Brooklyn vet offers guidance to family pet owners in order to help their pets thrive as the activity in your home slows
Pets must also change as kids go from summer to school, many of which can lead to separation anxiety and stress. In a business release 1Brett Levitzke DVM, primary physician with Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group Brooklyn, discussed signs and symptoms of separation stress and anxiety. She also offered suggestions for avoiding anxiety in pets and any other behaviors they may display.
An abrupt change in routine could cause anxiety in dogs. Dogs don’t have a sense of time so a sudden change in routine can lead to anxiety.
You can tell if your pet is experiencing separation stress or anxiety by their prolonged howling, barking, unwelcome chewing, excessive pacing, inappropriate chewing, inability to use the bathroom inside your home and trying to flee.
Levitzke suggested that family pet parents and dads refer to these ideas 1 to help ease a pet’s distress
- Feed your dog freezable chew toys.Tuff the chew dabble peanut Butter or other dog-friendly spread in their mouths so they are distracted and entertained. The toy will last longer and provide psychological stimulation. Keep the toy in your car until you return home. This will show your dog that you are returning regularly and that you are not going anywhere.
- Search for a daycare or caretaker. Spending quality time with your pet dog in a daycare setting may help reduce anxiety and stress. A regular walk or stop-in might be a good way to build friendship with your dog throughout the day.
- Take your dog for a walk in the morning.
- Make sure your family has time for their dog. Look for dog-friendly places when you’re looking for places to eat out of your home. This will ensure that they don’t spend whole days searching.
- You can play background sound. Talk radio or an associated sound will give your dog the feeling that they are not alone. This simulates the sound your dog heard when you were away during the summer.
- Set up a “nanny camera.” Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your pet is experiencing separation stress or anxiety. You can get a better idea of the psychological health of your dog by placing an electronic camera in a common location.
Family pet owners should consult their vet if the dog is still suffering from separation anxiety or screen-damaging behaviors.
