Episode 21 - Separation Anxiety

Today Lauren is talking a bit about separation anxiety and our pets. We will touch a bit on cat separation anxiety, but with offices opening this fall and schools going back to in person learning we think this is the best time to talk about separation anxiety in dogs.

Show Notes:

What we need to understand is this is a big transition for our pets and we need to be aware of signs of separation anxiety and more importantly we need to know what we can do to help our pets with this transition.

Signs your pup is struggling with separation anxiety

• Aggression

• Accidents in the home

• Pacing and restlessness

• Excessive barking or whining

• Repetitive and compulsive behavior

• Shaking, hiding or tail-tucking

Things you can can while you are still home to help your dog get pup-pared

• Build your pups independence

• Reinforce training

• Ignore needy and attention seeking behaviors

• Associate your absence with rewards

• Gradually increase the time your pup is alone

• Consider crate training or gating your pup in a room

Things to continue when you return to work

• Stay calm while leaving and returning

• Give your pup something to do while you are away

• Increase exercise or play before leaving

• Switch up the order of your routine before leaving

• Consult a Veterinarian

• Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter while you are away