Keeping your Pets happy when you’re not home

As a pet owner, our furry friends are our children. Which makes the guilt of leaving them at home a very real thing. For some people, this is the reason they decide not to bring a pet into their lives in the first place.

Just like us humans, cats and dogs are social creatures who need attention and affection – although our feline friends obviously have a much more independent streak. Both can experience separation anxiety, a condition affecting around 13% of cats and up to 40% of dogs. The good news is a few simple tips can help ease separation anxiety in pets, giving your household extra peace of mind as you juggle the demands of a busy modern life. 🐶🐱

What is Separation Anxiety in pets?

Separation Anxiety in pets refers to the generalised anxiety pets, and especially dogs display when their human companions leave them alone. Just like humans, separation anxiety in pets is a behavioral issue that manifests itself in the following physical symptoms:

• Destructive behaviours – including chewing, scratching and destroying furniture.

• Vocalisation – including excessive barking and whining.

• Restlessness – including pacing the house and an inability to settle down.

• Attempting to escape your property – through doors, windows or by jumping the fence.

• Elimination issues – such as peeing or pooing inside your house (despite toilet training).

• Refusing to eat until you return home.

Soothing their minds: Ways to ease your pets Separation Anxiety

So, what’s the best way to treat this common condition? The Pets Country Club team are happy to share the following proven tips. Although we do warn it could take patience. For more challenging cases, we recommend seeking the expert advice of a trusted vet or RSPCA’s Pet Behaviour Services.

• Create a calm & safe space: Creating a calm environment where your pet feels safe and comfortable is the first step to treating their separation anxiety. Whether that’s a cosy bed beside a big window or a quiet corner in your bedroom, having a space like this will encourage rest and ease their mind. 😊

Bonus tip: Leave one of your items like an old shirt or a blanket in this space, so the familiar, comforting smells of your presence will linger.

• Exercise is your friend: Another foundation for a happy and healthy pet – daily exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) is a great for easing anxiety, by burning off excess energy and helping them relax in your temporary absence.

Bonus tip: Take your dog for a brisk walk before you leave for work. The endorphins will put them in a happier mood whilst boosting their physical health.

• Toys & treats: Apart from leaving a full bowl of water and pet food before leaving the house, consider giving your furry friend interactive toys to keep their mind occupied. This could be anything from a puzzle toy, snuffle mat to slow feeders.

Bonus tip: Petstock offer a great variety of pet toys, with many purchases counting towards handy everyday reward points!

• Calmy leave and return home: Now for the moment of truth – leaving home. The advice here is to walk through your front door as calmy and quietly as possible. If your dog acts very excited or is actively seeking attention, calmy ignore them. Although if they are highly anxious (I.e. pacing up and down, scratching or chewing household objects) it’s important to acknowledge them before proceeding with your plans. When returning home, command them to ‘sit’ and reward with a pat or treat once they calm down. This will help associate any desired behaviour with a positive response.

Bonus tip: Jingling keys are a telltale sign that can raise anxiety. Place your keys in a location that allows you to slip out the house quietly, I.e. next to your front door.

• Gradually increase their time alone: Another handy tip is to gradually increase your pets time away from you whilst you are at home. This is known as desensitisation. Follow up with short periods when you actually leave the house – I.e. by going for a short walk. 😊

  
  

Bonus tip: A great way to gradually desensitise your furry friend to your absence is by working from a different room in the house to your pet whilst you’re at home.

The alternative: Pet Boarding 

Our final tip: If you’re regularly away from home for long periods of time, there’s always the option of enrolling your furry friend into a quality pet boarding facility like our very own Pets Country Club. Run by our animal loving team, we offer a popular Doggy Day Care service and both Cat and Dog Suites. Think of it as a home away from home, where they’ll spend fun days amongst friends, playing and relaxing amongst other activities!

Keen to find out more about the Pets Country Club at Elcho Park Lara? Contact our friendly team on (03) 5282 1286. We also offer 50% off your pets first Doggy Day Care visit.