- Give your dog a special treat each time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). …
- Make your comings and goings low-key without a lot of greeting. …
- Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you.
- Consider giving your pet over-the-counter natural calming supplements.
Don’t get upset too quickly if your dog destroys furniture, chews on your shoes, or eliminates when you’re not home because this might be a sign that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety.
Petcube pet camera is an effective way to quickly communicate with your anxious dog from a distance.
Dog separation anxiety has been discovered to be the main cause of a number of frantic and destructive behaviors that pet parents frequently confuse with other behavioral issues. It’s crucial to get your dog treatment for separation anxiety because it will make them calm and content.
This manual will teach you how to lessen and treat dog anxiety and improve both your and your pet’s lives.
Medical Problems to Rule Out First
Medical Issues Causing Incontinence Incontinence, a medical condition where a dog “leaks” or voids his bladder, is the root cause of some dogs’ house soiling. Dogs with incontinence problems often seem unaware that they’ve soiled. Sometimes they void urine while asleep. Urinary incontinence in dogs can be brought on by a number of medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, an aging weak sphincter, hormone-related issues following spaying, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, neurological issues, and abnormalities of the genitalia. Please consult your dog’s veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions before attempting behavior modification for separation anxiety.
Numerous medications have been linked to frequent urination and house soiling. If your dog is taking any medications, speak with his veterinarian to determine whether they could be a factor in his issues with house soiling.
Other Behavior Problems to Rule Out
It can be challenging to tell whether a dog suffers from separation anxiety at times. Some common behavior problems can cause similar symptoms. It’s crucial to rule out the following behavior issues before assuming that your dog suffers from separation anxiety:
Some dogs may urinate when being greeted, playing, having physical contact with people, or when receiving correction or punishment. During interactions, these dogs often adopt submissive stances like holding the tail low, pressing the ears flat against the head, crouching, or rolling over and exposing the belly.
Insufficient House Training A dog who occasionally relieves himself inside the home may not be fully housebroken. He may have received inconsistent or harsh house training, which made him fearful of urinating in front of or close to his owner.
Urine Marking Some dogs will urinate inside the home to leave a scent. A dog leaves small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces to leave its scent. When they scent mark, most male dogs and some female dogs raise a leg to go potty.
Juvenile Destruction Many young dogs chew or dig injuriously both when their guardians are present and when they are absent. To learn more about these issues, see our articles on destructive chewing.
Boredom Dogs need mental stimulation, and some can be unruly when left alone because they’re bored. These dogs usually don’t appear anxious.
Unfamiliar sights and sounds, as well as other environmental triggers, can cause some dogs to bark or howl excessively. When their guardians are at home and away, they typically vocalize. Please see our articles on Barking and Howling for more details about this type of issue.
Say Goodbye to Your Dog Long Before You Leave
If you’re having trouble with “no touch, no talk, no eye contact,” take a moment to show your dog some love and let him know you’ll miss him before you leave. Your dog won’t be offended if you don’t say goodbye; just remember that this display is for you, not your dog.
Leave those feelings of guilt, anxiety, and worry behind when you are prepared to report to work. Instead, exude the assured energy of a pack leader to reassure your dog that everything will be alright. Dogs’ separation anxiety can be reduced by a composed and confident leader.
FAQ
How do I break my dogs separation anxiety?
- Go for a walk with your dog before you leave the house.
- No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact. …
- Say Goodbye to Your Dog Long Before You Leave. …
- Stay Calm and Assertive! …
- Begin by letting your dog out for just five minutes at a time.
- Leave Your Dog with a Good Audiobook.
How long does separation anxiety in dogs last?
Work with your dog for approximately two months to help him overcome his separation anxiety. Making your dog comfortable right before you leave by starting out slowly will enable you to extend your time away much more quickly in the later stages.
Can separation anxiety in dogs be cured?
Separation anxiety is a treatable condition. In some cases, it’s preventable with training and behavioral modification. Like with most illnesses, your prognosis improves if you receive a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.