How to deal with separation anxiety in your pet
Should you travel for work or to see family?
There are a lot of things to consider before leaving your home for a vacation or conference, a night out, or…
…and if you’re leaving a four-legged companion behind, you’ve got a few more considerations.
Imagine if you left your young children alone with no information about where you’ve been disappearing to, when you’ll be back, or who will take care of them while you’re away.
There are no instructions on what to do – or not to do – or how to contact you for help if they need it.
I just left, without making sure their needs, questions, and concerns were met.
not good.
If you do this with a member of your fur family, they may experience separation anxiety, which leads to poor behavior and poor health.
But separation anxiety in pets can be managed and avoided if you take the right approach.
It doesn’t have to be a trip. It could be a change in your daily routine – such as going to the office, then working from home for several weeks, and then returning to the office.
Keep in mind that switching your routine without talking to your pet about it is just like changing your rotation and not telling your spouse and kids!
Pets, like the human loved ones in your life, deserve to be “kept in the loop.”
They depend on you, and when you change your patterns and habits without proper notice or provision for it, they should try to change with you.
Unfortunately, their coping mechanisms can be more destructive than the ones your family might use…
Preventing separation anxiety in pets requires thought and attention
YOU ARE YOUR DOG’S ENTIRE WORLD… Anxiety can affect them more severely than other independently minded pets.
And while cats try to sell themselves as aloof and apathetic unless you fill up their food dish or clean out the litter box, they care about your schedule, too.
You might think that riding your horse on a farm across town is a better option than your small barn because of the space to run around and the company of other horses…but they are used to a certain daily pattern.
You are part of their flock. The time away from you can be stressful if they don’t know what’s going on or why, or if they have questions or concerns.
I’m not suggesting that you can never switch things up in your routine, or leave your pet with a sitter or in a kennel…but you should tell them what’s going on and why.
Treat your pet like someone who deserves to know what you know
Separation anxiety in pets arises when your pet feels as if they are left in the dark. So, before you make any change to your schedule – permanent or temporary – be sure to give them the details.
This means that you have to tell them:
- what are you expecting
- When will things happen?
- Who participates
- what you need from them
- How do you want them to behave
- How long will you go or how long will this change last
- Whether they are in a kennel or cared for in their own home
- when you come back
Giving your pet as a courtesy an explanation of how their environment or patterns are changing will prevent separation anxiety…and side effects.
Does your pet suffer from the stress of separation anxiety?
If you have a good relationship with your pet, it will be resolved and happily prepared for a change in your routine.
But, if you don’t take the time to communicate with them about your shared experiences, they will bring up some of them clear signs They expect something bad to happen.
1. Panting, Zooming, Peeing in all the wrong places.
Dogs will cool themselves down after a good panting workout. And zooming can be a sign that your pet is feeling happy and anxious.
But are they constantly panting, even though your house is at a comfortable temperature?
Do they wear the walls and the furniture…every time you walk into the room?
Did they dump their food near the door, or choose a new bathroom that isn’t the litter box or patio? Maybe your dresser, your pillow, or behind the sofa?
Many of these behaviors could be signs of an underlying medical condition, such as possible heart failure or infection.
Of course, take them to a vet if things like bladder control or vomiting are an issue.
But then, take a big step back and evaluate what your pet might be trying to tell you if you’re in the middle of a major life change.
2. Go full mannequin.
Resist the urge to think, “Wow, I can’t believe the dog stayed still for so long. It’s great that they are so disciplined.”
If you’re trying to identify separation anxiety in pets, complete stillness isn’t necessarily a sign of calm…
It is possible that your pet has been “off” and frozen because of his anxiety.
They are trying to restart themselves. Their posture and seemingly good attention could also be a sign that they are feeling very frightened. They are not sure how to deal with their fear.
Like deer in headlights, they are trying to process the situation and don’t want to move until they have a plan of action.
3. Go for the full Tasmanian Devil.
Your anxious pet feels neglected, and instead of backing away, they lash out in an effort to get your attention.
They suddenly started to Furniture toresteals food from the kitchen table, barks indiscriminately at people who walk by.
You’re preoccupied with changes in your life, and this kind of bad behavior can lead you to conclude that you suddenly have a bad pet.
The anger you begin to feel simply creates a negative feedback loop.
Your pet was already worried, and now his human is grumpy… It’s a negative spiral down a nasty rabbit hole that’s hard to get out of.
Learning how to communicate effectively with animals can relieve their stress…and yours
There is no need for either of you to feel anxious about the time apart.
Dogs, in particular, are very social animals. If you find a good boarding or daycare place for them to spend their time while you work or if you are going on vacation, they will jump out of your car to race in the kennel.
And when you come back to get it, they’ll be equally happy to welcome you and hop back into your car with enthusiasm and confidence equal to going home again.
No matter if it’s your dog, cat, horse, or bird, the key is communication.
It doesn’t take long for a pet to become highly in tune with your sense of well-being. And… although it may sound misleading, they really want to relieve stress and pain.
They hope you pick up on the signals they send when they’re feeling anxious or struggling, too.
Word to the wise: Don’t disappoint them when they need you most.
Whether you consult a pet lover, invest the time in learning how to talk to animals yourself, or simply make an effort to read your pet’s signals with more intent, you’ll enjoy a richer relationship.