Why do pets experience separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety occurs when pets experience significant stress when left alone. This can happen after a routine change, such as moving to an unfamiliar area or changing daily schedules. We often think of cats as independent animals, but our feline friends can also stress out without being around their favorite people. Keep reading to learn why pets experience separation anxiety and how you can help ease their anxiety.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Dogs are primarily social animals and prefer not to be left alone. Signs of why pets experience separation anxiety include:
- Peeing in your house or outside the litter box
- Shredding, chewing, and other destructive behaviors
- Intense whining, barking, moaning, or meowing
- Excessive licking paws or grooming
Easing Your Pet’s Anxiety & Possibly Get Help
First, cover the basics for pets who experience separation anxiety. Make sure your pet receives sufficient exercise regularly. Pets who experience separation anxiety can significantly benefit from playtime with their owners or other animals. Also, clean your cat’s litter box or pick up the yard frequently.
Find a pet sitter who can spend time with your baby when you’re out of the house. For instance, hire a dog walker or consider an animal daycare for pups who enjoy that environment. Plus, connect with a trainer or behaviorist who can guide you through a plan for working with your pet.
Prepare Your Pet for Potential Human Behavior Changes
Moreover, begin preparing your pet for your absence through small steps. Walk around your home with your keys. Put on your socks, jackets, or shoes but don’t leave the house. Practice these actions again and again until your baby is more comfortable. Other ways to ease your pet’s anxiety include:
- Play soothing music, background noise, or a familiar show on television when you leave
- Begin with shorter absences first
- Wait until your pet is calm to provide them attention after you return home
Medication to Ease Pet Anxiety
Lastly, set up a schedule with us to rule out any underlying health causes for your pet’s anxious behaviors. Some animals can also benefit from medications or supplements to maintain their anxiety under control besides training.
Overall, remember to have compassion for your pet. Pets who experience separation anxiety just don’t go away on themselves. Call our amazing staff at Alexander Animal Hospital today!
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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