September 13, 2021
Unhappy Hound? Dealing with Your Dog's Separation Issues
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
By Cami Cacciatore, Paw CBD
Does your dog hate being home alone? Now that school is back in session and many of us are headed back to the office, our best friends might be a little stressed over our new schedules. Here are some signs to look for and some ways to help your anxious pup handle their new alone time.
Signs of Separation Stress
The last year or so saw a major change in schedules for most of us as we spent more time close to home. So now that we're out of the house more, our furry friends might be showing signs of separation stress that weren't there before. Some of the most common mild stress signals might include:
While less common, if your pet shows any of these more severe (and potentially harmful) behaviors, contact your veterinarian right away:
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Keeping Your Dog Calm When You're Away
Luckily, you can help your dog learn to cope with being alone when you have to leave them at home. Here are some helpful strategies to make them more comfortable while you're gone.
Soothing Background Sounds
A quiet house just reminds your dog they're alone. Play calming music or soothing white noise while you're away, or leave the television on low in the background. Some streaming services even offer pet-friendly programming to keep your pooch entertained!
Extra Exercise
Lots of extra exercise before you leave your dog alone can go a long way in keeping them calm and relaxed while you're away. Take them along on your morning run or walk a few extra laps around the block. It might mean getting up just a little earlier, but burning off excess energy first thing in the day means longer naps and less time for them to be stressed about being home alone.
Comfort Items
Make sure you leave your unhappy hound with comfort items, like their favorite toy or dog bed. Even better, let them have an old t-shirt you've slept in or that blanket you both snuggle on the couch with – anything that smells like you. Not only will the familiar scent bring them comfort, but having something portable they can carry around the house will help them feel less lonely.
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Fun Distractions
Being alone is even worse if your playful pup is bored. Even if they have plenty of squeaky toys or tennis balls, make sure they have something that will keep them mentally stimulated as well. Interactive toys that mimic playing with their favorite person or treat toys you can fill with peanut butter or a tasty snack will keep them busy while you're not there to play with them.
Dog Walker or Daycare
If your dog really hates being alone, consider bringing in a dog walker or taking them to a doggie daycare once or twice a week. Having a trusted friend or professional care during the day to provide a little TLC and playtime will bring you both some peace of mind.
Interactive Doggie Cam
Another option is to set up an interactive pet camera for days you're away. Not only do these cameras let you look in on your dog, they also let you talk to Fido or Fluffy or even dispense treats! It's comforting for both of you, and just hearing your voice can help keep your dog from feeling blue.
A Healthy Routine
Just like us, our dogs will benefit from a healthy routine with a good diet, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and, of course, lots of love. If your canine companion has a healthy routine, they will be more balanced and able to deal with daily stress and adapt to changes in their environment. A healthy dog is a happy dog!
Calming CBD for Dogs
If you've tried these tips and your dog is still anxious while you're away, consider adding CBD to their daily routine. Paw CBD offers a calming tincture with melatonin and soothing herbal ingredients like chamomile and lemon balm, while our calming chews are crafted with the same herbal blend and L-tryptophan to help support relaxation and calm. Including CBD in your pet's wellness plan can help your dog deal with the stress of separation when things get a little ruff.
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