Dealing with separation from a pet is a common concern for many pet owners. Whether it’s a short trip to the office or a longer holiday, the separation can be stressful for both pets and their owners.

This guide provides advice for both dog and cat owners on how to ease the separation process. For specific concerns or questions relating to pet separation anxiety, the team at The Ark is just a call away at 02 9416 1300.

 

Understanding Pet Separation Anxiety

In Dogs

Dogs often exhibit separation anxiety through behaviours like excessive barking, destructive chewing or urination inside the house when left alone. To help your furry friend cope:

• Pre-Leave Exercise: Before heading out, engage your dog in a vigorous walk or play session. This can help release excess energy and anxiety, leaving them calmer during your absence.
• Comfort Zone: Create a safe and cosy area for your dog to retreat to while you’re away. This could be a favourite spot with their bed, toys, and/or an item that carries your scent, like a worn t-shirt or blanket.

In Cats

While cats may not vocalise their distress as overtly as dogs, they can still experience separation anxiety, often showing it through excessive meowing, over-grooming, inappropriate toileting or changes in appetite. Here’s how to support your feline friend:

• Stimulating Environment: Ensure your cat has plenty of toys, scratching posts, and perches to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated in your absence.
• Familiar Scents: Leave an unwashed piece of clothing or a blanket with your scent in their favourite resting spot. This can provide comfort and reassurance while you’re away.

 

Preparing for Separation

Short-Term Outings

Even brief departures can trigger anxiety in pets. Here are some strategies to help them feel more at ease:

• Interactive Toys: Keep your pet engaged and mentally stimulated by leaving behind interactive toys. For dogs, consider puzzle feeders that make them work for their treats. Cats often enjoy toys that mimic the movement of prey, like battery-operated mice or wands that move unpredictably. These toys can help distract your pet and reduce the stress of your absence.
• Background Noise: Playing a radio or TV at a low volume can provide comforting ambient noise that may help mask unfamiliar sounds from outside.
• Medication and Supplements: Some pets may benefit from the additional help of calming medications or supplements. A short course of anti-anxiety medications, or anxiolytics, provide mild sedation and relaxation, making the unfamiliar situation much more manageable. Longer term options include supplements such as Zylkene, which is derived from the same milk protein that mothers produce for their puppies and kittens.

Planning for Longer Absences

For extended separations, such as holidays or business trips, thorough preparation is essential. Consider the following:

Pet Sitters vs. Boarding

The choice between a pet sitter and boarding your pet can depend greatly on your pet’s personality, their routine, and their comfort with new environments.

• For Cats: Cats often thrive in familiar surroundings, making home-based care or specialised cat boarding facilities a preferred option.
• For Dogs: Dogs vary greatly in their adaptability to new environments. Some may prefer the comfort of their home with a sitter, while others might benefit from the structured environment and social opportunities of a boarding kennel.

Trial Stays

Getting your pet used to a new environment or caregiver before a long separation is key. Consider setting up short trial stays for pet boarding. This helps your pet get comfortable with the caregivers, the other animals, and the new surroundings, which can reduce stress for both you and your pet when it’s time for a longer stay.

It also gives the caregivers a chance to learn about your pet’s personality, needs, and any special care instructions directly from you, ensuring a personalised and comfortable experience for your pet.

For more information on our cat boarding or referral services for dogs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 02 9416 1300. Our friendly staff is here to assist with bookings and answer any enquiries you may have to ensure your pet receives the best possible care while you’re away.

 

Managing Separation

Staying Connected

Technology can be a valuable tool for staying connected with your pet while you’re away.

You can invest in a pet camera that allows you to check in on your furry friend remotely. Some cameras even have features that enable you to dispense treats or engage in two-way communication with your pet.

If you’ve entrusted your pet to a caregiver, whether it’s a sitter or a boarding facility, request regular updates and photos to stay informed about your pet’s well-being.

Maintaining Routine

Consistency is key for helping your pet feel secure and comfortable during your absence. Stick to their regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as much as possible. Ensure your pet receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation each day, whether it’s through walks, interactive play sessions, or puzzle toys that dispense treats.

Handling Your Own Anxiety

Stay Busy

Keeping yourself occupied with work, hobbies, or social activities can help distract you from worrying about your pet. Schedule activities or outings to occupy your time and focus your energy elsewhere.

Positive Thinking

Shift your focus from the sadness of being away from your pet to the positive aspects of the situation. Remind yourself that you’re providing them with necessary care and enrichment, and that they’ll be happy to see you when you return.

Reuniting and Beyond

The Homecoming

When you’re reunited with your pet, approach the reunion calmly and positively to prevent overwhelming them with excitement.

• Low-Key Greetings: When you return home, it’s natural to want to shower your pet with love and affection, but it’s important to keep your greetings calm and subdued. Getting too excited or making a big deal out of your reunion can actually make your pet overly excited. This might sound like a good thing, but for pets dealing with separation anxiety, it can make the situation harder for them and any future separations more traumatic.

Reflect and Adjust

Take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future separations.

• Observing Behaviour: When you get back, keep an eye on how your pet is acting. Are they following you around more than usual? Maybe they seem a bit down or are not eating as enthusiastically as they normally do. These could be signs that they found the separation tough and might be feeling stressed or anxious.
• Adjusting Strategies: Based on what you notice, you might need to try different things to help your pet feel better when you’re not around. For example, if you realise they’re more anxious, you might decide to leave them with a piece of clothing that smells like you. Or, if they seem bored, maybe more toys or a new type of toy will help. The idea is to keep tweaking how you do things until you find what works best for your pet.

When to Seek Professional Help

At the Ark Veterinary Hospital, we understand that despite your best efforts, some pets continue to struggle with separation anxiety. It’s important to recognise when it’s time to seek outside help for your pet.

Persistent signs of distress such as ongoing destructive behaviour, excessive noise-making, or changes in eating and bathroom habits, could indicate that your pet’s anxiety needs more specialised attention.

Our team is here to support you and your furry family member. Our veterinarians are well-equipped to assess your pet’s situation and can provide guidance on the best approach to manage their separation anxiety. This may include recommending behaviour modification techniques or, in some cases, prescribing medication to help alleviate their symptoms.

Conclusion

Managing pet separation anxiety requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can help ease your pet’s anxiety and ensure a smoother transition during times of separation.

For personalised advice or assistance with managing pet separation anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact us at 02 9416 1300. Our compassionate team is here to provide support and guidance to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet.