New research announced today reveals that over three quarters of Brits (76%) experience feelings of anxiety when faced with the prospect of leaving their dog alone.
In fact, the anxiousness can be so severe for some that a fifth (17%) confess to making excuses not to go out and leave their dog.
It’s inevitable that our furry companions will be left alone at one time or another, yet new research by Agria Pet Insurance has highlighted how anxiety affects the day-to-day lives of pet owners, with simply wanting to spend time with their pet (41%), knowing that their dog gets anxious (26%) and fear of something bad happening (24%) being the main triggers.
Whilst going to work tops the list of reasons our dogs are left at home, almost half (48%) of owners admit that socialising and special events often see them separated from their pets.
The effects of separation anxiety on our pets is well documented and 85% of people reported they are confident that they can identify the signs that their dog has separation-related behavioural issues.
Four in five (82%) correctly identified barking and howling as a sign, closely followed by chewing and destructive behaviour (78%) and pacing (69%). One in ten (9%) thought there were no signs at all. And while being alone can be very traumatic for pets, being separated from them can be very hard on owners, too.
To remedy this, the study reveals the top tricks that owners call upon to help them to cope with leaving their pet, and their pet cope alone. The top five are:
- Spending time apart from their pet whilst at home (54%)
- Using a webcam to check in on their pet when they’re left alone (18%)
- Making excuses not to go out (17%)
- Getting a dog sitter (14%)
- Having their dog accompany them everywhere (13%)
Shelley Harrison, a spokesperson from Agria Pet Insurance, said: “Separation anxiety is something that not only affects our pets, but it can seriously affect our own mental health, too. Yet, one fifth (20%) of us haven’t tried anything to reduce those feelings of anxiety when leaving our pets home alone.
“With the festive season approaching and more time being spent out of the house, it’s important that we think about how our pets are coping on their own, and look for any signs that they are unhappy. Whether you have a young pet you’re preparing to leave for the first few times, or an older one who needs some help to feel comfortable by themself, always seek the advice of a qualified pet behaviourist.
“Helping pets to feel relaxed when we’re not with them can take time and effort, so following the right advice, as early as you can, can make things much easier for you both.”
To find a qualified dog behaviourist visit The UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, www.dogcharter.uk
