Looking After Pets

Most canines hate to see their owners leave them. They would rather know their owners are nearby and able to address their needs (i.e. for food, attention, etc.) whenever necessary. In certain cases, canines will become extremely nervous and worried when left alone or seperated from the people they know. This is called separation anxiety (SA).

The behavior can manifest in various ways, which often makes it difficult to recognize. If the behavior is not properly identified, it cannot be shaped or modified. Sadly, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons people abandon their canines.

Here, we’ll describe a number of signs that can allow you determine if your pooch is having trouble dealing with being left alone. We’ll also explore the reasons behind the behavior and provide a few tips for modifying it.

Identifying The Signs

Every dog is unique and the extent to which they suffer from SA will vary. Your pooch might become increasingly agitated the longer he is left alone. Once you leave him, he may begin pacing back and forth, drooling, barking, and even howling. If he grows more anxious, he might start chewing your furniture, or destroying things around your house. In severe cases, your dog might begin to urinate or defecate in your home.

There are a few telltale signs that imply your canine is becoming anxious when he is separated from you. For example, you might notice him following you around the house. That’s his way of making sure you’re still nearby. He may periodically check whether you’re home before returning to his toys or food. Another indication is that your pooch becomes frantic when you prepare to leave him.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

There are several possible reasons why a dog may become especially anxious when his owner leaves him. For instance, if he’s been mistreated by a previous owner, or has been adopted by numerous people, he may feel insecure in his position. That is, because he has been abandoned in the past, a canine might fear his owner will fail to return for him.

Separation anxiety can also manifest if your dog has never enjoyed interaction with other people. Left alone, he may become worried that he has lost your companionship.

Tips For Modifying The Behavior

It’s worth emphasizing that anything your pooch does as the result of becoming anxious is not meant to “get back” at you for leaving him. Don’t punish him. Instead, take positive steps to gradually shape his behavior.

For example, reward him with a treat when he is calm. If he shows too much excitement when you return home, say “relax” and provide a treat when he calms himself. You can also desensitize your canine to the routine you normally go through before leaving your house. For instance, put on your shoes a half hour before departing. You should also downplay your leaving; ignore your dog 10 to 20 minutes before departing.

The key thing to remember is that the signs associated with separation anxiety (i.e. barking, urinating, etc.) are not done in anger or aggression. Take a supportive, positive approach to slowly eliminate your canine’s concern.

There are many types of dog chews on the market today, so you are sure to find some kinds that your dog will find irresistible. Rawhide dog bones are quite popular treats for dogs, but if you give your dog rawhide, be sure to supervise his snack, so that he doesn’t swallow parts of the bone. Rawhide bones are helpful dog treats, as they improve your dog’s dental health. And dogs do seem to enjoy rawhide bones, to help fill in the more boring hours of the day.

But if your dog is allergic to any of the ingredients, rawhide dog bones may cause a reaction. They may also crack teeth, and this tends to occur more often when dogs are chewing rolled rawhide dog chews as opposed to flat. Also, bone chunks can cause a choking hazard if they happen to break off. Sometimes part of the rawhide can be swallowed by your dog, and it can cause an obstruction in your dog’s intestines.

There are many other types of dog chews that don’t have as many inherent risks as rawhide dog treats. Nutri-Dog chews will keep your dog busily chewing, and they are good for him, too. And they come in several varieties that can help your dog stay healthy. One has glucosamine and omega vitamins, for joint support. Their all-natural dental chews can help clean tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth. Skin and coat chews contain fatty acids, to help your dog look and feel his best.

Now, let’s examine Greenies dog treats. Greenies dog chews are nutritious, and are made of all natural ingredients that help keep your dog’s teeth clean. The also kill bacteria and freshen your dog’s breath. Greenies strengthen the gums, which can help to extend the life of your dog, since gum diseases often lead to more serious bacterial health issues. Greenies don’t have any preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors.

Your dog will love the all natural ingredients of Bully Sticks. Their beefy taste will encourage your dog to chew. They can also be called Bullies dog chews, beef dog chews, or Bull Sticks. You can select either smoked or natural flavor, depending on what your dog likes the best.

Dog chews are just that, and they encourage dog to chew. Of course, most pet owners don’t really mean real bones when they talk about dog bones, but all-natural nylon or rawhide bones. But real bones can be harmful to your dog, due to splintering, and can wear his teeth down.

Dogs love to chew. This is especially true of puppies. Dog chews help your dog satisfy their desire to chew without resorting to your shoes or furniture. When you give puppies healthy dog treats, they will help in their teething process, and the growing in of their adult teeth. The pain a puppy feels while teething can also be relieved by chewing dog chews.

Some pets prefer larger bones or smaller bones, usually depending on their own size. If you give them dog bones that are too big, they might ignore them, even though they chow down on smaller bones. Be careful, especially with regard to the hardness of the chews you give your dog. A dog that chews aggressively will make a small bone disappear quickly, so be sure to select the appropriate size and hardness for your dog.