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The idea of ​​a dog standing near the door to salute its owner has long been a symbol of the link between man and animal. But this connection took a new meaning after the pandemic when people started to go back to the workplace. Dogs were not fairHappy to see their owners At the end of the day, they were relieved. According to a recent study by CBD Green Element, dog separation anxietyincreased more than 700% Between 2020 and 2022.

But how do you know if that's what is your puppy feels? After all, there are many reasons why a dog can feel stressed, and he cannot communicate exactly with you. To better understand this growing problem, we consulted veterinarians and animal experts. Read the rest to learn the upper indicator that your dog suffers from separation anxiety and what you can do to help them feel more comfortable.

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Although the idea that dogs are alone during the day are more clearly concentrated with the end of home work policies for many people, some pets can still.

"All dogs are born with a range of survival instincts that can be classified as" respondents' behaviors ", which means that they are inherent in birth and not as learned behavior," explainsAlexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, principal coach and behavior specialist atDog Savvy Los Angeles. Such involuntary response is pack instincts. "Since survival in nature dictates to stay together at all costs, instincts pack a dog to keep an eye on you and follow you wherever you go - that's why our dogs follow us from room to room." She notes that this is called the "Velcro dog". Of course, when you are not at all there, it can exacerbate this instinct.

The term "anxiety" is often applied loose, but dogs suffering from separation anxiety are really in difficulty as opposed to other pets that may simply prefer that you are at home. "Like a human being with a serious panic crisis, a dog suffering from separation anxiety has difficulty calming once the response to stress comes into play," said Bassett. "The inability of your dog to face and adapt is therefore partly biochemical."

When a dog feels triggered, its limbic system can activate. It is the "primal" side of the brain that is responsible for regulating emotions. "Once the limbic system is active, levels of assembly frustration can cause high levels of cortisol flooding the blood circulation of your dog, which makes them difficult to calm down., Which more energizes your dog and degenerates its distress", explains Basset.

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Although separation anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, the most common indicator that experts point is destructive behavior. "This could include shredded furniture, broken blinds, chewing doors and plinths, and even a torn carpet," saidJosh SNEAD, CEO ofRainwalk pet insurance.

But it is important to realize that this behavior is not made to punish you. "While people can exercise, chew on the nails or have a drink to relieve tension,Dogs tend to chew, Lick excessively, rhythm or house at home when it is anxious, ”explains MSPCA - Angell.

The most obvious sign may be "barking, groans or excessive howls when you leave your home," saidMelissa M. Brock, aveterinarian certified by the council and author at Pango Pets. But if this is not calm in a short period of time, it could be more serious. She adds that dogs can also start to "defecate or urinate inside, even if they are trained at home" and / or "try to escape from the house or the court".

Animal instincts are not a joke, so you can observe your dog's anxious behavior before even leaving the house. Brock notes that they can start acting agitated or punctuated when they realize that you are about to go.

Bassett says to look for body language signals like a crisscrossed forehead, ears pinned in the back or a nestled tail. "They can also keep their eyes glued to you or stick near your heel while you move in your starting routine, such as when you put a pair of shoes, pick up a bag or a jacket, or take a pair of keys, Just before taking out an outing door, "she adds.

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Unless youGet home work work, you will have to help your dog manage his separation anxiety. A good first step is to see how their stress is manifested. "If you do not know how your dog behaves once you are far from home, plan to buy a security camera, a baby monitor or a cam to see how they act in your absence," advises Brock.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

In this case, Bassett says to look up to 30 to 45 minutes after your departure. A delayed reaction can occur when a dog does not know if you have just left for a quick race or for a longer stretch.

If you are able to stay at home, gradually present your dog to be alone. "Train to leave your dog alone for short periods, such as getting the mail or going to the garage. Start by sharing only a few seconds and gradually increase the time you left," recommends Brock. "Dogs do not treat time in the same way as humans do, so a minute from your dog can feel the same for them at an hour. She also suggests going through the same routine as if youwere Starting for a full day, such as entering your keys and your handbag.

During such a training exercise,Daniel Cargill, co-founder ofThe story of dogs, advises to play with your dog as soon as you come back. "When you come back, you can greet your pet, but try not to excite them too ... Calm down, praise them verbally and physically."

Or you can try to give your dog a "high reward treat" when you return, says Brock. "It could be their favorite chewing toy or a puzzle toy filled with dog treats or peanut butter. Your dog will slowly start to associate you to leave them alone with a reward."

Short courtJackson, veterinarian and founder ofAnimal digestion, also suggests lighting television before leaving (human voices can appease them) or take them for a walk or play session in advance (so they are more tired and inclined to sleep).

Fund training is another method recommended by almost all the experts we have consulted. There is a false common idea that this is cruel, but "many dogs feel safe inside the boxes because it looks like a Den type environment," explains Brock. She says to start with short periods in the box, then lengthen them. "Nourish your dog all his meals inside the box and encourage your dog to sleep inside his box at night. Use treats to make the cash experience and an environment for your dog."

You can also start with a cash register, then move your dog in a designated room without potential for destruction, and finally, obtain their diploma to be authorized throughout the house.

Of course always Bring your dog to the veterinarian If you think that their distress is not manageable or if one of their adaptation behaviors hurts them. "Several times, your regular veterinarian will refer you to a behavioral veterinarian where you can further assess the actions of the dog," explains Jackson. "A last resort for many veterinarians is to place the dog on anti-annual drugs."