Following these tips can help decrease your dog’s separation anxiety when you return to normal life and leave them alone during the day, but some dogs will still feel that stress and anxiety, so it is important to keep them occupied during this time.
A dog that is still experiencing severe separation anxiety can still be helped, and you are not destined for a life of destroyed items and furniture. CBD is something that can help any sort of anxiety, but especially separation anxiety. CBD can come in many forms for pups, like treats or oils, and most dogs love the taste. CBD is a naturally occurring compound and certified CBD is THC free, meaning it will not get your dog “high.” What CBD will instead do is calm their anxiety and make them more relaxed. This helps with most dogs’ separation anxieties, as they divert their focus away from what is stressing them out at the moment.
Another good thing to consider is a chew-resistant bed. This is essential for owners who crate their dogs during the day, as a dog will get bored in a crate and chew whatever they can, including their bed. Chew resistant beds will withstand the chewing, and last longer so you will not have to replace it nearly as often.
Finally, make sure your dog is not bored. Separation anxiety combined with boredom can be a severe issue for any dog. Destructive behavior generally stems from this combination. Luckily, puzzle toys and other chew toys are a perfect solution. It will keep their minds occupied and stimulated, providing them something to do while you are out of the house. A stimulated dog is a happy and non-destructive dog.
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The corona virus outbreak has impacted all of us in many ways. While it has been great to spend time at home with our pets, it is important to begin to prepare them for when we will not be home all day. If you return your normal way of life too abruptly, your dog can experience severe depression and separation anxiety, and that is bad news for any dog owner.
Start with leaving the house for small periods of time during the day. We are just trying to get our dogs used to us being gone again. Vary the periods of time you are gone, to help reinforce the idea that you are not leaving forever, and you will be back. Introduce daily routines back into your life but still stay at home, like carry your keys and give your dog a treat, which will help your dog associate positive thoughts with what was previously seen as you leave.
Give your dog a fun treat or a fun toy when you leave the house, helping them associate more positive feelings with you going away. Consider CBD products to help alleviate your dog’s separation anxiety, as they can really help calm and relax your dog. Remember that this outbreak has affected your pets as well, and preparing them for the next step will help adjust back into normal life.