HOME ALONE... WHEN THE DOG IS SUFFERING FROM SEPARATION ANXIETY

Do you have a little addict at home who looks like you're leaving him for a year every time you leave? To some extent, this is perfectly normal, and separation sadness is one of your pet's expressions of love. But in some cases, loneliness can cause separation anxiety. What are its symptoms and how to work with it?

HOW TO RECOGNIZE SEPARATION ANXIETY?
Separation anxiety manifests itself in many ways. A dog can howl all over the house with grief alone, which will undoubtedly antagonize your neighbors. Anxiety can also trigger destructive behavior and you return home to the wood shed rather than the apartment you left. Unfortunately, some guys are so unlucky that they can even injure themselves trying to get out behind you. Separation anxiety can also take the form of refusing food and drink, or constant gasping for breath or excessive salivation.

It is important to keep in mind that many of these symptoms may not indicate separation anxiety, but another health problem. For example, defecating at home can signal separation anxiety, but also incontinence. Always be aware of the circumstances. Excessive panting, drooling and refusing to eat can be dehydration. In short, some dogs have stormy personalities and release their energy on everything that comes under their nose.

The key is to determine if this behavior only occurs when your dog is home alone to rule out other medical complications. In the case of separation anxiety, the dog that destroys things tries to escape. If he bites your slippers, he's probably just bored. If he demolishes doors or walls, it is possible that he wanted to get out in this way.

HOW TO PREVENT ANXIETY?
According to the Pet Health Network, triggers for separation anxiety include:

• excessive attachment to his master caused since puppyhood
• emotional problems - fear and nervousness
• a dog adopted from a shelter
• a sudden change in routine or household structure, such as the loss of a family member or another pet

The first step you can take in the treatment of separation anxiety is to provide your pet with enough mental and physical stimulation. Intense exercises, long walks and interactive games can tire him so much that he doesn't even notice you're gone. Also leave toys at home for the dog to entertain him while you are away (you can find some tips on the blog). But what to do when these basics don't work?

Dog trainers recommend pretending to leave the house - put on your shoes and coat, take your keys and head for the door - like you're going to leave - but you don't end up leaving. Repeat this procedure up to ten times a day until you begin to observe a change in the dog's behavior. Next, you can try to leave, but come back after a few seconds. Observe how the dog reacts and if it behaves well, gradually stay outside longer.

He will eventually get used to the fact that when you leave, you always come back to him. But if you feel that the separation anxiety is so developed that the dog really has a problem being alone, ask for the help of an expert. In the meantime, you can consult the fur's condition with a veterinarian, who will prescribe anti-anxiety medication in critical cases.