Labrador retriever is lying on the floor at home.
Did you know that 47% of pet owners experience separation anxiety?
Having a pet is a beautiful responsibility. It gives dogs and cats unconditional love in exchange for food and a home.
However, having a pet brings an entirely different set of responsibilities. Puppies, kittens, or adult animals can develop separation anxiety when they’re left at home alone.
Pet separation anxiety can cause physical and behavioral changes. They can develop worse problems, such as destructive behavior if left untreated.
How can you and your pet get through separation anxiety? Here’s what you need to know. Keep reading!
1. Create a Routine
If your pet is experiencing separation anxiety, there are some things you can do to ease their stress. One way to help is to create a routine for when you leave. This might include putting on your jacket and grabbing your keys before you say goodbye to your pet.
If you can, stick to this routine as much as possible. You should give them some attention before you leave so they know they’re not being ignored.
Don’t forget to give them a big hug and plenty of love when you return home.
2. Provide Plenty of Exercises
Providing plenty of exercises is one of the best ways to help your pet cope with separation anxiety with pets. Taking them on long walks, playing fetch in the backyard, and going to the dog park are great ways to help them get the exercise they need.
Additionally, ensuring they have plenty of toys and chews to keep them occupied will help them stay calm and distracted when you’re not around.
3. Establish a Safe Space
If your pet experiences separation anxiety, establish a safe space for them in your home. This could be a small room or an area in a room that is blocked off by baby gates. Put their bed, toy, and water bowl in this space.
Let them spend time in this space when you are home so that they get used to it and don’t associate it with being alone. When you leave, you could also not make a big deal. Just say goodbye and calmly walk out the door.
4. Give Them Plenty of Attention
One of the best ways to help your pet with separation anxiety is to give them plenty of attention. This can be in the form of petting, playing, or simply spending time with them.
When you are gone, leave them with plenty of toys and food to keep them occupied. You can also consider daycare for dogs so that they will be entertained and make new friends while you’re away.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement Training
This type of training rewards your pet for good behavior, which will help to reduce the anxiety they feel when you’re away. You can use treats, toy rewards, or verbal praise to reinforce good behavior.
It’s essential to be consistent with this type of training and ensure that your pet knows they’re being rewarded for good behavior.
Understanding Pet Separation Anxiety
If your pet experiences separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to help. Try to create a safe, comfortable environment for your pet when you leave, including providing toys, food, and water.
With a bit of patience and effort, you can help them to overcome pet separation anxiety.
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