Separation Anxiety 

What Is It? 

Separation anxiety occurs when your dog and/or cat is “hyper-attached” to you and experiences abnormally high levels of stress and anxiety when you leave them. You may notice a difference in your pet’s behavior as you go back to work and/or get back to your normal, pre-Coronavirus routine. 

What Causes It?

  • Change of ownership
  • Change in owner/family daily routine
  • Adjusting to a new home life after leaving a shelter
  • Loss of a family member
  • Being left home alone for the first time after being used to others in the home
 

What Specific Behaviors Indicate Separation Anxiety? 

Your pet may experience a combination or just a few symptoms when they have separation anxiety. Some possible behaviors include: 

  • Excessive whining, howling, or and/or barking when you leave
  • Poor behavior while you’re gone (i.e., getting into the trash, going to the bathroom, breaking items)
  • Scratching excessively at doors/windows
  • More panting and/or drooling than usual
  • Obsessive pacing patterns
  • Attempting to break out of house or crate
 

How Can You Get Your Pet Used to Your Going Back to Work? 

It is highly important to take the time to ensure your pet is in a calm state before you leave. Pay attention to their body language; blinking eyes, ears back against the head, relaxed tail, and normal panting, are all signs indicating a relaxed pet. 

Some tips to get your pet used to your absence: 

  • Take short trips leading up to you going back to work (grocery store, shopping, park, etc.)
  • Slowly increase the time spent away during your short trips over the course of at least a month
  • Try not to make leaving and coming home an event, meaning try not to make your leaving or returning a big deal
  • Be calm while petting your pet before you leave the house and speak in a calm tone. Staying calm while interacting with your pet before you leave will help them understand they are in a safe and tranquil environment
  • Try playing relaxing music when you are about to leave to keep your pet in a calm state and leave the music on while you’re away. This leaves your pet’s environment soothing
  • Leave out a worn item (or a few) for your pet. Your scent provides a sense of security for them
  • Worn clothing of yours can also be used in a safe, loose area. For example, the kitchen or bedroom (if crate trained). These areas should not confine your pet but limit them to a designated area. It’s important to remember that these areas should never be used as punishment. They should always be positive spaces
 

Mental Stimulation 

Mental stimulation is going to be the best way to tire out your pet especially prior to your leaving. Mental stimulation exhausts your pet quicker and more efficiently than physical exercise. 

Examples of mental stimulation: 

Scent work 

Puzzles (great mental workout and a confidence boost for your furry friend!) 

*By slowly increasing the complexity and difficulty, your pet will be able to master these puzzles, resulting in higher self-confidence and less anxiety 

  • Training
  • Learning new tricks
  • Doing “heels,”: “change of pace,” “change of direction” etc.
 

The Importance of Routine 

Having and keeping a consistent routine is incredibly important to the well-being of your pet. They need structure, guidelines, and a boss. 

An example of daily routine: wake up, feed your pet, play with your pet, get ready for your day, walk/train your pet, etc. 

Maintaining a daily routine allows your pet to know exactly what to expect with his or her day which can aid in less anxiety. 

Products You Can Use to Help 

Great news! Here at Healthy Pet Products we have a variety of toys, treats, and supplements that can really help you and your pet with separation anxiety! Stop into any of our locations and speak to an associate for any questions you might have. 

Layering some of these solutions will likely result in the best outcome for your pet when it comes to their separation anxiety. 

Pet Releaf CBD Oil 

CBD oil is a great product for stress and anxiety in your pet. CBD can be used to aid in situational anxiety. It contains calming and soothing properties to help your pet relax. Cats and dogs have an Endocannabinoid system, and when CBD oil enters that system receptors throughout the body will activate. CBD oil allows the body to relax easier as well as relieve tension and temporary anxiety once these receptors are activated. 

Kongs and Licki Mats 

Kongs can be filled with high value treats or food. You can also spread an all-natural peanut butter on a Licki Mat to entertain your pet while you’re away and give them a fun treat. These are a great alternative to leaving your dog home alone with a treat, bone, or chew that could be a choking hazard. 

Thundershirts 

Great for loud noise from fireworks and thunderstorms, separation anxiety, travel, excessive barking and licking. Thundershirts apply pressure to your dog’s torso, resulting in a calming effect for many dogs. 

Herbsmith’s July Third Chews and Calm Shen Powder 

July third chews (temporary, immediate results) is formulated to help dogs maintain a normal and relaxed mood during situations that are usually stress inducing. The combination of naturally calming ingredients promote a sense of relaxation.  

Calm Shen powder (long term results) can be used for behavior correction and management by promoting calmness in dogs and cats. The blend of natural herbs assists in calming your pet overtime without drowsiness. 

Pet Naturals Calming Chews 

This supplement used three ingredients (L-Theanine, Vitamin B1, & Colostrum) proven to help manage daily stress and behavioral problems with your cat. The combination of these ingredients results in a calming effect within your cat by supporting a normal chemical balance in their brain. These chews are safe to use with cats of all ages. 

See the chart below for a list of products you can use for your cat and/or dog!