Separation anxiety is common in today’s pets, but it is something that can be overcome. Just because a dog has separation anxiety doesn’t mean the owner can’t leave the house. With the right care and a slow start, it is possible to help pets get past their separation anxiety and have a lot of fun when they’re away from home. Some tips to help get started with this include the following.
Find a Place that Offers the Right Care
It’s crucial to look into the dog boarding options and find the right one for the pet. Make sure the facility knows about separation anxiety and is ready to work with the pet to make them more comfortable when the owner has to be away. The right care for the pet can make a world of difference, and it may help them feel better about being away from their owner instead of making the situation worse.
Start Slow With Daycare or an Overnight Visit
Don’t just start with dropping them off before a big vacation. Ideally, working on separation anxiety with the right boarding facility should start at least a few months ahead of time. Start with a few hours of doggy daycare to see how they do. It may take a few tries for them to feel more comfortable about the visit. From there, it may be beneficial to try a single overnight visit and see how well they do with it. Taking it slow allows them to get used to the facility and learn what to expect when they’re there.
Maintain the Routine
Dogs thrive on routine and will get used to the routine at home, even if it can seem a bit chaotic most of the time. When boarding a dog, it’s important to maintain the routine as closely as possible. If they always eat at a certain time, for instance, have the facility feed them at that time. This helps them feel more comfortable in the new environment as they know what to expect throughout the day.
Prepare for Special Needs
It is a good idea to think about what special needs they may have and how the boarding facility can help. Talk to the vet about the separation anxiety, as they may have recommendations. It’s also possible to try calming aids or medications to help the dog relax when they can’t be at home. The facility should be willing to work with the owner on any special needs to keep the pet comfortable.
Don’t be Anxious About the Visit
Pet owners will want to make sure they control their emotions when going to the boarding facility each time. If the owner is anxious about how their pet will do, then the pet will pick up on that and may become anxious, too. If, however, the owner is excited, the pet may be excited too and may feel more comfortable in the facility while the owner is away.
If your pet suffers from separation anxiety, finding the right place to board them is only the first step. From there, take it slow to get from being able to leave for a few hours to being able to go on vacation and know they’re safe and happy. With slow progress, they can move past the separation anxiety and start to have fun even when you’re away.
