The kids are going back to school, and they’re not the only ones who are a little blue. Some pets, particularly dogs, can become a bit depressed, too. After a summer of being with their best friends, they are suddenly left alone in the house for the better part of the day. This can sometimes trigger pet separation anxiety, which can take a toll on your pet’s mental health, their physical health, and your relationship with them. To help you reduce their anxiety, our animal hospital came up with tips to make your pet’s alone time more enjoyable (or at least tolerable!). 

Understanding Pet Separation Anxiety

To reduce separation anxiety, it’s important to first understand it! Pet separation anxiety is a somewhat common problem in dogs, but less so cats. This is believed to be because dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, a dog who is alone is much more vulnerable to attack by other predators as well as starvation. When you leave the house, it’s like your dog is losing their pack. Yet, the reasons dogs develop separation anxiety are a bit more complex. Dogs who are perfectly content to be alone can suddenly become anxiety-ridden when left alone after a traumatic incident (such as being surrendered to a shelter) or even something as mundane as a change of routine.

Keep in mind that your pet’s actions related to separation anxiety are far from an attempt to “get back” at you for leaving them alone. A dog suffering from separation anxiety is akin to us having a panic attack. Your dog is scared and anxious, not vengeful, and they require patience and appropriate training to help them cope!

Tips for Reducing Pet Separation Anxiety

If your pet suffers from mild separation anxiety, these tips should help. However, for pets with more severe cases, you may need to talk to your veterinarian for advice on how to handle their behavior. Anti-anxiety medications may be recommended, as well as appropriate counter-conditioning to help your pet learn to accept their alone time. Try the tips below first, and if you need more help, make an appointment!

• Give your pet a special toy or food puzzle filled with their favorite treat right before you leave. This helps distract them from your departure and it creates a positive association with being alone.
• Take time to exercise your pet in the morning before you leave. By doing so, you’re giving them the mental and physical exercise they need to keep from being bored. And it tires them out, too, so they have less energy to be upset about being alone.
• If your pet becomes anxious before you leave the house, they may have picked up on your departure cues (grabbing your keys and purse, putting on your shoes, etc.). Do these things throughout the week without leaving the house to help desensitize your pet to these actions.
• Play comforting classical music on the radio or turn on the TV to a nature channel while you’re away to give your pet something to listen to.
• Don’t make a big deal with goodbyes and greetings. Doing so only reinforces your pet’s anxiety about you leaving. Leave with a calm, simple goodbye and when you come home, ignore your pet until they calm down, then greet them and give them attention.

If you’re interested in learning more about pet separation anxiety and ways you can reduce your pet’s own anxiety, please contact us today!