I don’t know about you but December tends to be a busier month than the others especially if you are celebrating Christmas, multiple birthdays within your inner circle, and doing year-end routines and traditions. It also means going out more often which requires leaving pets behind at home. By themselves. Cats may be okay with it generally but for a lot of dogs, it’s not.
Our little shih tzu whines and barks incessantly when left behind. He also scratches the door and pees or poops but fortunately runs to the farthest corner of his toilet to do it. Just a bit of context, Yes, he has his space that other households may call a guest toilet but since we rarely have any guests over (and when they do we offer our toilet), we call it the pets toilet. They have a sink where their stuff is washed, where their food is prepped, and where they get groomed in between visits to groomers. But that’s tea for another day.
It is difficult to leave our dog even with people he is familiar with, even with his gramps whom he loves, because he’d be acting all sad and aggressive or both and, yep, run to their toilet to relieve himself which, quite understandably, is not always appreciated. If your fur baby shows behaviors that indicate they don’t appreciate being left alone or with people other than you, then they may be experiencing separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in dogs can be observed as distress and even destructiveness when they are away from the humans that they have formed an attachment to. It can have various causes, including past experiences of abandonment or changes in living arrangements (1,2). Dogs are social animals that form strong bonds with their owners and can become distressed when left alone.
To manage separation anxiety in your pet doggos, here are some strategies that are helping us and maybe you can try:
Gradual Desensitization: Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration over time. This helps them become accustomed to your absences and reduces their anxiety (1,3). We are actively trying this strategy but since ours is a senior dog who has never gotten used to being completely left on his own since he was adopted, this was challenging. However, we are seeing positive results in the way that their toilet is clean and the cat seems relaxed whenever we get home. Side note: We can tell the dog has stressed the cat out with his howling and whining if the door dust stopper has been scratched to shreds.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment: Provide a designated space for your dog when you're away, such as a crate or a quiet room. Make sure the area is safe, stocked with familiar toys, and has a comfortable bed or blanket. This can help them feel secure and reduce anxiety (1,4). We keep his familiar spot by the window easily accessible to him as he enjoys watching dogs walking outside with their owners/sitters. We also leave the TV on and keep Dog TV playing as this seems to help.
Counterconditioning: Associate your departures with positive experiences by giving your dog a special treat or a food puzzle toy just before you leave. This helps create positive associations with your absence (1,4). Taking him out for a walk just before you leave is also a great idea.
Leave Calmly and Return Calmly: Avoid making a big fuss or long goodbyes when leaving the house. Similarly, when you return, greet your dog calmly after they have settled down. This helps establish a sense of routine and reduces anxiety associated with arrivals and departures (1,3).
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in physical exercise and mental activities before leaving. A tired dog is more likely to be relaxed and settle down when you're away. Long walks, play sessions, and puzzle toys can help drain their energy (3). It can also be a helpful distraction and keep them happier.
Seek Professional Help: If your dog's separation anxiety persists or worsens, consider consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and develop a behavior modification plan to address your dog's specific needs (1).
Remember, managing separation anxiety takes time and patience. Consistency and gradual exposure to your absence are key to helping your Shih Tzu cope with their anxiety when left alone. I hope this has been helpful. Until next time!
Sources:
ASPCA. "Separation Anxiety". Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety.
AKC. "Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Prevention". Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-separation-anxiety/.
The Humane Society of the United States. "Helping dog anxiety". Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/separation-anxiety-dogs.
Veterinarians.org. "Separation Anxiety in Dogs Explained: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention". Retrieved from https://www.veterinarians.org/separation-anxiety-in-dogs/.
Comments