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How Do I Know If My Pet Has Separation Anxiety?

Whether you realize it or not, your pet may have separation anxiety. There are many pets that think that you are leaving forever when the door closes and this can be very traumatic for pets. For that reason, although it may seem to be overreacting to you, it is something that needs to be treated and that you need to take seriously. It is a condition that exists in both cats and dogs, however, it is more pronounced in dogs. According to a recent study over 14% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety and it is something that you should take seriously.

Separation anxiety is treatable and it is seen mostly in very young dogs and older dogs. It comes from older dogs because they are losing their senses and are more and more dependent on their owners to help them in situations. If you are seeing this in younger pets it is something that you should be concerned about as it is an ongoing problem. Have you wondered about the symptoms of separation anxiety? Here they are:

  1. Distress Howling and Calling: You may see this in dogs or cats as they will cry or wail when you are gone.
  2. Accidents in the House: You may find extract from your pet in bad places.
  3. Destructive Behavior Inside: You may find things torn up or bitten and shredded due to fear.
  4. Anorexia or inactivity: When pets are depressed they may not play, they may just lay around. When they are also afraid or anxious, they will not eat.
  5. Hyper attachment: Your pet may not want to leave your side even for a moment.

Why Does Separation Anxiety Occur?

There are many reasons that these kinds of habits show up. Most of them are related to change as animals are creatures of habit, without the normal structure they are accustomed to there can be long term issues with the confidence of the animal. Here are the most common changes that can trigger this kind of behavior in pets.

  1. You were on a long vacation and the pet was boarded.
  2. Someone who lives in the house has moved away.
  3. You have moved.
  4. There is a new pet in the home.
  5. There was a time when you were constantly together and now that has changed.

The most important thing to note about all of this is that you need to realize how to treat the separation anxiety and know that there are also ineffective ways to treat it.

  1. Do not punish your pet.
  2. Getting another pet will not make it better.
  3. Giving away your pet will make things worse.

How Do I Treat My Pet’s Separation Anxiety?

If you have a pet that has separation anxiety you need to spend time with your pet and assure it that you are not going anywhere. Here are a few tips for your pet.

  1. Always greet your pet and say goodbye to your pet with enthusiasm. This way it will not look at the leaving as a scary thing.
  2. Spend time with your pet in obedience class and take the pet with you.
  3. Get your dog plenty of exercise and go walking with your dog at least 2-3 times per day. Exercise is very good to make sure that your pet is healthy.
  4. Make sure that when you arrive you ignore your pet for 5 minutes before greeting your pet and that way the pet will have a prolonged sense of timing.
  5. Leave a radio or television on at all times for your pet. This will make them feel safe and at home.

When it comes to taking care of your pet there is nothing that you can do that is too much. You love your pet as much as he or she loves you. Separation anxiety is something that is very real and that you need to pay attention to. It is very important to make sure that you take the time and attention to find out what is wrong with your pet so that you will be able to diagnose the issue of the separation anxiety. Be patient with your pet and you will be assured that they will love you and be patient with you. Your pet has anxiety because it loves you and wants to be with you all the time. Remember that you need to be patient with your pet on a regular basis and help your pet recover.

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