Sometimes it is not just us humans that can suffer from a case of the back to work blues. After all of the hustle and bustle of the festive period January can be a tough time for our pets, particularly for those who do not like to be left alone
From personal experience with my Cockapoo (also known as velcro dogs as they stick to you like glue!) I know that separation anxiety can be very tricky to deal with, especially if you work long hours and need to be able to leave your pet on their own from time to time. The whining, crying and howling can be very distressing, both for pet and owner! Not to mention the destructive behaviour some dogs can exert when left on their own.
We have put together our best hints and tips as well as some of our calming products which can help your pets deal with separation anxiety when you go back to work this January.
Tips on How to Deal with Separation Anxiety:
- Interactive toys or treat dispensers can be a great way to keep your pet entertained whilst you are out of the house. Make sure these are safe and cannot be broken up or swallowed.
- Playing music or background noise can disguise any noises that would usually set your pet off barking such as passing cars or neighbours.
- Slowly increasing the amount of time you are away or even out of the room. Leave the room and if they are quiet come back in and give them a treat, slowly increase the distance and amount of time they are left.
- Don’t overly fuss over your pet when you get home. We know it can be tempting to make a fuss of your beloved pet when you get home and they are so happy to see you, but this can send a pet with separation anxiety mixed messages and make them scared for you to leave again.
- Don’t tell your pet off! The barking and whining or destructive behaviour is often because your pet is frightened, telling them off will only make this worse. Dogs do not associate being told off when you come back through the door with their destructive behaviour from hours earlier. Instead, it is better to ignore your dog when you first get home before calmly greeting them.
- Try not to let your pet follow you around the house. If you allow your dog to be with you constantly they will become more attached and distressed when left on their own.
- If you are out for long periods of time find a dog walker or sitter to take care of your dog whilst you are away. Also great for socialising the dog with other dogs and getting them used to being in different places.
- Don’t say goodbye! Dogs are very good at learning patterns of behaviour, simple things like picking up your keys, putting your coat on and saying goodbye to your dog can trigger the anxiety as they will realise you are about to leave them. Instead try to just close the door and walk away with minimal fuss.
- Lastly, make sure your dog has had plenty of exercise and has been to the toilet recently before leaving them.
Alongside these tips, Healthful Pets offer a range of supplements, sprays and treats to help deal with anxiety in dogs…
Calming Supplements for Cats and Dogs
Natural calming supplements are great for keeping your pet calm whilst you are out. Healthful Pets Calming support capsules contain L-tryptophan – an essential amino acid which is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin which is believed to help regulate mood such as anxiety.
Also available are calming supplements that can be mixed into pets normal food. These contain a mixture of natural ingredients that help keep pets calm and reduce feelings of anxiety. Aside from separation anxiety these are also very useful for other stressful events such as during fireworks, trips to the vet or when moving house.
Another supplement commonly used to support anxiety is CBD (Cannabidol), a natural and safe cannabinoid, found mostly in Hemp which has been specially formulated for dogs and can be safely added to their daily food.
Calming Sprays and Diffusers for Cats and Dogs
We also sell a range of calming sprays and plug-in diffusers from Pet Remedy which contain essential oils blended with vetiver, sweet basil and sage. These sprays and diffusers work alongside the brain’s natural messengers called neuro-transmitters, which work by telling the nerve receiving the message to either calm down or get ‘fired up’. In times of stress or anxiety the nerves get over stimulated, which leads on to the many symptoms we see in our pets. The special blend of essentials oils works alongside these natural relaxation pathways to help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets. The sprays are easy to use and can be applied onto a neckerchief, bedding or soft furnishings.
Calming Treats for Dogs 
Calming treats can be given to your dog before you leave the house, or hidden in a toy to entertain then whilst you are away. Calming treats such as these from True Leaf Pet with added hemp, green tea, chamomile and lemon balm can be used to relax your dog and prevent stress. Other treats from The Dog Treat Company include ingredients such as camomile, known for its sedative, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to help calm and soothe. Ideal for chillaxing!
We hope that this blog has been useful to you. If you have any queries about any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team by emailing hello@healthfulpets.co.uk or calling 01565 740777.
