Pet Parenting: 6 tips to help your pet child with separation anxiety

New Delhi : Having a pet child is a big responsibility. It's almost like having a child of your own and as parents, it's our responsibility to take care of our kids. But having a child does not mean that you have to hit pause in your life and the same goes for having a pet. Leaving your furry baby alone at home while you head to work can be extremely stressful not just for you but also for your pet child. This can often result in separation anxiety which can show up in different ways. Pets tend to get anxious when their parents go away for a while leaving them alone but it tends to show up in different ways. Your pet child could destroy things in your house or constantly cry or maybe even get aggressive due to separation anxiety. This is why it's important to find ways to help your furry baby with their separation anxiety for their mental health and for your own sanity.

1. Take your dog out for a walk or exercise him for a while before you leave. This will burn your dog's energy and reduce destructive behaviour.

2. Don't make your departure and arrival a big deal. Don't comfort your pet child before you leave with I love yous and cuddles. If your pet child gets excited when you come back. Remain calm and ignore your pet initially and wait for them to calm down before you greet them.

3. Leave your worn clothes or used bedsheet for your pet. They will be able to smell your scent on it and that might provide comfort to your furry baby.

4. Get a Kong toy for your pet child and fill it with a delicious treat along with some yoghurt or dog peanut butter. Give this to your pet child 5 minutes before you leave and it might help them remain distracted while you're away.

5. Animals are smarter than we think, your pet child catches all your departure cues like picking the car keys, having your breakfast or changing your clothes or wearing your shoes. This makes them anxious and uncomfortable. Start by doing these little things randomly even when you're not going out.

6. Start by training your dog to stay alone at home. Start with crate training or simply help your pet child get used to staying alone in a room while you're away in some other room. Start with letting them be alone for 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the time span.