We all find it difficult to leave home, even for a couple of hours, and have to leave our furry friend behind because he can’t come with us. We can’t stop thinking about what he’s doing and if he’s okay. We know they don’t like to be left alone, but have you ever thought about exactly how they feel when we leave? We bring you the reasons why they have such a hard time and what you can do to help them.
Although our canines are able to tell the difference between day and night, they don’t perceive the passage of time as such, which makes separation even more difficult. However, although over time some get used to us coming home, others don’t cope so well and can suffer from separation anxiety. Of course, we must leave the puppies aside, because they have much more energy and need more attention.
This separation anxiety starts even before we leave the house, as they are able to understand the “anticipation signals”, such as putting on our shoes or getting the keys. From that moment on, the anxiety increases. Some dogs, when left alone at home, even suffer nervous breakdowns that they cannot control and that result in urination, defecation, vomiting, tearing up, continuous barking, crying or excessive drooling, among others. It is very important to treat these problems if we see that over time they have not disappeared, as they can trigger major difficulties such as self-mutilation or vomiting, which can cause digestive problems.
It is true that our pets feel sad when we leave. Many of them lie down on the sofa or on our bed to have our scent present. Others stay by the door or near a window for when we return. Dogs are social beings who love the company of their loved ones, but sometimes it is unavoidable to leave home. What can we do when our dog is left home alone?
To help our furry friend cope better with the separation we can:
Work on anticipation signals.
We must know which are the patterns we repeat every time we are going out and do them at another time of the day when we are going to stay at home. This way, your dog will not always associate putting on his shoes with leaving home and his anxiety will decrease when you are really getting ready to go out.
Take a long walk before going out
So that your friend is not thinking about his needs during the time you are not at home, it is a good idea to take a walk before you leave. You can also play or exercise with him to expend some of his energy. The walk will make your pet tired when he comes back and he just wants to sleep. It will help him not to think about the time he is spending alone.
Water and food!
Don’t forget to leave your pet with enough food and fresh water. This way, he will be able to eat when he feels like it and it will make him think a little less about the separation.This is very important. An empty water bowl for hours can cost our dog his life when he is left home alone.
Lots of toys!
Keep different toys on hand to keep him from getting bored, such as teethers and balls. This will help minimize the damage he may cause. There are “interactive” toys that can be filled with food that will keep him distracted for a while and keep him from focusing on the anxiety of being alone for as long as he is entertained.
Radio or television listeners
Believe it or not, many canines watch TV and listen to the radio! Leaving a station on with the volume turned down makes them feel calmer and less lonely as they are continually hearing voices.
Learning to be alone
The best thing to do is to get them used to being alone, but little by little. You can train him by leaving him alone in a room for a couple of minutes, but remember that if he starts crying you should not go to comfort him. He also has to learn to play alone for when you are not there.
Another… more?
An alternative that will make your family bigger is to give your furry friend a friend. This way he will never feel lonely again when we leave home! Of course, as long as he likes it, otherwise we will not be improving anything.
Not saying goodbye
We have a hard time leaving our friend behind and we say goodbye with caresses and phrases like “I’ll be back soon”, but all we are doing is reinforcing our pet’s anxiety. Even if you are looking forward to it, don’t give him too many caresses before leaving. On the other hand, although when we return home everything returns to be happiness and joy, we should not show that emotion in excess, because it can generate even more anxiety.
No scolding!
Do not scold your dog if he has made a mess. They will not understand it and the only thing you will achieve is that they will be afraid of you when you come back. Educate him from an early age and establish the limits of what he can do and what he can’t do. But you must understand that they get into mischief because of separation anxiety and not because they want to eat the toilet paper roll.
Never lock him up when you leave!
Locking or tying your canine up before you leave is the worst thing you can do. It is a counterproductive technique and can only make him more anxious. Let him roam free in the house and investigate. What’s more, if it’s safe and possible, leave your terrace open so he can go out in the sun and find out the latest gossip in the neighborhood.
Control the hours you leave your dog alone at home.
Remember that your furry friend is your responsibility and you have to control the hours you leave them alone. It is a living being that loves and admires you. Try not to leave your dog alone at home for more than 8 hours. If due to work problems or other matters this is impossible for you, there are dog sitters and walkers who can help you and your friend
It is normal to have to leave your dog alone for a couple of hours. We hope that with these tips your dog’s anxiety will be reduced and he will be able to deal with loneliness in a healthy way.
Never forget that his health is the most important thing! For this reason, we remind you of the need to take out Petplan veterinary insurance so that, in case of any mishap, your dog is always protected. In addition, if you really feel interested in seeing what your friend is doing, you can carry out the initiative that many people are doing: leave a video camera on in a place where you know your dog spends a lot of time. Maybe you’ll have a few laughs and everything!
