If you’ve ever come home to overexcited greetings and a general wave of destruction, you might just be the owner of a dog with separation anxiety. Dogs are very much pack animals, so when you leave them behind, they may get antsy and upset. This can lead to unwanted behaviors often mistaken for simple disobedience. To make your time away easier on your pet, try the following veterinarian tips for relieving separation anxiety.

How to Calm Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

1. Take Them on a Walk

A tuckered out dog is much less likely to stress about your absence. Take your pooch out for a brisk walk before departing, and be sure to leave them with plenty of clean water and food. They’ll be so focused on food, hydration, rest, and relaxation that they won’t have the energy to act out while you’re away.

2. Don’t Get Emotional

Getting emotional before you leave or when you come home puts unnecessary weight on the situation, reinforcing your dog’s anxieties. Put on a calm and collected demeanor to show them that there’s nothing to worry about. Give a quick goodbye, and when you return, only greet your pup properly when they’ve calmed down.

3. Change up Your Routine

Try not to create a noticeable pattern surrounding your departures. When you always follow the same steps, your dog will notice the routine and become distressed before you even leave. If possible, switch up your actions so your dog won’t make associations. Keep your purse, briefcase, or bag in different locations; put your shoes on without leaving right away; or put your belongings in the car long beforehand.

4. Foster Some Independence

Regardless of the steps you take to ease your pet’s separation anxiety, every veterinarian will recommend working on their independence. Training them to be okay on their own for short periods of time will make life easier for everyone. Start by leaving them alone for about ten minutes, then gradually increase that time over the course of several months. Eventually, they’ll be fine on their own for a few hours.

5. Leave Behind Comforting Items

Even after you’re out the door, you might worry about how lonely your dog is feeling. Leave a few items out to comfort them while they’re alone. A blanket with your scent on it, their favorite toys, and even some treats will help soothe their anxieties. Ask a veterinarian for additional ways to distract your pet when you’re not at home.

If you need advice for treating your dog’s specific case of separation anxiety, talk to a veterinarian at A-4 Animal Hospital of Lancaster County, NE. These animal care experts know how hard it is to see your pet in distress, so they’ll help you find the best way to alleviate their fears. As a full-service veterinary clinic, they provide everything your pet needs to lead a healthy, comfortable life. Learn more about their services online. To make an appointment with this animal hospital, call (402) 475-2282.