to your dog's separation anxiety symptoms.
Engage your dog in activity first, like a chew bone or toy. Then, calmly pick up your keys and leave your house quietly. When you return, open your door, say 'hello,' and walk away. When your dog is calm, recognize your pet and engage in a warm welcome.
Practice picking up your keys throughout the day randomly and setting them in other places around the house. Your dog will form a new habit that your keys no longer indicate you are leaving home.
Have music playing when you leave and various toys and treats for your dog throughout the day to help this solution to your dog's separation anxiety stick. You can make a scavenger hunt by putting pieces of treats throughout the house that your dog has to find while you are away. Keep these items special for when you're away and put them up when you’re home.
Do not reward your dog’s destructive behaviors, but reward their good behaviors while establishing your new routines.
4. Exercise
Another solution for your dog's separation anxiety is wearing your dog out before leaving. Take an extra walk around the block or play for 20 minutes. Exercising will help your dog burn some energy, have your direct attention, and release hormones that will help relax them when you leave.
5. CBD Supplements
Dealing with separation anxiety symptoms in dogs can be a real issue. CBD oil is a growing supplement known to show positive results in supporting the reduction of anxiety in pets. Chill Paws focuses on working with CBD oil to produce supplements that aid your dog in relaxing and staying calm during nerve-racking moments in life.
Our CBD supplements are a great addition to your dog's separation anxiety solution plan. These supplements support their mind and their overall physical health. The delicious flavor of our CBD oil and our CBD treats will allow your dog to look forward to a yummy treat for their excellent behavior.
Stay Patient
Regardless of how long you have had your dog, separation anxiety is a common problem when change at home occurs. As you begin finding the right solutions to your dog's separation anxiety through new patterns, relationship building, exercising, and creating a safe place, you can add our CBD products into your routine. Chill Paws can help calm your pup and give them the mental security that everything will be okay.
Leave a comment