The holidays are the perfect time to step away from your daily life and its stresses. You plan to go on vacation and have the time of your life. However, the thought of leaving your pet behind can make this difficult.
Separation anxiety is real for pets and their owners, and it can cause stress. But what can you do about it?
Here are a few tips to prepare your dog for separation anxiety during the holidays.
Dog Separation Anxiety During the Holidays
1. Diet
A calming diet can help your pet deal with separation anxiety. Your pet’s food directly affects its behavior. Ideally, you should stay away from foods with artificial ingredients. Minimizing starches and carbohydrates could be helpful as well.
Consider making small batches of fresh homemade food. Portion them based on your dog’s needs to stabilize their blood sugar. This way, you can reduce the risk of mood swings. Serve larger meals in the morning and small portions in the evening, preferably after exercise. Ensure that your dog border continues offering these meals after you leave.
2. Find a Good Boarding Facility
Many boarding facilities are stressful to dogs as they take on many pets simultaneously. Your dog’s anxiety may increase if they are in a stressful or noisy environment. If the facility is understaffed, your pet may lack the personal attention it deserves.
Do your research and find a boarding facility that goes above and beyond to make your dog feel at home. Note that you may need to pay extra for a facility that gives your dog personal attention. Check reviews and visit different facilities before making your decision.
3. Distraction Helps
Ensure you have a few ways to keep your pet distracted when you leave. Do not put too much effort into bidding your pet goodbye. If you put too much emphasis on the fact that you are leaving, you could trigger the pet’s anxiety.
Try distracting your pet with their favorite toys, new games, or their favorite treats. That way, they won’t notice when you are about to leave.
4. Desensitize Your Pet to Your Departure
Pets generally pick up on cues that let them know you’re about to leave the house. This is the genesis of separation anxiety. Actions that suggest you are about to leave include spraying your perfume and putting on your coat. This is where desensitization is essential. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Carry out various leaving cues but don’t leave the house. For example, you can put on your shoes and coat but stay in the house. Do this multiple times
- Avoid elaborate goodbyes. Ignore your pet before leaving and when you get back to the house
- Leave your radio or TV running as background noise when you leave
5. Create a Routine and Stick to It
If your pet is susceptible to separation anxiety, change could make things worse. Establishing a regular routine is very important. Although it could change when you leave, some routine aspects will remain constant. Try to establish regular times for walking, feeding, and playing. Your dog will benefit from the consistency when you are away.
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6. Easing Your Pet’s Anxiety
CBD oil for dogs can help with anxiety. While the effects may not be immediate, the correct dosage should help your pet calm down. Generally, the effects of CBD oil kick in within an hour.
The benefits are even more noticeable after giving the same dose a few weeks or days. The effects of CBD on a dog’s body are cumulative. Honest Paws’ CBD oils for dogs are organic and great for your dog’s immune system. Please speak to your vet before offering them.
Keeping your pet calm during the holidays should be a priority. You don’t want your furry friend suffering separation anxiety when you are away. Consider the above tips to ease anxiety.
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