Dogs & Separation Anxiety
Leaving your dog at home
Are you dreading going back to the office? So is your dog... 🥺
Many dog owners may be concerned with how their beloved pooch is going to manage, now that life is returning to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic many people were forced to work from home meaning they were getting to spend a lot more time than usual with their dogs. Naturally, our puppers loved this extra company, and as time went on having that extra company is something they got used to, and it become part of their daily routine.
Dogs are animals that thrive on a routine and many can become highly stressed as a response to a change in routine, particularly if this change is a sudden one. Some pet owners are lucky enough to be able to return to work on a hybrid basis meaning that their work schedule is split between the office and home. However, many people are now returning to work on a full time basis, meaning they are having to leave their beloved companions home alone again. This change in routine can be upsetting for your dog and can lead to negative behaviour patterns associated with the dreaded separation anxiety.
Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety
Here are our top tips for creating a less stressful environment and a more relaxed doggo:
- Leave a radio or television on for your dog to create background noise as opposed to leaving them in a quiet house - this will make them feel less lonely.
- Ensure they have access to plenty of environmental enrichment such as toys and boredom busting devices to keep them occupied throughout the day. A kong filled with peanut butter, a ball that dispenses treats and puzzle games are all great distraction techniques and can keep your pooch occupied for hours!
- Remove any furniture that they could possibly destroy - when dogs are bored and left alone for long periods of time they are more likely to take their frustrations out on their surrounding environment, it is also important to remove anything that may pose to be an injury risk.
- Gradually allow them to become accustomed to you being away for periods of time - start with short durations and gradually build this up over time. This is a process known as desensitisation. It is important not to make a huge fuss about either leaving or returning home, this is simply going to become a normal part of their routine. Giving extra attention or making a fuss of your dog can actually make the situation worse.
- If your dog requires extra support consider a dietary supplement aimed at reducing anxiety and having a calming effect on your dog. There are many dog calming supplements currently available on the market - it is important to find one that works for you.
Using calming supplements
Scaredy Paws is a 100% natural powder supplement which can be added to your dogs feed to help support with anxiety and stress. Scaredy Paws is a natural blend of vervain, lemon balm, raspberry leaf, chamomile, marshmallow root, passionflower and peppermint and is high in essential vitamins and minerals. Scaredy Paws contains no added nasties and is safe to be fed to all types of dogs. Whether your dog needs help to focus during training, has a fear of loud noises, finds walks stressful or is suffering from separation anxiety; Scaredy Paws is here to help support your dog and get them back to their old selves.
*Scaredy Paws is highly effective when combined with effective training, but is not suitable as an alternative to training. Scaredy Paws helps with stress, not with bad behaviour!
