Tips for handling pet anxiety - Reducing Separation Anxiety Effectively
by Ask a Healer
Suggested for Pet Health:
Dr. Willard's Water
This is part three of a series on pet anxiety. For an animal lover, there is little more conflicting than having to leave a pet who is clearly anxious and stressed. The good news is that there are definitely ways to ease the separation anxiety your pet may be feeling. Please read part one for more information or pet anxiety and Coping with Anxious Pets
Your First Instinct May Be Wrong:
My natural tendency, and probably that of any animal lover faced with evidence of an anxious pet, is to scoop them up and shower them with loving attention. Yet,
experts say this approach may only make pet anxiety worse.
Neither is it helpful to be harsh with the animal because they are not doing these things out of a mean Spirit or anger, but out of fear so punishing them
for chewing up the door frame or biting on their own paws is also considered counter-productive. >
So what can you do?
According to the Calgary Humane Society, effectively handling pet anxiety issues can be quite challenging. They suggest hiring a pet sitter, having a neighbor or friend check on your pet during the day, or taking them to work. Another option is to hire a qualified animal behavorist who can retrain the pet away from an over-anxious state for better pet health response to being alone.
When preparing to leave for a trip, try playing rigorously with your pet for a period of time. Then, for the last half-hour before leaving, minimize attention, ignoring them. Increasing the time you are away to gradually longer times is also helpful. Long-lasting treats, given just before leaving, may distract some dogs too.
Visit ASPCA if your pet is prone to separation anxiety. You'll find some hints as to why certain events in the life of an animal can lead to them being more prone to separation anxiety, as well as some very good tips for managing pet anxiety.
Additional Resource: Comprehensive guide on how to help a dog with separation anxiety. Topics include how to identify separation anxiety in your pet, some of the causes, tips for handling both mild and extreme pet anxiety and more.
PetCalm will help shy, nervous dogs and cats maintain calm nerves and feel relaxed.
Pet Care Disclaimer: Please consult with your veterinarian on matters relating to animal health, preventative pet health care and wellness. Natural pet health supplements are not suggested as replacement for any needed veterinarina attention. I do strongly recommend seeking out a holistic veterinarian for the best well-rounded approach to pet care.
