Dogs usually exhibit signs of separation anxiety when their owners get ready to leave. The jingle of the keys, an owner retrieving a purse; these are all things that can make a dog begin to get nervous. Sometimes, when the owner is gone, the dog will engage in destructive behavior, such as chewing things up around the house, etc. Separation anxiety is a serious condition that if left untreated could have severe results. However, there are dog separation anxiety cures that will help your dog.

Behavior Modification

One of the best dog separation anxiety cures is behavior modification; a process of slowly changing your dog’s behavior by changing the way certain things make him feel. For instance, dogs with separation anxiety are commonly nervous as soon as their owners get ready to leave the house. Whether it’s the jingle of your keys, you putting your shoes on or grabbing your purse, your dog knows that you’re about to go and he doesn’t like it. Many owners will begin going through the process of leaving, only to pause at the door and wait before going back to what they were doing.

As the owners do this over and over, the dog begins to get accustomed to the idea so that it no longer causes anxiety. Then, they will leave for a small amount of time (a few minutes at a time) before coming back in. Gradually, dog owners will build up their dog’s confidence, so that he or she still feels confident after the owner leaves.

Medication

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication for bad cases of separation anxiety. This is something owners will need to talk to their vets about. The veterinarian will go over the possible solutions for separation anxiety and your dog’s history. You can then both come up with a solution that is best for your dog’s unique situation.

Separation anxiety is a serious condition that can make dogs upset and can cause problems for the owners. From biting or tearing up the house and belongings to self-mutilation, dogs can really suffer from the condition, along with the extreme anxiety they feel. With patience and love, you can help your dog overcome his anxiety.