When I came across this post from a co-blogger, I felt so guilty for my Yuna. Here is the original post, click here.
Separation anxiety in a dog is a very frustrating condition to deal with in dogs and although it is flattering to feel that your dog loves having you around, it is a very difficult and traumatic way for a dog to live. Dogs that are separated from their owners will start displaying destructive behaviors such as chewing, barking and digging. Inappropriate elimination and urination despite the fact that the dog is housetrained may also indicate an underlying separation anxiety problem. In extreme cases dogs can seriously harm themselves during an anxiety attack. Some dogs have been known to jump through windows!
Signs of separation anxiety
If your dog shows signs of anxiety as you are preparing to leave, this could be an indication that he is suffer from separation anxiety. If your dog greets you with excessive euphoria when you return this could also indicate separation anxiety.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety there are three things you can do to help alleviate his condition:
1. Pretend to Go Out: Pretending to go out and shutting the door behind you and returning after a few seconds will help accustom your dog to your absence. Keep doing this several times but remember to only stay out a few seconds at a time. After a few days of doing this, you can gradually increase the time spent out by a few seconds.
2. Crate Train Your Dog: The majority of dogs like crates as they are den animals and the crate functions as a den of sorts for many dogs. They enjoy the safety and comfort of their crate and will enjoy taking a nap or some quiet time in it. Providing a dog that suffers from separation anxiety with a crate may help him feel more comfortable and secure but never close the door while he's in his crate or he may panic which will increase his anxiety. Place some chews and toys in the crate to keep him busy and include an old T shirt of yours to provide him with your scent as this may help calm him.
3. Keep the Radio On: As dogs are pack animals, they don't like being alone. Social animals such as dogs can become nervous or anxious when alone and leaving the radio on may help the dog feel less alone. Keep the volume at a reasonable level so any when the radio program turns to an advertisement your dog isn't scared out of his wits with an increase in volume. Playing soothing music may also help your dog to relax.
If these tips don't cure your dog of his separation anxiety, he may need the help of a pet behaviorist or veterinarian. Separation anxiety shouldn't be neglected as it is a serious mental problem that can escalate with time. Dogs can damage a house when experiencing an anxiety attack and worse still, your dog may harm himself. In extreme cases, medication may be prescribed by the vet to help calm the dog down.
that's my Yuna before I got pregnant with Gab, she used to stay with us inside the house
now, we let him stay outside for Gab's safety.
No comments:
Post a Comment