Helping Your Dog with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a very common problem that dogs face when they are left alone for a significant period of time. Dogs suffering from anxiety may bark, defecate, dig, urinate, howl, chew, and attempt to escape. A dog exhibiting these distress signals while you are away is most likely suffering from separation anxiety. 

Helping Your Dog With Separation Anxiety

Luckily, there are ways you can help alleviate the anxiety your pup faces when you’re away:

• Use a crate and crate training: One option to consider is crate training your dog when you must leave the house. By creating a safe and comfortable environment within the crate, your pet will feel safe. Make sure you get a crate that’s large enough for your pet to move around and make it comfortable with easy access to food and water and plenty of toys to keep your pup entertained. 

 

• Physical Stimulation and Exercise: Another option to ease your dog’s separation anxiety is to make sure they get plenty of exercise so that they have an activity to release any pent up energy. Exercising your dog also has the added benefit that afterward, your pup will feel tired and will probably sleep while you’re away. This can help significantly reduce any chewing and bad behavior that they may typically show when you’re not around.

 

Contact Your Vet: Sometimes training alone isn't enough to treat separation anxiety. Your dog may need medication or supplements to calm the nerves. Do not give your pet any medications without consulting your vet.

 

Hope Animal Clinic

Separation anxiety is a common problem that many pups face. If your pup is suffering from separation anxiety, try the tips above. If you have any questions or would like to speak to experienced vets, contact us at Hope Animal Clinic in the Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and Burnet areas.