4 Tips To Ease Separation Anxiety in Your Pet Before Your Trip

That's right. What seems like the buzz topic of pet ownership this year is ANXIETY. Was it COVID? Pet parents home all day long, working in their pajamas, gave pets a new routine and life of 24/7 access and companionship. Was it that everyone got a puppy or kitten during lockdown and that's all the pet has known? Is it the fact that pets especially dogs mirror owners' emotions and reactions, and they can only respond in select ways, typically coming out as an anxious response due to the fact that the owner, the pets caregiver and protector, is in fact worried and anxious themselves?

Whether you think it's some or all of these options, or something completely different, here are some ways you can combat and help ease your pet's anxiety before you leave them with us!

Yes, this can be for any animal, not just dogs.

Practice these steps or your own calming routine prior to leaving your dog. I recommend instilling this at least a month in advance. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed and confident you can be about your pet's anxiety and transfer less worry and anxiety to your precious pet when the time to leave comes.

Safe space

Give your animal a safe space all their own where they can go, where humans cannot (e.g., a crate or "dog cave"), preferably somewhere in or near your bedroom. Maybe play music on the radio, or leave the TV on, and diffuse calming scents near their space. Maybe set one of your worn shirts in their bed.

It's the little things

Oils, probiotic supplements, and calming agents sprinkled on their food can go a long way in working alongside all the other steps!

Or even medication. CBD can go a long way too. (Did you know your vet cannot legally recommend CBD to you? I'm not selling any CBD, and I'm not a veterinarian, so please seek outside advice).

My tried and tested preferred supplements, brands, and medications can be found at the bottom of this post! I won't recommend anything I haven't tried with my own pets!

Leave the house.

Find good ways to desensitize your pet to your leaving.

Leave and enter a lot, making it a casual, regular thing. Each time, don't react excitedly or celebrate when you come back in; just come back in and go about your way. When your pet has calmed down on their own and is not jumping or exhibiting unwanted behavior, address them.

Similarly, when you leave, don't make a big deal. If you want to say bye, give them that attention about 10 minutes before you depart, and then go about other tasks, then just leave.

Know and Address Your Pet's Triggers

Other than separation, if you know what can trigger your pet's anxiety, work to safely and comfortably desensitize them to this trigger. Especially for dogs there are many resources online for this, but some differ.

This should be done correctly. I cannot stress this enough.

If this is outside your knowledge base, I'd recommend a dog trainer. See this blog post here for who I consider the top dog trainer in Tri-Cities that everyone should consult or train with! A few common signs of canine or feline anxiety are:

*ears back, or tense, or perpetually listening in an unrelaxed state

*panting

*drooling

*shaking

*shadowing

*barking/excess vocalization

*pacing/ not settling

*auto submission without you asking

*excessive drinking

*unable to relax in resting place

*licking/scratching, chewing *Stomach issues: throwing up, indoor accidents, irregular BMs.

*Appetite issues

An anxious pet can not only be a miserable, scared pet but also, at times, a dangerous or at risk one. Animals are instinct-based, and unaddressed anxiety can become a huge issue.

Help your beloved pet out!

My top Picks!

Local Dog Trainer: Victor, Owner at K-9 101, Richland WA (Tell him Courtney at High Desert Sitter pet sitting sent you!) CBD Product: Honest Paws CBD (this link will get you discounted prices, and is an affiliate link and can gain me credits with Honest Paws) Anti Anxiety Probiotics: Purina Anti- Anxiety Probiotic Powder for Dogs or Cats Calming oil scents: Lavender essential oil, or calming blend by Doterra