I’m sure we are all thinking about fun vacation destinations to go to this summer. Sometimes we need a break from everything that life is throwing at us, and our beloved pets need a staycation while we are out in the sun. However, our pets can experience anxiety or separation anxiety when we go out of town or even when we leave the house for only 30 minutes. These are some tips we compiled to get you and your pet through your workday or summer vacation stress-free!
Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Some ways you may be able to tell your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety include:
- Destructive behavior such as chewing, digging, or tearing up beds
- Excessive vocalization
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Escaping
- Pacing or restlessness
Causes of separation anxiety can be:
- Changes in owner or rehoming
- Changes in schedule or routine
- Moving homes or changing living environments
- Changes in household members
Tips for managing your pup’s separation anxiety:
- Visit your veterinarian and do a full checkup including blood work to rule out any medical issues or pain that might be causing the anxiety or other behavioral issues. Sometimes your veterinarian may prescribe anxiety supplements or medications to help your pet cope.
- Try leaving a frozen Kong or lick mat with wet food, peanut butter, bananas, or other yummy treats inside in it to keep them busy while you’re out. Licking is a self-soothing behavior which can lessen anxiety and tire them out mentally.
- Exercise and enrichment is important, both mentally and physically! Ensure you are tiring your dog out with a walk, trick practice, and/or enrichment toys prior to leaving them alone. This can help decrease their pent up energy that may worsen anxiety.
- Try out training classes in the area to build your bond and add to their enrichment. Agility can be great to release anxious energy and help build confidence in your dog.
- Use pheromone collars and diffusers (ThunderEase is our top pick) to promote a calm environment.
- Crate training can help some dogs to provide them a safe space that is their own. Keep the door open to allow your dog to associate it with safety and comfort.
- Teach your dog that grabbing your keys or putting your shoes on doesn’t always mean that you are leaving. Add some time between their triggers and your actual departure to help de-escalate their anxiety.
- Gradually work to build up the time between absences. Start by leaving for just 30 minutes and work your way up.
- Although it can be tempting, try not to overexcite your dog during greetings (both hellos and goodbyes). Greetings should be done in a very calm manner. The last thing we want to do is teach your dog that your absence is a big deal.
- Dogs are creatures of habit. Start establishing a predictable feeding, walking, and playtime routine to set their mind at ease.
- Most important, do not punish your scared and anxious dog! Even if they destroy things, it’s their way of showing their distress. It is not personal. Dogs are animals and are dealing with their anxiety the best they can. They do not mean to destroy things on purpose.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moderate to severe separation anxiety may require additional training, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. Consult with a force-free trainer or veterinary behaviorist to best help your dog. New to the area and not sure where to start? Check out our “Essential Guide to RVA Pet Care” blog post series to connect you with some great local resources!
Separation Anxiety In Cats
Symptoms of separation anxiety in cats include:
- Destructive behavior such as tearing carpets
- Urinating or defecating outside of the litter box
- Over-grooming or hair loss
- Excessive vocalization
- Hyper-attachment to caregiver when together
Some things that cause separation anxiety in cats are:
- Weaned too early from mother
- Living in a home alone with only one caregiver
- Changes in routine
- Moving homes or changing in living environment
- Any big stressors such as bringing a new animal or baby home
Tips to keep your feline friend less stressed:
- The first step is to bring your cat to the veterinarian to ensure they are not experiencing any sort of medical issues or pain that may be contributing to their anxiety. This should include blood work and a physical exam. Your vet may prescribe anxiety medication or supplements as well.
- Make sure your cat is getting lots of mental and physical stimulation! Some great enrichment options include new toys, puzzle feeders, and cat TV.
- Give your cat a comfortable place to hide. This could be tunnels, fancy enclosures, or even just an upside down cardboard box with a bed inside.
- Use pheromone collars and diffusers (Feliway is our top pick) to promote a calm environment.
- Cats are creatures of habit. Start establishing a predictable feeding and playtime routine to set their mind at ease.
- Most important, do not punish your scared and anxious dog! Even if they destroy things, it’s their way of showing their distress. It is not personal. Dogs are animals and are dealing with their anxiety the best they can. They do not mean to destroy things on purpose.
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moderate to severe separation anxiety may require additional training, such as counterconditioning and desensitization. Consult with a force-free trainer or veterinary behaviorist to best help your cat. New to the area and not sure where to start?
- Check out our “Essential Guide to RVA Pet Care” blog post series to connect you with some great local resources!
Separation Anxiety In Dogs Reptiles, Rodents, & Birds
Tips for your exotic pet family members:
- Small and exotic pets can also experience anxiety and behavioral issues. Make sure you are allowing them time out of their enclosure and plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy! If you notice a change in your exotic pet’s behavior, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets to rule out any medical issues or pain.
We hope these tips helped you create a game plan to keep your pets happy and stress-free during this season of summer vacations! If you need anyone to check in during your workday, we are here to help! Contact us and book right now! Happy summer!