SEPARATION ANXIETY- A reality for our little furry friends

Most of us lead very busy lives these days, and with so much going on it can be easy to overlook the emotional needs of our less vocal friends (well sometimes less vocal-😂).

If a dog owner is having behavioral issues occur mostly while the dog is left alone, many times this can be attributed to loneliness, or separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a condition where dogs become anxious and distressed whenever they are left alone or separated from their owners. This can result in destructive behavior, excessive barking, howling, and even self injury. The signs of separation anxiety can vary from dog to dog and can range from mild to severe.

To help your dog with separation anxiety, here are some suggestions:

1) Gradually desensitization - gradually getting your dog used to being alone for longer periods of time by leaving them alone for short periods of time and increasing the duration over time.

2) Positive reinforcement - rewarding your dog for calm behavior when you leave and return home.

3) Providing a safe space - providing your dog with a comfortable and safe space such as a crate or a room where they feel secure.

4) Exercise and mental stimulation- ensuring your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation can help alleviate anxiety.

5) Medications: - in severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe medications to help reduce anxiety. This should only be an option when all other needs have been met for the pet, otherwise the med would only be masking an unmet need.

Remember, every dog is different, observing behavior and really getting to know ones dog is important. Resolving any behavioral issues for ones dog will in turn lower the anxiety in the owners life as well. And like humans, there may be times in their lives when their needs may be a little different. It is always good to consult with a professional dog trainer, or veterinarian and get their opinion on developing a personalized plan that works best for you and your dog.

Thank you for reading, and remember to hug your dog today😊