Separation anxiety is a common thing in dogs, and it can worsen as they get older. Puppies are one thing, but a senior dog is quite another. They have had you by their side their whole lives. This means they need you to be with them so that they don’t feel anxious. The thing is, you can’t be chained to your house all the time. And you do have to go on vacation occasionally! Sometimes that vacation can’t include your dog. This is unfortunate, but it’s the way it is when it comes to going to specific places abroad.
You deserve to be able to have a vacation and relax, feeling confident that you have left your dog in the right hands. You really have to put the work in to ensure that your dog isn’t anxious and is comfortable before you go. Maybe invest in a dog sensitivity test that will determine the level of your pup’s anxiety. You can do more to know that your dog is happy, but it’s not always going to be the easiest thing for you to do. So what can you do in the meantime? Well, when it comes to your dog, they deserve the very best care and attention. You are the only person who is best placed to give that. However, there are some things that you could do to calm your anxious dog while you go away.
Use a pet sitter
Use a pet sitter that they know. In the lead up to your vacation, making sure that your dog has a pet sitter that they know and like is important. They need to be able to feel comfortable and calm with the person that you have left them with while you are away. So having the pet sitter come for a few walks with them and you while you are still here is important for them to get used to the new person who will be looking after them.
You know that it’s not going to be forever, but dogs don’t really have a capacity for time frames. It can help for them to feel comfortable with whoever you’re going to leave them with before you go. And it also gives you that Peace of Mind that you have done more than enough to make sure that your dog is happy and not anxious.
Give your dog a safe space
Make sure that your dog has a safe space. Even dogs need somewhere calm for them to go and relax. You can do that by creating a safe space for your dog. It may take some time for your dog to get used to the idea that you’re going to be away. If you give them somewhere they can go to calm down, it will really help. It should be filled with their favorite toys, a soft bed and a water dish so that they can remain hydrated.
Leave something with your scent on it
Leave something behind that smells like you in the dog’s bed. Put a top of yours that you have slept in or a blanket or a pillow case that you sleep with in their sleeping area. If they can smell your scent they will feel instantly calm and less anxious. This will go a long way, especially if you’re going away for a few days.
