Lifestyle : Our Pets
Caring for our
CANINES
Crystal Han
Crystal Han is a freelance writer and artist . A San José State Graduate ; BFA , Animation / Illustration , she is currently working on two books . Her interests are as varied as her ability is vast , allowing her to cover a multitude of subjects in expert form . We at gmhTODAY are beneificiaries of her passion , talents and gifts .
The Dog Days of “ Back to Normal ”
Easing Dog Separation Anxiety
One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we ’ ve been able to spend more time with our pets or adopt new ones into loving homes . Our dogs have been enjoying the extra company , play , and exercise , but the caveat is that we may now have a separation anxiety pandemic on our hands . With more significant reopening and many people back at work , our dogs may be struggling with feelings of abandonment .
Separation anxiety in dogs is similar to what people experience during a panic attack , causing destruction and / or self-harm . The most common signs of separation anxiety in dogs are digging or scratching at doors or windows , destructive chewing , howling , barking or whining , and urinating or defecating in the house , even if they ’ re already house-trained . These behaviors are less likely to occur while owners are home , which often results in them mistakenly thinking that their dogs are “ acting out ” or “ getting back at them ” for being gone . If left unaddressed , separation anxiety can be extremely difficult to overcome , so it ’ s best to recognize your dog ’ s needs and treat them right away .
While there isn ’ t a way to predict which animal will develop separation anxiety , there are some factors that increase the likelihood of this problem . Senior pets tend to have higher rates of anxiety problems . Just like with people , a dog ’ s ability to tolerate change decreases as it gets older , so any sudden or frequent change in routine is more likely to be distressing . According to Veterinary Practice News , some studies suggest that newly adopted pets from shelters also have a higher rate of separation anxiety . These pets have gone through upheavals in their lives that we usually know little about , so they ’ re more likely to be sensitive to sudden changes .
Ideally , it ’ s best to prevent separation anxiety before it starts by slowly transitioning towards changes , like leaving your dog alone for short periods and then gradually increasing the length of time he ’ s on his own . Veterinary Practice News advises bringing senior dogs in for a vet exam to rule out any underlying medical problems that might cause anxiety .
It can be difficult to differentiate between pain and anxiety , and since pain often leads to anxiety , it ’ s critical to have an appropriate pain management plan in place before your dog is placed in a potentially stressful situation .
If you ’ ve already started working in-office and your dog is displaying signs of separation anxiety , there are a number of approaches depending on the severity . For mild anxiety , Pet WebMD suggests giving your dog a special treat that ’ s appropriate for the duration of time you ’ re gone and taking it away when you come home . Make sure that your comings and goings are calm , without a lot of greeting . As painful as it is , ignore your pup for the first few minutes after you get home . To help your dog feel calm while you ’ re gone , leave recently worn clothes that smell like you around the house .
For more serious anxiety issues , treats and scents won ’ t be enough to distract your dog . Simple things like putting on your shoes or picking up your keys may trigger your dog ’ s anxiety . Pet WedMD recommends putting on your shoes and then sitting at the table or picking up your keys and then watching TV several times a day . Once your dog gets used to this , you can slowly start to leave , starting with just on the other side of the door . Put on your shoes , pick up your keys , ask your dog to stay , and then close an inside door between you . Reappear after a few seconds . As your dog gets used to the “ stay game ,” you can begin using the outside door . Patience is key . Once you ’ ve gotten up to ten seconds or more , reward your dog with a treat , and always act calm when you ’ re leaving and returning .
Nothing beats human company for a dog . It might seem like your dog misses you exclusively , but usually she ’ s much more content as long as anyone is around . If you can , enlist the help of family , friends , or neighbors while you ’ re away at work , or hire a dog walker or doggie daycare to help . Also be sure your dog gets plenty of exercise daily , which will help ease her stress while you ’ re gone .
Dog separation anxiety won ’ t go away on its own . If your dog ’ s separation anxiety is already severe or you notice it ’ s worsening , seek out professional help from a trainer and / or a vet behaviorist . And , of course , never punish your dog for being nervous or for behaviors that express this , as it will only make their anxiety worse . Just like with people going through a hard time , be sure to offer your dog patience and understanding . Your love and care will help him make it through .
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