Are you back to work? Many pets, especially those adopted during the pandemic, aren’t used to being left home alone. Pets can experience separation anxiety when their owners leave for periods. Dogs and cats can also feel anxious going to the vet or other unfamiliar places. While it’s normal for pets to feel anxious, prolonged bouts of anxiety can potentially lead to anxiety disorder and other behavioral problems. Here are our best tips to understand and ease your pet’s stress.
Types of Anxiety
Separation anxiety causes distress in pets when their owner leaves the house. According to the American Kennel Club, separation anxiety is experienced by around 14% of dogs. This number may increase as pet owners start to spend more time outside the home and away from their pups. Fear-related anxiety can be caused by various things such as being in an unfamiliar place (i.e., the vet/groomer/in the car), loud noises, or other animals.
Symptoms of anxiety
Separation anxiety can manifest in various unhealthy behaviors such as excessive barking, drooling, digging, pacing, destroying things around the house, and defecating or urinating inside the home. Fear-related anxiety can lead to other nervous behaviors and even aggression towards people and animals. Dealing with this anxiety is essential for the safety of your pet and others.
Routine
Pets are calmed by having a routine. Routines allow your pet to relax because they don’t have to worry about what will happen next. Exercise and socialization are a significant part of any routine. If you can’t walk your dog every day, hire a dog walker or treat your dog to regular dog daycare. Making this a part of your dog’s daily regimen is a great way to reduce anxiety and promote healthy behaviors. See the difference in your pet by booking pet care with Pet and Home Care!
Treatment
Talk to your veterinarian to ensure no underlying health conditions could be causing their behavior. Veterinarians can also help to identify your pet’s type of anxiety. Many pet owners try to desensitize their pets to the source of the stress in small doses. Rewarding good behavior can go a long way in changing your pet’s mindset. Try enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer to help you choose the right approach.
Treating Anxiety with CBD Oil
CBD oil is a natural medication becoming increasingly popular amongst pet owners for its many health benefits. The Pleasant Pet may effectively treat pets with both fear-related and separation anxiety due to its calming and relaxing effect. Although many prescription drugs can ease anxiety in pets, traditional pharmaceuticals often have harmful side effects and can cause damage to the kidneys and liver. One of the most significant benefits of CBD oil is its potential to minimize or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical drugs. Studies have found that it works best when used daily.