Your Dog’s New Best Friend: Toys for Dog Separation Anxiety
Nowadays, we can say that humans are not the only creatures on earth who experience anxiety. Dogs do feel anxious as wel...
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Nowadays, we can say that humans are not the only creatures on earth who experience anxiety. Dogs do feel anxious as well. Sometimes, dogs experience a bigger, more consistent problem. Separation anxiety is the fear that kicks in when a dog’s parents leave the home.
According to a study by the University of Melbourne, one in every four to six dogs experiences separation anxiety. And these are only dogs whose owners recognized the problem.
As a pet parent, it is your job to make your dog as comfortable as possible. Toys can help combat this issue. Toys for dog separation anxiety provide a distraction, encourage soothing behavior, help your pup get back into a routine, and promote a healthier life.
So, if you think dealing with severe separation anxiety can be overwhelming, we have some resources to help you.
Separation Anxiety – What You Need to Know
Our furry friends experience anxiety just like humans. Before you can address the issue, you have to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. First, let’s take a look at symptoms.
Dogs with separation anxiety will show different behaviors when left alone. They can range from excessive barking to howling, trembling, digging, pacing, and even destructive chewing. Some dogs might try to escape the house.
As for causes, there is no clear answer. Every dog is different. Some of the factors that contribute to separation anxiety are:
- Lack of dog training – the owner has not spent enough time and effort to acclimate the dog for alone time
- The dog has had very little time away from its pet parents
- Lack of stimulation, both physical and mental stimulation
- Change of routine, for example, a new work schedule or moving to a new house
- Grief after losing a family member or another pet in the household
- Pre-existing anxiety due to trauma from abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- Age, as the problem is more common in young puppies
- Last, but not least, certain dog breeds are more prone to anxiety, for example, Huskies and apartment dogs
Why You Should Use Toys for Dog Separation Anxiety?
Using toys for a problem like separation anxiety is a game-changer. These toys provide comfort and mental stimulation for your puppies when you are not around.
Benefits of Toys
Your anxious dog will have problems staying alone after you leave the house. Toys cater to these dogs by providing calming features. Anxiety toys keep your dog busy. Mental stimulation can distract them from feeling bad and improve anxiety in the long run.
Usually, dog toys for separation anxiety have treats inside to keep your puppy occupied. One of the most popular is the Kong toy. But there are many chew toys, puzzle toys, tug toys, and more to keep your anxious dog calm.
What to consider
When buying a dog toy for your dog with separation anxiety, you should pay attention to two main factors.
- Durability, make sure the toy can handle your dog’s play style without falling apart. Why spend money on a toy that falls apart after a single use, when you can get more out of it?
- Safety, pay attention to small parts that can pose choking hazards or contain toxic materials
- Of course, you should also look for toys that provide mental stimulation that will keep your dog busy and reduce stress levels
How to Play Games with Your Pup
Keeping your dog entertained while you are away is the best way to get a calm puppy. To get there, you can engage your pet in some games. Encourage him to play. If you manage to get your dog to play while you are at home, he will be more likely to play when you are away. But it is your job as a dog owner to encourage play with toys.
Treat-dispensing toys are a great way to entertain your dog by keeping him busy. These dog toys stimulate your pooch’s brain as they look for a way to release the treats.
Puzzle toys challenge your dog to solve a puzzle to get the treat out. They might encourage your pup to open a flap, rotate a wheel, or slide open a door.
Kibble hunt is a DIY game you can set up. Hide treats around the house to challenge your dog to search for them.
Slow-feeding mats are a new and brilliant idea to entertain a dog. Your dog will spend plenty of time licking to clean the mat. Licking, as we know, has a calming effect on dogs. Peanut butter is one of the tastiest treats for slow-feeding mats. But you can try other mixtures as well.
Best Toys for Dog Separation Anxiety
Pineapple Tough Squeaky Dog Toy
Squeaky toys might not be the first item that comes to mind, but they help with separation anxiety. Especially when you have a durable toy.
This chew toy is perfect for satisfying your dog’s natural instinct. Made from natural rubber, the toy will last for quite a while. And the best part is the squeaky is conveniently hidden. Your dog will not be able to get the squeaky out in seconds.
We said before that a treat dispensing toy helps alleviate stress. Your dog gets rewarded every step of the way. The more your dog plays with the toy, the more rewards he gets. And that makes him happier and happier.
Made from natural rubber, this toy will provide hours of chewing fun. Bonus points: the design is inspired by the scenic beauty of Chinese landscapes.
Who doesn’t love a good donut? Besides providing fun and mental stimulation, this chew toy also helps promote dental hygiene. The textured surface of the toy will clean your dog’s teeth and remove any residue.
Slow feeders are another great option. You can use this toy for different purposes. For example, you can use it to calm your dog when you leave the house.
Or, you can use it for dogs that gobble food within seconds. Eating fast increases the risk of bloating in dogs.
So, put some treats in the rose feeder, and let your dog enjoy a few minutes of fun meal.
The most important thing is to create a safe space for your pup. That can be his favorite bed or anything that would make the environment a calm and tranquil place. You can also try dog supplements that ease your dog’s anxiety.
Keep in mind that there is no quick fix. You cannot resolve separation anxiety in dogs overnight. It takes patience.
If you think your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss your dog’s behavior.
Going to the vet for a proper diagnosis is your first step toward resolving the problem. Keep your vet in the loop about how you work on separation anxiety.
With the right toys and mindset, you can change your dog’s behavior to calm when you leave the house. Use these toys efficiently to redirect your pup’s nervous energy and behavior in a healthy, positive way.
Final Words
Even if your puppy doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety, there are events that you have to pay special attention to. For example, the Fourth of July and similar events when fireworks can traumatize even the calmest pet. Noise sensitivity affects your dog’s normal mental and physical well-being.
No matter how much you prepare, you can never be ready for the biggest challenge, separation anxiety. Hopefully, these toys will help your dog overcome the problem.
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