Can you still holiday if your dog has separation anxiety?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you considered ‘not’ making plans due to your dog’s separation anxiety issues?

Address this so your dog can cope with your ‘regular routine’ absences. The object is not just so you can eventually go away, but to get your dog accustomed to your absence regardless of the reason. Even shorter breaks without you such as when you are at work needn’t be a daily major event for your dog. It’s not fair to subject them to that. And if the sound of the car keys being picked up sends you dog into some kind of frenzy you should act now.

An otherwise well-behaved dog may appear to acquire ‘super-canine’ ability when they are stressed. You might find they have chewed things they never have before, and be able to jump fences they otherwise wouldn’t (due to the extra adrenalin in their system).

Speak to your vet and trainer to address destructive behaviours and to help determine the reason for stress during your absence. Leaving for short periods at a time to start with and making your leaving a more pleasurable event will help desensitize your dog. E.g. if she gets her favourite chew toy stuffed with food when you go out or a trail of cheese crumbs to clean up she is less likely to hit the ‘panic switch’ each time you leave.

Holiday care and pet sitting are ideal ways to ensure dog has company and can keep occupied whilst you are gone. If your dog is to be minded by someone else have a meet and greet. Be sure to discuss any potential difficulties of which you are aware.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)