Discussing The Best Methods For Alleviating Pet Anxiety When They Are Left At Home Alone

1. Comfort Vest

Leave them armored with a comforting vest. Animals are much more sensitive than we think. Similar to the weighted blanket for humans, the gentle, constant pressure of a vest mimics the weight of another dog huddling close.

This product can ease anxiety and help your pet feel safe and secure.

2. Relaxing Music

Leave relaxing music on. Even if you don’t believe its healing properties can help an animal, what if it does? Then it’s worth taking the chance anyway.

Soft rock and reggae are favorites, but classical music especially has been proven to lower their heart rates and relieve feelings of fight-or-flight. Animals can have powerful reactions to having separation anxiety including destroying doors, windows, and crates.

3. Exercise

Exercise your dog right before you leave. For obvious reasons, this habit benefits your sweet one physically and mentally. “Migrating,” walking in packs, has been a dog’s way before they were even domesticated.

And it’s not just the exercise they need, it’s the chance to have the world go by them. If you stop on a walk with your dog, besides, um…doing their business, they sniff around.

Their noses are practically bionic and this exercises the brain as well as the body which can tire them as well.

Getting them out and about should be a habit. Plus, you might lose those extra 5 lbs. you’ve been looking to shed.

4. Conditioning

Train your dog by leaving them for small increments at a time. Depending on your furry one, you might even begin by going to your car. When you return, don’t greet them. Just walk in and go about your business.

They don’t need to associate your arrival with celebration. And no treats until you’ve been home for a while. (This doesn’t hurt their psyche or decrease trust.) Increase the time you’re away as you go along until they’re accustomed to your absence.

They don’t need to associate your arrival with celebration. And no treats until you’ve been home for a while. (This doesn’t hurt their psyche or decrease trust.) Increase the time you’re away as you go along until they’re accustomed to your absence.

Dog toys

5. Interactive Dog Toys

Leave them an interactive toy and fill it with kibble. Or fill a hollowed bone with peanut butter, just don’t overdo the amount. Too much of anything can cause tummy aches and make them too full for dinner.

Just like exercising, interactive toys stimulate a dog’s mind and body. Just what the doctor ordered.

6. Interactive Cat Toys

Cat lovers, you can use this method, too! These toys aren’t only for dogs any more. Just skip the peanut butter (unless your cat’s name is Elvis) and fill it with cat food instead.

Cats are keen. Leaving them with something to keep them busy might save your drapes. More importantly, it’s beneficial for their minds and bodies.

7. Calming Medication

 If your animal has a severe form of anxiety when being left alone, talk to your veterinarian about getting medication for the symptoms. This may sound unreasonable when in fact it’s a viable and successful way to bring your pet some peace.

Note: Your animal might have a health condition that would prevent this option so make sure you speak to your vet.

8. Pet Playdates 

Invite your pet’s best friend (of the animal variety) over. This may not be possible every time you leave but when it is, both of them can have companionship and a playdate. Let’s just hope they’re not partners in crime, too.

9. Traveling Pets

Take them with you! My dog LOVES to ride in the car. If I even touch my purse, he’s jumping around. The thing you must remember is to only take them with you when the temperature is under 70 degrees or if you’re not getting out of the car.

Going to a drive-through or to get gas are wonderful opportunities to let your munchkin catch a ride.

10. Pheromone Diffuser

Try investing in an Adaptil collar or diffuser for your dog. These products release a pheromone that’s designed to have a calming effect on dogs.

A professional dog walker

11. Professional Pet Sitter

Hire a pet sitter to come and play with, feed, and/or sit with your animal. What could be better than having an animal-lover care for them while you’re gone? Especially one who has been vetted, is trained in Pet First Aid and CPR, and who can water your plants, too.

Whether your dog’s breed/mix is more prone to anxiety or if he has developed it, you have plenty of options to make sure he gets some relief.

We never want our pets to be uncomfortable and especially while we’re away from them. From shirts to rides to having a 4-legged friend over, there’s something you can do to ease their pain.

So knowing your dog and how they handle situations will do you both good since recognizing it is half the battle. Be sure to talk to your vet about the symptoms so she can give you options to tackle your pet’s anxiety.

Hire A Pet Sitter & Dog Walker Today!

Pets need regular stimulation to stay happy and mentally healthy. If you don’t have the time to regularly stimulate your pets, then consider hiring a professional pet sitter! Here at Stay At Home Pet Services, we offer quality pet sitting services at competitive prices. We have over 10 years of experience, our sitters are certified in pet first aid & CPR, and we love all pets as if they were our own.

We are located in Cincinnati, OH and service the following areas of East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park, Mt Lookout, Oakley, Norwood, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Tusculum, East End, Mariemont, Fairfax, Madisonville, Mt Washington, Dillonvale, Deer Park, Silverton, Kenwood, Madeira, Indian Hill, and Anderson Township.

Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 513-706-7702. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too! We post everyday, so make sure you follow us so you don’t miss out on any adorable pet pictures. 

References:
1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/science-behind-calming-dogs-sound – PetMD – “The Science Behind Calming Dogs With Sound” – By Diana Bocco