Dogs are gregarious animals like humans., so it is not surprising that they have a hard time getting used to being alone. Cats are not gregarious, but they also create strong emotional ties with other cats and with humans. Therefore, in both cases there can be what is called separation anxiety and that really encompasses a wide spectrum of traumas and emotional conflicts.
And it is one thing for your dog or cat to be happier with you and other animals, and another for them to not be able to. pass several hours alone at home without suffering. Coming home and knowing that he has been barking inconsolably for a long time and seeing the damage he has caused as a result of his suffering, makes you suffer a lot, we know.
It is a situation that must be faced, not letting time take care of the solution, but, even if we want to end the problem quickly, we must look for the reasons for this anxiety and put ourselves in the hands of professionals.
Most common causes of separation anxiety
The most common reasons for separation anxiety are abandonment, loss of a person important in the life of the animal, the sudden schedule changes, spend too many hours in solitude and the moves. There's also mild cases of separation anxiety that may be due to a excess energy. Also, the hyperattachment of the person towards the animal Someone who suffers from anxiety can unintentionally cause it to worsen.
In any case, in our opinion, to solve the problem, a holistic approach, analyzing the emotional and physical state of the animal, and those around it in the home. Furthermore, we do not believe that separation anxiety should only be treated with education guidelines, but rather First of all (and in parallel) It is necessary to balance the emotional state of the animal. And for this, the involvement of your human is essential.
It must be assumed that the process requires time and money. How much? It all depends on the condition of the animal and the professionals you turn to. In most cases, it is a completely acceptable effort. The result is worth it: a happy animal and you too!
For our part, we help you, both you and ethologists and canine and feline educators, with natural products and therapies that accelerate the process and reduce stress levels, something essential for your dog or cat to assimilate the learning guidelines.
Helena Bat, feline and canine ethologist, notes: "These are animals with a lack of self-confidence and in different situations in their environment, in everyday life. Generally they have been weaned early and have not developed that security and autonomy that they achieve when they live with other peers. Therefore, they demand a lot of physical contact with humans.".
Other recommendations by Helena Bat are:
*Empathize and don't scold him. He understands that when an animal feels very afraid, just like us, he cannot control it. You have to help him feel better. You should never scold him. If, in addition to feeling anxiety or fear when being left alone or in an area of the house where he/she is not used to being, we scold him/her, it will be another source of stress for him/her. He will be afraid both of being left alone and of the arrival of a human who can scold him.
*Make him feel safe. If you can make your dog or cat feel safe, their anxiety will be reduced. If a dog, for example, is very nervous when you arrive home and takes a while to calm down, it is a mistake not to pay attention to it. It is advisable to give him a brief caress and then continue with our usual routine.
*Separation anxiety is mainly worked on by stress reduction. The goal is for the dog or cat to feel comfortable at home and carry out activities typical of its species. When you get him calm, he will be able to face challenges like being left alone at home. We will also have to work on his autonomy and security, but the basis is to reduce fear and stress.
*There are many natural products and therapies that help reduce stress and anxiety in animals such as Phytotherapy, nutraceuticals, Bach flowers, aromatherapy or the zoopharmacognosis.
Regarding this last point, Animal Herbalist Winter Sun can help you, visit our Online store and section of consultations. Some of the natural products and therapies that we highlight in cases of separation anxiety are:
*Supplements with L-tryptophan and L-theanine, amino acids that promote the generation of serotonin and dopamine, which provides a feeling of relaxation and emotional stability in dogs and cats.
*vitamin complexes. Lack of vitamin A causes physical and mental fatigue and anxiety. Vitamin E maintains cognitive abilities and prevents anxiety. Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 contribute to mental balance.
*Probiotics. They positively influence the reduction of anxiety and stress.
*Natural and balanced diet. Diet can also help reduce the stress and anxiety of an animal, that is why it is convenient Examine your diet. Choose organically produced food, especially the BARF diet or homemade recipes, which exclude artificial additives and highly processed foods such as feed. And, if you want to refine it even further, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends “refreshing” diets with ingredients such as duck, turkey, cod, sardines, sweet potatoes, eggs, seaweed, apples and spinach. The best? Have a veterinarian specialized in nutrition prepare a individualized diet for your dog or cat.
