Los Angeles, August 10, 2021 – With many Angelenos continuing to return to the workplace as restrictions become lifted, some pets may begin to experience separation anxiety with a change in their daily routine. LA Animal Services would like to share some tips to help furry family members cope with their separation anxiety so they’ll learn to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone.
Join LA Animal Services staff and volunteers during this week’s Doggy Dialogue, on Wednesday, August 11, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, where the special topic will focus on Separation Anxiety.
The following are some helpful tips to help reduce your pet’s separation anxiety:
- Take your dog out for a long walk, a run, or a playful romp in the morning and evening. This will leave them feeling more content and relaxed.
- Your animal companion knows the departure clues when you put on your shoes, turn off the TV, and grab your keys and belongings on your way out. Making the routine a little less obvious can help reduce anxiety, and leaving quietly may also reduce your pet’s stress level. Put on your shoes and pick up your bag and walk back to your favorite chair and sit down; and try putting your keys in your pocket an hour before you leave.
- Prepare a special treat to stuff into a durable rubber toy, a Kong or similar toy would work best. Fill it with your pet’s favorite treat, or tasty fillings you may find in pet stores. Give them the special “GoodBye” stuffed toy when you leave and then be sure to pick up and put the treats away when you get home. Food-motivated animals will focus on the special treat items and not on your departure. You can even freeze the filled rubber toys to make them last longer.
- Create a safe, secure room or space for your dog while you are away. Include their bedding and favorite toys, and provide some normal household sounds by playing a radio or tape of voices and music. Use this room to practice departures and quick returns, with rewards for appropriate behavior, to help condition them to stay calm.
- Sometimes a second furry family member can provide both pets with the security and companionship of a good buddy during the day. Be sure to involve your current pet in the selection process for a good match.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about helping your dog cope with separation anxiety, be a part of this virtual interactive Doggy Dialogue.
Please register to join tomorrow’s Zoom meeting by clicking here.
Note: Deadline to register is Wednesday, August 11 at 3pm.
