How Dog Daycare Can Help With Separation Anxiety

Does Your Dog Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a challenge many dog owners face when they leave their dogs home for the day. Some dogs find ways of entertaining themselves when they are home alone–not all of which are productive. Others can be seriously distressed when left alone. Or even when a certain person or animal leaves the home!

While minor cases of dog separation anxiety can often be treated by increased physical interaction. Others may require the needs of a specialized canine behaviorist.

Luckily, most dogs, if they have separation anxiety at all, tend to fall into the first group.

How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?

The first step is to figure out whether or not your dog has separation anxiety. After all, it’s impossible to know what is going in your dog’s mind! Instead be sure to look for the following signs:

• Trembling
• Whining
• Sweaty footpads (resulting in wet footprints)
• Chewing or digging at potential exits to the house
• Loss of appetite
• Continuous barking or whining

There can be other reasons for such behavior. If your dog is exhibiting more than one of these symptoms there is likely something wrong, and you should take them to a vet immediately.

How do I treat dog separation anxiety?

In most cases, separation anxiety can be treated quite easily. Spending lots of time playing and cuddling with your dog when you come home from work, making sure your dog gets enough exercise, and consistently sticking to a schedule are just a few of the ways to help ease separation anxiety. A great way to minimize separation anxiety, and one your dog will likely love, is doggie daycare.

Dogs are naturally pack animals and most prefer to be in the company of others.  Doggie daycare ensures that your dog is in the company of others all day long. From humans to fellow canines, your dog won’t have a minute alone which can be just the trick for some dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. In addition, they have the opportunity to learn dog-to-dog socialization skills. Once you’ve found a daycare that seems to be a good fit, check that your dog has received all their vaccinations before scheduling them for a session. The first time you are leaving your dog at the daycare be sure to spend a few minutes with them rather than simply dropping them off.

Overall, doggie daycare is a wonderful experience for dogs. If your pup suffers from a mild case of dog separation anxiety, you should definitely consider enrolling them in a daycare. Ultimately, it’s a win-win for both the owner and the dog. Call our Doral location at (305) 985-6460 or our Miami Gardens location at (305) 680-1238.