Over 9 million dogs and cats in the UK have anxiety. Vet recommends five ways to tackle anxiety in pets.
Vets are urgently warning pet owners to address the alarming rise in pet separation anxiety, revealing the issue still hasn’t improved following the pandemic.
According to a survey on pet sitting platform, TrustedHousesitters, 42% of pet parents say their pet has anxiety, and 1 in 5 have seen an increase in their dog’s or cat’s anxiety in the last year. A quarter of pet owners (25%) even revealed they won’t travel because of their pet’s anxiety.
To help solve the issue, TrustedHousesitters worked with Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS. She explains how pet parents can recognise the symptoms of separation anxiety and the steps they can take to tackle their pet’s anxieties.
During the pandemic and the rise of remote working, pets became accustomed to the constant presence of their owners. Now, with many returning to their regular routines and increased in-person work, pets that may have previously never experienced anxiety have become dependent on this constant companionship – leading to increased anxiety when separated from their owner.
MacMillan recommends five tips to tackle pet anxiety:
- Puzzle toys & enrichment activities: Providing mental stimulation and distraction is a great way to prevent anxious behaviours in your pet while absent. For example, puzzle feeders are innovative devices that encourage your pets to work for their food, keeping them engaged and reducing anxiety. If you’re gone for longer periods of time, a motion-activated or battery-powered toy can offer them ongoing entertainment.
- Calming supplements: Consult your vet for over-the-counter options or prescription medications. Pet-specific CBD products have also been proven to help alleviate anxiety in pets safely and naturally. If you’re unsure about giving your pet something new, it’s best to chat to your vet first.
- Calming music or white noise machines: According to the TrustedHousesitters survey, playing music or television is the most popular way that pet owners help alleviate pet separation anxiety, with 68% of owners using this trick. Playing white noise, television, or music can have a calming effect and alleviate anxiety by meeting pets’ sensory needs.
- Aromatherapy & essential oils: Use pet-safe aromatherapy and essential oils to promote relaxation and well-being. “The main product that I tend to recommend for anxious dogs is natural appeasing pheromones. These can act as a calming agent for these animals helping to make behavioral training easier. They are available in different formulations, such as plug-in diffusers, impregnated collars,
and sprays for their bedding,” said Rebecca MacMillan. - Exercise & playtime: A tired pet is a happy pet, and like humans, physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve overall health. Obedience training, or spending time teaching your pets basic commands, can also tire them out while helping them feel more confident and secure, reducing anxiety.
“Ensuring affected dogs have a comfortable and secure home environment can help greatly. This includes making sure your dog has a cosy bed in a calm location in the house, access to water at all times, and a consistent routine for the day. This routine should include plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as a tired dog is usually a happy dog,” said Rebecca MacMillan.
Separation anxiety can have a severe impact on both pet and pet owner well-being. According to the survey, over half (59%) of pet owners requested to continue working from home following the pandemic due to their pet’s anxiety, and 17% of owners revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities out of obligation to care for their pet.
While well-known symptoms of separation anxiety in pets include excessive barking or whining, destructive behaviour, pacing or restlessness, or attempting to escape, the lesser-known signs of separation anxiety in pets include:
- Excessive drooling
- Panting or trembling
- Depression or lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Hiding or avoidance
TrustedHousesitters connects pet owners with reliable pet sitters, ensuring your pets receive the love and attention they need while you’re away. For more information about how to help your dog with anxiety, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/how-to-help-a-dog-with-dog-anxiety/
