Your dog is your best friend. If you could take them with you everywhere, you probably would do. But unfortunately, there are plenty of places where your dog is not allowed to go. As a result of this, you will need to leave them at home from time-to-time.
Many dogs are fine being left on their own for a length of time. Of course, it is a good idea to not leave your dogs for too long on their own as they may get bored, restless, and as a result; they may damage your home.
But what happens when your dog cannot be left? Separation anxiety is a major problem for many dogs. So, what do you do when you cannot leave your dog alone?
In this article, we’ll take a look at what you can do to help a dog with separation anxiety.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a condition that affects dogs when they are left alone or are separated from their owner.
Signs and symptoms that a dog has separation anxiety are that the dog will exhibit distress and behavior problems.
Often, the symptoms of separation anxiety will manifest within a few minutes of being separated from their owner. It is often unclear why a dog develops separation anxiety. Many rescue dogs will suffer from separation anxiety. Sometimes this is because of the heartache the dog will have gone through when they were separated from their last owner.
Often, you will notice that your dog has separation anxiety quite early on.
What Can Be Done To Help A Dog With Separation Anxiety?
To help a dog that has separation anxiety, you will need to build up the amount of time that you spend away from your dog gradually. Start off by leaving them for just a few moments and then build up to minutes.
When you do return to the room that your dog is in, you should appear boring to them. Don’t fuss them as you return- just go about your normal routine. Your dog will need to learn that you will leave them at times, however, you will always return.
Using calming dog beds may help your dog to relax. You should also provide treats for your dog such as kongs filled with chicken or with licky mats covered with peanut butter.
You should also use interactive toys that will require your dog to solve puzzles. You could also put the radio on for them whenever you are leaving them on their own. All of these things are likely to help to keep your dog mentally active. They will then be less prone to loneliness and boredom.
Before you leave your dog alone, take them out. By doing this they will find it easier to relax when you leave them.
Change your routine up. If you leave the house at a certain time, change it. Leave earlier, or go and come straight back in again. By changing your routine, your dog will be less likely to get stressed on the run up to leaving.
