What to Do If Your Dog Is Suffering From Separation Anxiety
Puzzles, hugs and walks were available in abundance as people were chained to their homes during the pandemic, hiding with their pets blissfully unaware of the humiliating circumstances of the outside world. But now that the United States seems to be turning the corner (fingers crossed) with the increase in vaccinations, you probably want to go outside your home more often, potentially leaving your dog or other pet wondering where the hell is everything. caresses and caresses. walked.
Since the last thing you want to do is create separation anxiety in your pets, you will have to prepare them for your extended absence. Here’s how you can ease your dogs’ anxiety burden so they can cope without your constant affection.
How to deal with minor feelings of separation from your dog
It’s hard not to grab the dog by the face and say goodbye to it when you leave for the day, but if you’re worried about your puppy pawing at the window and whining as you head for the door, don’t give it too much thought. from parting. People have a key role to play here, and it is very important that your departure appears as normal as everything else. It is easier to do this when your pet has a more subdued form of anxiety that doesn’t drive him to full tantrum when you leave.
When it comes to dogs – which are far more likely to suffer from both minor and severe separations than other pets – the Humane Society recommends that you “don’t put too much emphasis on arrival and departure” – ignore your dog for the first few minutes, and then pet them calmly. “
This tactic is indirectly related to another concept that may prove useful when dealing with an anxious pet: counterconditioning. Since your dog is more likely to associate your absence with anxiety, you need to come up with a new meaning for your absence, and the easiest way to do this is with food.
The ASPCA shows how you can counteract a frightened dog with the omnipotent power of treats:
Over time, the dog learns that whatever it fears is actually predicting good things for it … To develop this kind of association, every time you leave the house, you can offer your dog a puzzle toy stuffed with food. which will take her at least 20-30 minutes to complete.
Sara-Elizabeth Bjosier , director of the Center for Thinking Dogs at the City University of New York, tells Lifehacker that making the transition easier for your pets will make the process easier for people as well. She wrote in an email:
Can help you get away from home for a short period of time, working with puppy carers and dog owners while you are still at home can help your pets get to know these new friends, and if you have the flexibility to move slowly into work, consider work. from home several days a week.
Another way you may find it helpful is to leave behind a shirt or other clothing that smells like you so your pet can lie down with it and get some comfort from your scent. And since dogs are very alert to certain words – as anyone who has to spell “walk around their dog” can attest – you can also use that to your advantage. The Humane Society recommends that you “come up with a word or action that you use every time you leave to tell your dog that you will be back.”
How to deal with intense separation anxiety
If your dog has a more serious case of separation anxiety, you will understand it through some of the characteristic behaviors: defecating or urinating on the floor, howling and barking, chewing on furniture, digging, trying to escape, etc. While these are common signs of separation anxiety. they can be an illustration of more severe attacks when they are excessive.
First, it is important that this behavior is not a symptom of another medical or psychological problem, so it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian if anything like defecation or furniture destruction occurs in excessive amounts. Thereafter, it will probably be necessary to initiate a desensitization and counterconditioning plan with a Certified Animal Behavior Specialist (CAAB or ACAAB) or Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Dip ACVB), the ASPCA recommends.
Basically, this will be a longer process that involves familiarizing your dog with the signals before leaving and redefining what they mean. As the ASPCA points out, grabbing your keys doesn’t necessarily mean you’re heading for the door, so you can start accustoming your dog to these triggers without actually leaving, thereby negating your dog’s troubling associations.
Another thing you can try is gradual or “simulated” grooming. As you might have guessed, this is an imitation of actual grooming or a trial run that better adapts your dog to an independent life and does not react to obvious signs of leaving (closing doors, grabbing keys, putting on a jacket). … It can be simple; the door to the bathroom might suffice. Keeping your dog waiting outside the bathroom door while you are on the other side and gradually increasing the separation time can ease the strain on your dog.
Or, as the ASPCA says:
Gradually increase the waiting time on the other side of the door, out of the dog’s line of sight. You can also work on getting your dog used to the pre-departure signals when training in the parking lot. For example, ask your dog to stay. Then put on your coat, grab your purse, and go to the bathroom while the dog remains.
Most importantly, understand that this is a gradual process when it comes to self-acclimating your dog for longer periods. Professional help may also be needed, especially if your puppy is showing more severe signs of anxiety when you reach for your car keys.