Does your dog have separation anxiety?

 Do you are fear that your dog is stressed out at home when you are not there? How do you recognize separation Anxiety, what do you need to know about this condition and how to you help your dog cope and get over separation anxiety?

Have you noticed that your dog gets anxious when he hears your keys? Or when you return home he pooped and or peed in your house or scratches and gouges at the doors and windows? Or maybe your neighbors complain about barking the entire time you are not at home? Your Pet could be suffering from separation anxiety, which is a severe anxiety disorder.

According to the American Kennel Club if your dog exhibits these behaviors, he may be suffering from separation anxiety: Constant barking or howling; Destructive acts-like chewing pillows or clawing at windowsills; accidents indoors-peeing and pooping;

Intense pacing; Attempts to get out of his cage.

Dogs pay close attention to you and recognizes the actions you take when you are about to leave and knows when he’s going to be left alone and may shows signs of whining, pacing, refusing to eat or drink, gluing himself to your side seeking your attention.

Why do dogs develop separation Anxiety?
Change in ownership- from abandonment on the side of the road; surrendered to a shelter or transferred to a new owner. Loss of a family member, a new schedule (changes in your work or time at home), change in residence; and or advanced age and cognitive decline.

Some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety that others (Labrador retrievers, Chihuahuas, German Sheppard says Dr. Butch Mitchell Private practice veterinarian at Davie Veterinary Clinic in Davie Florida told Mizner Bioscience. These for breed are recognized for their loving companionship and people pleasers so it is not a surprise that the loss of favorite human can trigger separation anxiety.

How do you treat and prevent separation anxiety?

Consult your Vet to rule out Medical problems’- A physical exam and lab work can discover possible health problems that can show signs.  Tire your dog out with exercise leave. A tired content dog who had a brisk walk and a game of fetch with you is more likely to settle down when you leave according to the American Kennel Club.

Keep your dog active when you are gone; TV and radio turned on may distract them. You can also an provide interactive toy or food dispensing toy to keep him busy while you are out of the house. Teach your dog to relax by picking a spot such a dog bed or rub and teach your dog to settle down and relax in one spot if you are home or away. Make your routine less predictable. Remember your dogs watches your every move very closely and know you better than you think. Set up a place where your dog can feel safe and comfortable, like crate while other dogs may hurt them selves by trying to escape their crates therefore you may consider hiring a dog trainer to teach your pooch to relax. Finally get your dog his own bed. Whole Dog Journal suggest you give your anxious dog sleeping space other than your bed. Be patient. Put him in his own be every night.

What NOT to do if your dog shows signs of separation anxiety:

Do not scold or punish your dog even if those signs include destructive behaviors says ASPCA. Anxious behavior is not the result of disobedience or spite, They are distress responses. If you punish him the problem may get much worse. Sometimes no matter how much training, conditioning will help your dog with separation anxiety, your Vet can prescribe a daily medication (FDA approved chewable Clomicalm tablets) increases serotonin to help diminish your dogs signs of separation anxiety. 

Here are simple tracks that will help reduce reduce the episodes of separation anxiety:

  • Teach you dog to lay down in his own bed when you are at home.
  • Plan a short trip in your car. before you leave give your dog stuffed Kung toy. 

    Does your Dog have separation anxiety? Do you are fear that your dog is stressed out at home when you are not there? How do you recognize separation Anxiety, what do you need to know about this condition and how to you help your dog cope and get over separation anxiety?

    Have you noticed that your dog gets anxious when he hears your keys? Or when you return home he pooped and or peed in your house or scratches and gouges at the doors and windows? Or maybe your neighbors complain about barking the entire time you are not at home? Your Pet could be suffering from separation anxiety, which is a severe anxiety disorder.

    According to the American Kennel Club if your dog exhibits these behaviors, he may be suffering from separation anxiety: Constant barking or howling; Destructive acts-like chewing pillows or clawing at windowsills; accidents indoors-peeing and pooping;

    Intense pacing; Attempts to get out of his cage.

    Dogs pay close attention to you and recognizes the actions you take when you are about to leave and knows when he’s going to be left alone and may shows signs of whining, pacing, refusing to eat or drink, gluing himself to your side seeking your attention.

    Why do dogs develop separation Anxiety?
    Change in ownership- from abandonment on the side of the road; surrendered to a shelter or transferred to a new owner. Loss of a family member, a new schedule (changes in your work or time at home), change in residence; and or advanced age and cognitive decline.

    Some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety that others (Labrador retrievers, Chihuahuas, German Sheppard says Dr. Butch Mitchell Private practice veterinarian at Davie Veterinary Clinic in Davie Florida told Mizner Bioscience. These for breed are recognized for their loving companionship and people pleasers so it is not a surprise that the loss of favorite human can trigger separation anxiety.

    How do you treat and prevent separation anxiety?

    Consult your Vet to rule out Medical problems’- A physical exam and lab work can discover possible health problems that can show signs.  Tire your dog out with exercise leave. A tired content dog who had a brisk walk and a game of fetch with you is more likely to settle down when you leave according to the American Kennel Club.

    Keep your dog active when you are gone; TV and radio turned on may distract them. You can also an provide interactive toy or food dispensing toy to keep him busy while you are out of the house. Teach your dog to relax by picking a spot such a dog bed or rub and teach your dog to settle down and relax in one spot if you are home or away. Make your routine less predictable. Remember your dogs watches your every move very closely and know you better than you think. Set up a place where your dog can feel safe and comfortable, like crate while other dogs may hurt them selves by trying to escape their crates therefore you may consider hiring a dog trainer to teach your pooch to relax. Finally get your dog his own bed. Whole Dog Journal suggest you give your anxious dog sleeping space other than your bed. Be patient. Put him in his own be every night.

    What NOT to do if your dog shows signs of separation anxiety:

    Do not scold or punish your dog.  Here are simple tips to reduce and eventually eliminate the episodes of separation anxiety: 

  • Teach your dog to settle down in his own bed when you are there.
  • Plan a trip and Leave for only ten minutes, and return. Repeat this to 30 minutes, over 3-4 weeks but make sure you give your dog the stuff tear full chew toy. He will learn that you are always coming back. Shop luxury chew toys at www.biguppetshop.com

 

 By Debra Steilen