How can we recognize and alleviate separation anxiety in dogs? Although we love our pups and cats more than anything, they are often just one small part of our universe. Juggling our human kiddos, jobs, and other obligations, it’s easy for our fur babies to take the backseat when we are dealing with a hectic schedule. On the contrary, we are our fur babies’ entire worlds! Their entire day often revolves around when we are coming back home to them. Sometimes when routines change, our pets can fall victim to separation anxiety. Luckily, there are things that we can do as loving pet owners that prevent and minimize the symptoms, creating a healthier and happier life for our entire family!
What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
This condition is common in dogs and cats, and is a result of the stress, fear, and anxiety that they might experience when their favorite person is away. Purina estimates that out of the 90 million dogs in the country, about 20-40% who are taken to the veterinarian are there for reasons related to separation anxiety. Causes of separation anxiety in animals might include:
- changes to their humans’ schedule
- lack of socialization
- being left alone for the very first time
- changes of circumstances like a (death in the family, new school year, etc.).
Animals love routine, so it’s important that we do our best to ensure our pups and cats are happy! Signs that you might see if your fur baby has separation anxiety include:
- improper urination or defecation
- unusual barking or howling
- excessive chewing
- destructive behaviors
While these behaviors test our patience, it’s crucial that we do our best to be understanding of our pets’ needs and patient when they test our boundaries. These disruptive behaviors are not meant to annoy, but our fur babies are attempting to self-soothe their anxiety, fear, and confusion the best way that they know how.
What might be done to prevent or manage behaviors related to separation anxiety? Here are some ways to make your pet more comfortable if they are struggling with separation anxiety:
Separation Anxiety Training
Interval Training
Begin by practicing brief separations from your dog. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, and you don’t need to leave the house for an extended period. Leave the room or step outside the house for just a few seconds and then return. Repeat this several times throughout the day.
Over time, gradually increase the duration of your absences. Start with a few seconds, then progress to a minute, two minutes, and so on. Make sure to return before your dog becomes anxious or distressed.
Crate Training
Start by making the crate a positive and comfortable space for your dog. Place the crate in an area of the house where your dog spends most of their time. Keep the door open and put some soft bedding, familiar toys, and treats inside. Allow your dog to explore the crate at their own pace, rewarding them for any voluntary interaction with it.
Encourage your dog to enter the crate by tossing treats inside or using a command such as “crate” or “kennel.” You can also feed your dog their meals near the crate, gradually moving the food inside the crate over time. This helps create positive associations with the crate.
Once your dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate, begin closing the door for short periods while you’re present. Stay nearby and engage in a calm activity, such as reading or watching TV. Gradually increase the duration of time your dog spends inside the crate while you’re present, always providing positive reinforcement and treats.
Start by leaving the room for a few seconds and then returning, gradually increasing the duration of your absence. During this time, provide your dog with a special treat or toy that they only receive when in the crate. This helps create a positive association with being alone in the crate.
Socialization
Introduce your dog to calm and friendly individuals in a controlled environment. Start with people your dog is familiar with, such as family members or close friends. Gradually expand the circle to include new acquaintances. Encourage positive interactions, such as gentle petting and offering treats, while ensuring that the interactions remain calm and non-threatening.
Take your dog to various environments to help them become accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells. Start with low-stress environments, such as quiet parks or empty streets, and gradually increase the level of exposure. The goal is to expose your dog to new environments without overwhelming them, allowing them to build positive associations.
Arrange playdates with well-behaved, friendly dogs to help your dog develop positive associations with other canines. Choose dogs that have a calm and non-confrontational temperament. Monitor the interactions closely, ensuring that both dogs are comfortable and that the play remains gentle and appropriate.
Create a Routine
Just like us humans love routine, our pets do as well. Trying to leave and come back (roughly) at the same time each day allows your cat or dog to adjust to the routine, so that they can know what to expect. Taking your pet for a walk or playing a game of fetch before you leave for the day can be beneficial in calming them down for the remainder of the day.
Entertainment & Stimulation
To reduce your pet’s anxiety during the day, it’s helpful to keep your fur baby stimulated, so that they are not just sitting and waiting on you to come home. Making sure your pet has plenty of entertainment during the day (scratching posts, chew toys, etc.) allows them to remain occupied when they are alone. Puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your pet distracted. For a cat, hiding treats around their space keeps them occupied in a fun game of hide-and-seek! Keeping the radio or TV on during the day provides background noise that can also act as a distraction.
You may also consider hiring a pet sitter/dog walker or enlisting a friend to check in on your dog while you’re at work. That way they get some loving during the day.
Calm Arrivals & Departures
Dr. Ragen McGowan, Purina pet behavior scientist, shares that, “our pets are great at reading our emotions and feed off our energy and body language. So, it is important to stay calm and confident around goodbyes with your pet.” In other words, making a big deal about leaving the home teaches your pet that it should be just that, a big deal. Remaining calm and confident during arrivals and departures shows your pet that they can be comfortable with being home alone.
If you need additional help in correcting some of your fur baby’s behavior, consider consulting a certified dog trainer.
