You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
pet power<br />
Signs of separation<br />
anxiety in dogs:<br />
• Destructive behaviour<br />
• Howling or barking<br />
• Toileting<br />
• Trembling or pacing<br />
• Excessive salivation<br />
• Self-mutilation<br />
• Repetitive behaviour<br />
• Vomiting<br />
“A ‘settle’ is them laying down,<br />
but in such a way that it promotes<br />
relaxation,” Heather explains.<br />
“Often, it’s when they’re on their<br />
side with their hips popped over a<br />
little. Any time you happen to see<br />
your pet laying down like this, give<br />
them a treat.”<br />
Make alone time appealing<br />
There are certain ways that you<br />
can gradually help your pet<br />
come to see a bit of alone time<br />
as a good thing. “For example,<br />
if your pet follows you to the<br />
toilet, pop some treats outside the<br />
bathroom door before you go in,”<br />
Heather advises. “This gives them<br />
exposure to being alone for a<br />
short period of time, and creates<br />
positive associations by giving<br />
them a treat.”<br />
For dogs, you can also try filling<br />
a toy with treats, and leaving it<br />
in a room where you don’t spend<br />
much time – Heather notes<br />
how this can encourage them to<br />
investigate, and enjoy keeping<br />
themselves occupied. For cats,<br />
she recommends popping a<br />
heat-pad in a space away from<br />
you, to help them build a positive<br />
association with being in a<br />
different room.<br />
Do it gradually<br />
Systematic desensitisation is<br />
another technique that is also<br />
used in humans – gradually<br />
exposing ourselves to a fear to<br />
aid in overcoming phobias – and<br />
it can be used to help pets feel<br />
comfortable with being alone.<br />
“The concept is essentially<br />
leaving your pet for snippets of<br />
time, then gradually building up<br />
to longer periods,” Heather says.<br />
This is a particularly good tip<br />
for those who are worried about<br />
how their animals will react if<br />
they go back to a workplace after<br />
lockdown. If you can, try to leave<br />
your animal alone, increasing<br />
your time out of the house as the<br />
Signs of separation<br />
anxiety in cats:<br />
• Toileting<br />
• Being aggressive<br />
• Hiding<br />
• Under or over-grooming<br />
• Sleeping a lot<br />
• Being on high alert<br />
days go by. With time, this could be<br />
the key to helping your pet feel calm,<br />
safe, and happy.<br />
If you’re worried about your pet’s<br />
behaviour, speak to a vet, or visit<br />
rspca.org.uk for more information.<br />
happiful.com | <strong>April</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | 21
Change language