It is crucial that we give you an understanding of why dog separation anxiety is a legitimate issue and why it should be treated accordingly. Let’s get started with what you need to know.
Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety
Recognizing the signs of separation anxiety should be something that dog owners should know about. Especially if you are noticing a potential issue with your dog in particular. Here are some of the common signs of anxiety to be aware of so curing canine separation anxiety quickly is possible:
- Excessive vocalization, barking, whining, or howling
- Destructive behavior such as digging, scratching, or chewing
- Pacing or restlessness
- Can cause accidents in the house even if they are house-trained
- Escape attempts
- Attachment behavior
- Other anxious behavior or separation-related behavior
In the event if you notice your dog displaying these signs of distress, this will likely show that they struggle with separation anxiety. The sooner you take action to solve the issue quickly, the better - giving you and your dog both peace of mind. Please note that there may be symptoms that may exist to help determine mild separation anxiety from severe separation anxiety. Both of which can be treated accordingly.
Such stress in dogs can take place, especially if there is a history. For example, dogs that have previously been sold in pet shops or considered rescue dogs, could have a higher than likely chance of developing canine anxieties. That is why pet parents who are patient and understanding can find it easier to help treat separation anxiety symptoms whenever they are first spotted.
Those who work in dog rescue shelters or animal shelters should instruct new pet parents on handling their newly adopted dog that may have a tendency to show anxiety that stems from the changes in their environment. Knowing the clinical signs of separation anxiety ahead of time will allow you the opportunity to prepare for them so you can treat them accordingly using the steps in this guide.
What Are Some Effective Strategies for Curing Dog Separation Anxiety Quickly?
It takes a solid strategy to follow to help with curing dog separation anxiety quickly. The first thing to do is be patient as such strategies won’t just get the job done overnight. With time, patience, and consistent practice, you can find the right strategy that will be used as a prevention of separation anxiety. Here’s a look at the following effective strategies to consider:
Establish a Routine That Is Consistent
As we have mentioned, consistent practice will be beneficial in reducing dog separation anxiety. If anything, dogs themselves thrive on routines. A daily schedule that is structured like regular feeding, walks, and playtime will allow a sense of security and stability for them. As a result, the consistency will help a dog get used to the routine and feel less stressed - making them feel more in control of the environment they’re in.
At some point, make plans to where you leave and return home at the same times every day. This will add a bit of predictability into your dog’s daily routine. Dogs with separation anxiety could benefit from a routine that will make things calmer for them because they know what can go on at certain times of the day.
Gradual Desensitization to Alone Time
Desensitization will be key should your dog begin to panic the moment you leave. To ensure desensitization, step out for short periods of time. Over time, gradually increase the duration. Initially, start with periods of a few minutes. From there, you can extend the time away in small increments if you notice any decrease in anxiety levels in dogs.
If your dog is calm during such adjustment periods, reward them accordingly. The purpose of this strategy is that it will teach your dog that your absence isn’t a reason to panic - nor is it the “end of the world” to them. With this strategy, patience is a virtue. Adjust the period of time for separations if you believe your dog is comfortable enough to handle them.
Once you notice that your dog is calm during your longer periods away, that’s when you know the strategy is a success. Remember that some dogs may adapt faster than others.
Use Calming Aids and Comforting Items
There are plenty of items that will help calm your dog down on a regular basis. One of them of course is Under The Weather’s options for calming supplements. You can choose between our Calming Soft Chews for Dogs (available in regular or our hemp blend) or our calming powder. Both of which contain ingredients like ginger, chamomile, and l-tryptophan to ensure calmness throughout the day. This can be the perfect alternative to anti-anxiety medication that could be harmful to your dog or trigger any underlying conditions they might have (even if they are previously undiagnosed).
Other than that, there are additional items that you can also implement as well. This includes comfort toys such as interactive toys or puzzle feeders for increased engagement for your dog. You can also leave an item that contains your scent such as a t-shirt. This can be ideal for providing comfort and reassurance - making treatment of separation anxiety a lot easier when you spot the first signs of stress or if your dog reacts negatively to things like loud noises.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
If your dog is tired, they will most likely be calm throughout and could go to sleep. For this reason, it would be the perfect time to make plans for your pet to get sufficient exercise before you leave - be it for longer periods of time like your work day. Consider blocking off a 30 minute period of time to allow your dog to get physical activity such as a walk, run, or play session.
Additionally, you can consider mental stimulation methods for your dog. This can include training exercises and puzzle toys. If their minds are engaged, it can also lead to reduced stress as well. In a sense, you are keeping them busy throughout the day while you are away. Keeping them busy could be the best behavior modification method to date. Especially when you are looking for the best preventative measure against unwanted behavior.
Create a Safe Space
Consider creating a designated area for maximum comfort for your dog. This will give them a place to relax while you are away from home. Some ideas to include are a cozy corner that has a soft bed, calming music, or even a white noise machine that will help create such a soothing environment. You could consider crate training for your dog if you introduce it to them properly. The purpose is ensuring that a crate is safe and secure for your dog rather than confinement, reinforcing the idea they can go there if needed.
Try Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP)
Dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) are formulated to mimic calming scents that are naturally produced by mother dogs for comforting their puppies. These will be available in different forms such as sprays, diffusers, or colors. The purpose of DAP is to help sooth your anxious dog while creating an atmosphere that is relaxing to them.
What Are the Best Training Techniques to Reduce Anxiety?
Of course, it also helps to implement training techniques to reduce dog separation anxiety quickly. Like the strategies we’ve laid out above, it is important to invest time, patience, and consistency to make sure these techniques are a success. Here’s a look at the training techniques that can be effective for dogs:
Counterconditioning
Counterconditioning is designed to help shift your dog’s emotional response to when you are leaving. Leaving cues such as putting on your shoe or grabbing your keys should be associated with positive experiences including giving them a special toy or a treat. Your dog will learn to connect these positive feelings over time and will stress less each time you are headed out the door. Further, you will be able to prevent further destructive behaviour and other issues associated with separation-related behavior that is common.
Ignore Attention-Seeking Behavior
This may be a technique that might be difficult to do because of how much we truly love our dog. However, this might be an effective one if you so choose to tackle canine separation anxiety. The purpose of this is to resist giving excessive attention to your dog if they follow you around or act anxious prior to your departure. It is important to wait for them to settle down before you provide them with affection and other physical contact like petting. The end goal to achieve is reducing the association between you leaving and the heightened emotions that typically occur. Anxiety in dogs can be reduced using this approach, but if you are looking for better ways to treat symptoms of separation anxiety, there are still other alternatives if you feel like this one in particular is a bit harsh.
Reward Calm Behavior
Again, reinforcing calmness by rewarding calm behavior will be an excellent idea in the treatment of separation anxiety. If you return home to a dog that is quiet and composed, reward them accordingly. This will help create that reward link dogs can build that are associated with the behaviors that they exhibit. Positive reinforcement not negative will be important.
The thing to remember is that such training techniques should be done in a calm and supportive environment. When performing these training techniques, be firm as opposed to yelling at them. The latter will make the entire training process counterintuitive and lead to worsening of separation-related behaviour.
When to Seek Professional Help
There may be times when anxiety in dogs may reach severe levels. For that reason, it should be necessary to consider professional assistance. Find a certified dog trainer or animal behavior expert in your local area (or online if necessary) for behavioral therapy. They will help you put together a custom plan that will address the specific triggers to your dog’s anxiety. A Veterinary behaviorist may also recommend medication to relieve anxiety in extreme cases - albeit a temporary treatment of anxiety for your dog.
A doggy daycare could be a sufficient idea for your dog. However, this may not be a guaranteed solution for dogs with separation anxiety that is at severe or extreme levels. Pet parents who need options on how to handle separation anxiety symptoms at this level will need to consider a vet visit to get to the root of the issue.
Your dog may also experience stress-related health issues if they display such stress and anxiety go unchecked. This can include high blood pressure and other issues. Your canine companion deserves a healthy, stress-free life so treat such issues as soon as possible and from a positive approach. You can also provide an update on separation anxiety treatment methods with your vet or behavioral professional by keeping track of the steps you are taking to treat it.
However, if you are adverse to the idea of medication, you can consider Under The Weather’s calming supplements. They are safe and effective compared to medications that could contain ingredients that may carry side effects. Treatments for separation anxiety are not created equal, but you can find the best one that will work for dogs with anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with dog separation anxiety can be a challenge for both humans and dogs. Yet, with a guide like this, which contains the best strategies and training techniques, you now have a few ideas on how to tackle the issue. You can calm your dog and help them get over separation anxiety quickly. Again, it will take time and patience on your end to help dogs with anxiety conquer their fears of being separated from you.
You can also reward them with Under The Weather’s calming treats so they are calm for much of the day along with any treatment of anxiety that is best for them. We have what you need to help your dog become more calm in times when you need to step out.
