Home Alone.....Separation Anxiety & Pets

As a your favorite pooper scooper company, Little Landmines understands the unique bond that exists between pet owners and their furry friends. While our main focus is on keeping your yard clean and free of pet waste, we also want to help address any problems that may arise in the care of your pet!

One common issue that many pet owners face is separation anxiety, mostly in their dogs (because let’s face it, most cats don’t care when we leave! Ha!)   This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as excessive barking or whining when you leave the house, destructive behavior, or even physical symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It's a difficult situation for both you and your pet, and it can be stressful for everyone involved.
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So what can you do to help your dog cope with separation anxiety? Here are a few tips that might be helpful:

1. Gradually acclimate your dog to being alone. If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it's important to help your dog get used to the idea gradually. Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
2. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is a happy dog, and engaging in activities that challenge their body and mind can help tire them out and reduce anxiety. Leave some safe toys they can play with while you're gone, or even leave an article of your clothing near their bed they can snuggle up with!
3. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. When you leave the house, make sure to give your dog plenty of praise and treats for good behavior. This will help them associate being alone with positive experiences.
4. Consider using calming aids. There are a variety of products on the market designed to help dogs cope with anxiety, such as calming collars, pheromone diffusers or cbd supplements. Consult with your veterinarian to see if one of these options might be appropriate for your dog.
5. If your dog needs a little more help, consult with a professional about a 2 way dog camera.  There are some on the market where you can interact with your dog during the day, toss treats, and monitor their behavior to see how long they are home before the anxiety is unbearable for them.  However, always check with your vet first, because sometimes these are scary to the dog if they can hear you but can't see you.  

Separation anxiety can be a tough problem to solve, but with patience and a little bit of effort, it is possible to help your dog learn to cope with being alone. Remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. Together, we can help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life. Give us a call to ensure your yard stays clean and landmine free to help in that happy life!

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