There are many precautions that the tutor must take to ensure the well-being and longevity of his dog! Noticing the signs of affection that the dog has for you is usually a reason for happiness, but did you know that canine attachment can cause a behavioral disorder that affects your health? Well, it is very important to be aware of the signs of separation anxiety!
So, understand what the disorder is and know how to avoid it!
What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a disorder that affects the physical and psychological aspects of the dog. It happens when the dog has such a strong attachment to the owner that it suffers intensely from his absence. Thus, the animal can have extremely harmful behaviors when staying away from the owner.
Dogs can scratch at doors, bark, cry or howl excessively, and destroy objects or furniture. Symptoms such as refusal of water or food, wheezing, and increased heart rate are also common and dangerous to the dog’s integrity. Finally, they may also present self-destructive attitudes, such as licking their paws, causing wounds, or ingesting feces.
How to avoid it?
First, it is essential to avoid exaggerated arrivals and departures, as they increase the dog’s expectations. Also offer activities that can distract the dog while you are away. It is interesting to get the animal used to your absence little by little, leaving the dog alone for a short period and returning without making much of a fuss. Progressively increase the duration of the outings until you realize that the dog is fine alone.
Finally, you can also take the dog for a walk right before you go out, so the animal will be tired. However, if your dog is alone for a long time, leaving him in a specific animal care place may be a better option for him!
It is important to note that severe canine anxiety may require treatment with medication and veterinary monitoring. So, always try to enrich the environment in which the dog will be and be aware of the signs that your dog gives when he is sad.