Reducing Cat and Dog Separation Anxiety in Greenwood, IN
The back to school blues can affect our furry family just as much as it affects our kids. Pets get used to the routine of having their best friends around the house all day long during the summer. Then, when the school year rolls around, they’re suddenly left all alone at home. This cat and dog separation anxiety can cause destructive behavior, attempts at escape, barking and howling, and other undesirable behaviors. Luckily, you can help prevent and reduce these behaviors so your pet can enjoy their alone time.
How to Keep Cat and Dog Separation Anxiety at Bay
- Take backpacks and lunchboxes out at random times or leave them out so your pet doesn’t associate those items with their best friends leaving
- Leave the TV or radio on when you leave so your pet has something to listen to while you’re away.
- Properly exercise your pet and provide them with lots of interaction before you leave and after you come home. This helps avoid boredom and gives them something to look forward to at the end of the day.
- Give your pet special toys to play with only when they’re alone, or give a food puzzle filled with a special treat so they associate good things with being alone.
- If your pet has more severe anxiety with being left alone, talk to your veterinarian about other options such as anti-anxiety medication.
If you want more information about cat and dog separation anxiety and how to reduce the problem in your own pet, call our animal hospital today at (317) 851-5000.
