How Do I Deal With My Dogs Separation Anxiety?
Question: How do we get through a Bichon’s separation Anxiety problem? - from Len
We encourage you to share your "dog wisdom" - Please Feel FREE to Help Answer this Dog Question!!Answer: Before we talk about holistic and prescription remedies for dog separation anxiety, lets look at some things you can do to help:
- When you leave or arrive back home, try to be very calm and low key about it. Don’t spend a bunch of time saying goodbye, or making a big deal that you are back home.
- Get you dog used to the routine you take when you are getting ready to leave. For instance several times a day, simply get your jacket, purse, keys, etc. all picked up, but don’t actually go anywhere. This will give your dog an easy feeling about these activities, and disassociate them from you leaving.
- Give your dog plenty of exercise - a tired dog is a happy dog! Most young dogs can handle 20- 90 minutes of full speed running a day.
- Be sure you dog has something to do while you are gone. One of the best things is a Kong type toy that you can stuff with treats. While you are gone your dog will be busy trying to get the treats out, and eating them - he will be occupied, and not as worried about your return.
- Have you crate trained your dog? Many dogs associate a crate with a safe den. This will then reduce the separation anxiety they are feeling. You might also leave on a radio for some noise in the background.
- Many people take their pets to a doggy day care while they are at work to reduce the anxiety of separation. The dog gets plenty of good exercise, and will be a tired happy dog all evening.
There are a couple of medications to reduce help with dog separation anxiety, such as amitryptalline or Clomicalm. However these can take a few weeks to take affect. Your veterinarian would be able to tell you if your dog is a candidate for prescription anxiety medication.
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