How to Tell Your Pet Has Separation Anxiety

If you’re like most people with pets, you aren’t home with them all day long. It is not uncommon to spend a lot of time out of the house going to work, engaging in social activities, or running errands. In fact, your absence may be one reason for a pet door. However, over time, your dog might start to show signs of pet separation anxiety. Here is what you can do.

Recognize Signs of Separation Anxiety

Of course, your pet can’t sit you down and talk to you about the anxiety they are feeling. They are likely to show their discomfort by exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms:

• Peeing and pooping indoors
• Clawing or chewing items in your home
• Howling when you are not there
• Excessive happiness when you return

Use Training

If you have already noticed that your dog has symptoms of separation anxiety, you can slowly train them to become comfortable without you being there. To do this, you can play a long game of “stay.” Head to another room for a few seconds, then a few minutes, and gradually even longer, and encourage them to stay. Over time, as you slowly add more and more time to the game, they will start to feel calmer about being apart from you. You may want to use a pet gate to keep them in a specific area if you do so when you’re out.

Try Counterconditioning

In addition to training, you can also try counterconditioning. This practice helps them to feel better because you offer them something to enjoy while you’re gone. For example, you can offer them table scraps on your way out. While your dog may not like you leaving, they will grow to like having a daily treat, and that can be enough to keep them calm until you get back. If you have a secure backyard, an open dog door can offer them something to do while you’re away.

Check for Other Problems

It is important that you don’t assume your dog has separation anxiety before investigating other possibilities. If you have a puppy, for instance, chewing and ripping up things are normal activities. Urine on the floor may indicate a bladder problem. Have your dog checked by a vet regularly to ensure that they don’t have any health problems that need attention.

Be Patient

You should also refrain from yelling at your dog about any accidents or damage that they’ve done while you were gone. If they are truly suffering from anxiety, they need help, not disdain.

By using the information here, you should be able to help your cat or dog deal with their pet separation anxiety. You might even find that they are heading out the pet door to play before you even leave the house. To find out more about keeping your pet calm and safe while you’re out of the house, contact Australia Pet Doors today.