Separation Anxiousness In Canines: Ideas To Assist Your Greatest Pal

Is your dog anxious or ill? The signs of separation anxiety can mimic an illness. As a pet owner chances are you recognize whether your dog is suffering separation anxiety or if they have an illness that requires a visit to your veterinarian.

Because our pets are our family members, we want to do all we can to alleviate stress and anxiety. Fortunately, we have tips to help your best friend.

Here
are some signs of separation anxiety.

Remember to contact your veterinarian if you notice changes in your dog’s behavior to rule out an underlying health issue:

1. Changes in behavior. If your normally-calm
   dog becomes aggressive toward other animals or people it could be stress.
2. Digestive issues. If your dog has constipation. diarrhea
   or vomiting, it could be because of stress.
3. Isolation. If your dog is hiding under the bed or
   spending more time in her crate or not craving your company, stress could be
   the reason.
4. Loss of appetite. A dog with a robust appetite who
   is now avoiding food could be doing so because of anxiety.   
5. Sleeping issues. If your dog is sleeping more than
   usual, or not sleeping as much as usual, stress and separation anxiety could be
   causing the change.

Drastic changes in your dog’s behavior may warrant a visit to the veterinarian.

Let the medical staff know if there have been any changes in the routines at your household as this will help them pinpoint whether your pet is ill or anxious.

A
dog suffering separation anxiety could also:

1. Bark
   a lot
2. Chew
   inappropriate items
3. Lick
   his skin raw
4. Go
   to the bathroom in the house
5. Be
   lethargic
6. Become
   a “Velcro-dog”
7. Act
   frantic when you leave or come home

Separation Anxiety In Dogs: tips to help your best friend

How
can you help your furry best friend deal with separation anxiety?

Canine enrichment is one of the best ways to help Fido or Fluffy feel less lonely when you’re away.

Here are our
favorite tips to help your dog be happier and less anxious:

• Playtime matters! Play with your dog before you leave the house. If the weather cooperates go outdoors and play fetch, go for a run, walk or let him zoom around the yard.
• Safe spaces. If your dog has the run of the house, that could lead to his anxiety. Wide open spaces could make an anxious dog even more nervous. Give her a crate with a comfortable bed or give her a corner with a blanket, bed, and toys she can call her own. Dogs need safe spaces they can decompress and unwind.
• Quality time. If your household routine has changed and you are now away more than you were previously, make time for the two of you to be together. Snuggle on the couch. Go for a car ride. Give your pup your undivided attention.
• Hire a pet sitter or dog walker. Your dog may benefit from a visitor during the day when you’re away. Ask a friend, family member, or hire a pet sitter to come and visit your dog and talk her for a walk or play with her.
• Ease your pup into it. If you have been working from home because of coronavirus and know you will be heading back to work or school soon, get your dog accustomed to the upcoming change in routine. Leave the house on dry runs to get your dog back into the habit. Don’t make a big deal of leaving or coming home – if you do, it will feed into your dog’s anxiety.
• Turn on DOGTV. There is nothing better than canine enrichment technology to keep your pet company and help alleviate stress.

Never leave your dog home alone. What?! If you have to leave the house, what is a pet owner to do?

Turn on DOGTV! This scientifically-developed programming is an ideal companion for your furry family member. DOGTV will soothe separation anxiety and keep your dog from being lonely.

Has enrichment helped separation anxiety in your dogs? Tell us in the comments below!

Robbi Hess is the DOGTV blog editor and a dog mom.