Why Your Pets Got Weird When the Kids Went Back to School!
By Steph Mueller for The Pet Market
Change and life stressors affect everyone in the family, including our pets! And, it might not have occurred to you but, when your kids went back to school in September, your pets may be missing them just like you do. Pets often exhibit behaviors to try to tell us that they are distressed.
Changes to their surroundings disrupt a pet's sense of predictability and territorial safety, and can trigger physiological or behavioral responses. A few of the many signs of separation anxiety include vocalizing, destructive behavior, pacing, changes in appetite, accidents indoors or outside the litterbox, restlessness, escape attempts, or being overly clingy.
To help your pet, the goal is to resolve the underlying anxiety by teaching your pets to enjoy, or at least tolerate, time being left alone or without his or her favorite person around.
What to Do?
- Rule out any medical causes by setting up an appointment with your vet.
- Counterconditioning: For milder stress anxiety, associate a stressful situation with something positive shortly before you leave.
- Give cats or dogs playtime or brushing before you go out.
- Puzzle enrichment feeder toys can be great for both dogs and cats.
- Chew items have been shown to have a calming effect on dogs.
- A treat-stuffed toy for dogs may keep them happy and occupied for some time.
- Both dogs and cats enjoy treat balls. As they play and bat the toy around, treats will gradually fall out.
- For moderate to severe separation anxiety, you'll start with many short separations and gradually increase duration. It's recommended to consult with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviororist or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
- Consistently exercising your pet's body and mind will enrich their lives and, in general, decrease stress. A physically and mentally tired pet means they won't have as much energy to expend when left alone. It's best to exercise an animal right before you leave.
- Calming products are available at The Pet Market stores, and you might find just the right one for your pet.
- Never scold or punish a pet for behaviors or accidents related to separation. Anxious behaviors are not from disobedience! They are responses to distress and the pets need your understanding and help.
The most important thing is not to allow your pet to suffer alone with separation anxiety. There are methods and products that can help teach your dog or cat to cope, self-soothe, and have an easier and more peaceful experience when they have to be left alone.