Separation Anxiety in Pets Is Manageable

 Do you have to travel for work, or to see family?

There are so many things to consider before you leave your home for a holiday or a convention, or a night out, or...

... and, if you're leaving a four-legged companion behind, you have some extra considerations.

Imagine if you simply left your young children all alone with no word about where you were disappearing to, or when you'd be back, or who would care for them while you were gone.

No instructions on what to do - or not do - or how to contact you for help if they need it.

You just left, without being sure their needs, questions, and concerns were met.

Not good.

If you do that to your fur-family member, they could experience separation anxiety, triggering bad behavior, and poor health.

But separation anxiety in pets is manageable and avoidable if you take the right approach.

It doesn't even have to be a trip. It can be a change in your daily routine - like going to the office, then working from home for several weeks, then going back to the office.

Consider that switching up your routines without talking to your pet about it is just like changing your shift rotation and not telling your husband and kids!

Pets, like the human loved ones in your life, deserve to be 'kept in the loop'.

They're relying on you, and when you change your patterns and habits with no notice or proper provision for them, they must try to change along with you.

Unfortunately, their coping mechanisms can be more destructive than the ones your family might employ...

Preventing separation anxiety in pets takes thought and care

You are your dog's entire world... anxiety can affect them much more severely than other more independent minded pets.

And while cats try to sell themselves as aloof and disinterested unless you've filled the food dish or cleaned the litterbox, they care about your schedule, too.

You might think that boarding your horse at a farm across town is a better option than your small paddock because of the space to roam and company of other horses... but they've become accustomed to a certain daily pattern.

You are part of their herd. Time spent apart from you can be stressful if they don't know what's happening or why, or have questions or concerns.

I'm not suggesting that you can never switch things up in your routines, or leave your pet with a sitter or at a kennel... but they need to be told what's happening, and why.

Treat your pet like someone who deserves to know what you know

Separation anxiety in pets arises when your pet feels like they've been left in the dark. So, before you make any change to your schedule - permanent or temporary - be sure to give them the details.

That means, you have to tell them:

What to expect

When things will happen

Who's involved

What you need from them

How you want them to behave

How long you'll be gone or how long this change will last

Whether they'll be in a kennel or cared for in their home

When you're coming back

Giving your pet the courtesy of an explanation about how their environment or patterns are going to change will prevent separation anxiety... and the side effects.

Is your pet suffering from the stress of separation anxiety?

If you have a good rapport with your pet, they'll be settled and content as you prepare for the change in your routines.

But, if you haven't taken the time to communicate with them about your shared experiences, they'll exhibit some very clear signs that they're anticipating something bad to happen.

1. Panting, zoomies, peeing in all the wrong places.

Dogs will cool themselves after a good workout by panting. And the zoomies can be a sign that your pet is feeling happy and carefree.

But are they panting constantly, even though your home is a comfortable temperature?

Are they ricocheting off the walls and furniture... every time you come into the room?

Have they thrown up their food by the door, or chosen a new bathroom that isn't the litterbox or yard? Maybe your closet, your pillow, or behind the sofa?

Many of these behaviors can be signs of an underlying medical condition, like potential heart failure or an infection.

Of course, take them to a veterinarian if things like bladder control or vomiting are a problem.

But then take a big step back and evaluate what your pet might be trying to tell you if you're in the middle of a big life change.

2. Going full mannequin.

Resist the urge to think, "Wow, I can't believe the dog has been laying still for so long. It's great that they're so disciplined."

If you're trying to identify separation anxiety in pets, complete stillness isn't necessarily a sign of calm...

It could be that your pet has 'shut down' and is frozen because of their anxiety.

They're trying to reboot themselves. Their seemingly good posture and attentiveness can be a sign that they're feeling extremely scared. They aren't sure how to cope with their fear.

Like a deer in the headlights, they're trying to proc