Saving Your Pets From Separation Anxiety
Something that pet owners know all too well is that pets such as dogs and cats have their own individual personalities and quirks much the same as children do. But another thing that they have in common is their susceptibility to separation anxiety and anxiety attacks. This is especially true with young puppies who may begin to whine as you leave for work on Monday after a weekend of being with them.
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When you bring a new puppy into the home, it’s not unusual to experience a bit of guilt at abandoning him at home alone, especially for the first time. Normally after a few weeks he’ll know that when you leave for the day, that you’ll return later in the day. In the first few weeks, however, your puppy may experience severe separation anxiety.
A few puppy owners may attempt to sneak out thinking that if their dog doesn’t see them leave, it’ll cause them less concern. But when the puppy eventually begins to look for you, which he will, and can’t find you – he may be driven to a state of panic far greater than if you had simply patted him on the head and let him see you leave.
While an older dog may go through separation anxiety as well, in these cases it could indicate a much bigger problem. This is particularly when you’ve obtained the dog from another owner or a shelter. It may be that something n the dog’s past that has traumatized him. It may be that a previous owner left him alone for a period of time without food or companionship – leaving the puppy to fend for himself. Whatever the reason, if your puppy has a separation anxiety that’s this extreme – he’ll undoubtedly take a bit longer to adjust to your leaving and returning without experiencing stress.
Karen Larsen is lead writer for her website panic and anxiety disorder. Visit her site to read her thoughts on depression anxiety support group.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.