How to Deal With Separation Axiety & Dog Boarding
As a dog owner, leaving your pet at home while you travel can be difficult for the both of you. This is especially true if your dog has issues with separation anxiety. To help ease the anxiety while your dog is at a boarding kennel, it's wise to learn how to best deal with it.
- Develop a safety cue. The Humane Society recommends coming up with an action or a word that you use whenever you leave your dog. Because you always return, the action or word will let your pet know that you'll be back.
- Gather your pets favorite toys and blanket to take when boarding the dog. Your dog will associate these items with home.
- Pack a t-shirt or a pair of shoes that belongs to you and carries your scent. Ask the boarding kennel to keep it with your dog so that your scent is near for comfort.
- If you're aware that your dog's anxiety is severe, see your vet before boarding your dog. Ask if there is an anti-anxiety medication that can be given to reduce the dog's anxiety if it gets too bad while you are gone.
- Don't make a big deal when you drop your dog off at the boarding location. Use your safety cue and then slip out while the staff at the boarding location is keeping the dog occupied.