Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation Anxiety is a growing problem for Dogs in our communities as our busy lives take us away from home more and more. Intelligent dogs need to be stimulated or they become bored and can be destructive. I see this alot in the foster dogs that come through our house and there are a few things that can help.

A crate is a safe way to protect both your pet and yourself from the destruction that can happen when you're not looking.  Short periods of time at first helps the dog understand that you will be back and they can enjoy this time as "rest" time.  Give them toys that are high value to them; a kong filled with peanut butter, a tasty bone or just a blanket and bed to relax in and feel safe.

These tricks will help but there are some dogs that get really stressed when you leave or when you put them in a crate.  Usually they have had some nasty experience of being left in a cage for hours and hours without food, water and companionship. The Swaddleshirt is another option, we have had a few dogs come through that have benefitted greatly from wearing their shirts.  

January 12, 2016 at 10:48am:  A case of severe anxiety from a customer where "Lola" was hiding in her sons' room when he went off to school and started scratching herself raw!  It is such a sad and extreme case but the result of the "swaddleshirt" surpasses even my expectation.  

 I ordered my shirt last week and had it two days later. Lola suffers incredible anxiety....licks and scratches herself (you can see the newest injury to her ear) and never, ever leaves my oldest son's bedroom until he comes home. Since she got her new favourite shirt she is out of the bedroom, hanging with the family in the living room whether my son is home or not, wagging her tail more and showing a lot less anxiety. Baby steps.....but it's a big step for her! Love it! 

That is my Lola 4 days in with her Swaddleshirt. Not hiding in a bedroom all the time anymore but still looking pretty anxious. On day 6 she's spread out on the couch like she owns it!  I'm a fan of this shirt!!

 

The swaddleshirt is an Anti-Anxiety T-shirt for dogs that helps with various behavioral issues including Separation Anxiety.

 

Another option that can compliment different strategies is an Aromatherapy Diffuser Pendant with essential oils for calming.  

Whether your pet is afraid of thunderstorms, or simply becomes overly agitated when faced with new people or places, a calming pendant can help soothe him or her when they needed it the most (such as vet trips!) As a plus, you will have a much more relaxed relationship with your pet.

Soothing aromatherapy can also help pets who are injured or who suffer from illness.