The year 2020 will remain fresh in the minds of many people across the globe. Unfortunately, this is not for all the right reasons.
Most notable was the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in many parts of the world and the devastating effects. This was felt in the health, education, tourism and hospitality, aviation, commerce, and many other sectors.
Because of the outbreak of this deadly virus, many people were confined at home. Well, you should know that this gave some people the time to bond very well with their canine companions.
The number of dog owners even increased across the country and the world at large. People did a lot of canine adopting and purchase (despite the rising cost). For more on this subject, you can check here.
The good news is that we now have vaccines and programs in place to get everyone vaccinated. As a result, things are starting to return to normalcy. Well, the question is if there is any downside to this?
The truth is that there are some. For instance, the canine mental health complication known as separation anxiety is set to be on the rise. This is because many dogs will be left alone and will begin to feel bored and abandoned.
This is why canine owners must know how to prevent their canines from having this experience. It would also help those that have such dogs treat the condition effectively. This is why you are seriously advised to follow through to the end.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
This is an anxiety-related health condition that is characterized by excessive and recurrent distress. This unpleasant state is caused by the feeling of being bored and abandoned because of the departure of a loved one. It could also be because of a change in the environment.
The reason is that a change in environment may not sit down well with some canines. This is why a transition to another surrounding should be handled properly.
If possible, the dog should be introduced gradually to the new environment. This is because canines leave their marks in places with scents. Little wonder these creatures can be very territorial.
Other than these, you should know this condition is not exclusive to canines. Other pets and livestock can be affected. Humans (especially children) are also not left out. This is why we are supposed to pay attention to mental health and not only physical health.
Dog Breeds and Separation Anxiety
We have established that canines are one of the creatures vulnerable to this mental health condition. However, you should know that the chances of having this condition are more or less with some breeds.
This is why you are strongly advised to know very much about dog breeds before you consider being a canine owner. You can consult holistapet for more on this subject.
Speaking of breeds that are very vulnerable to this condition, they are usually very demanding of your attention and sensitive in the way they act. Some of them are very common breeds while some are very rare around us. Some of the canine breeds with increased chances of having this condition include:
- Dalmatian
- German Shepherd
- Vizsla
- Golden Retriever
- Australian Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Border Collie
- Bichon Frise
- Chihuahua
- Havanese
Some of them are commonly found as explained earlier. The German shepherd and Golden Retriever are perfect examples.
Well, knowing the best dog breed for you is the first step in avoiding this problem in canines. You need to think beyond how adorable a dog looks and behaves and know if you have a lifestyle that can accommodate certain breeds.
For instance, you are advised not to consider Chihuahuas if you are not able or willing to spend so much time with them. This is even though they are a small breed and look adorable. So, you need to choose carefully.
But even after choosing properly, there are certain things you can do to avoid or manage separation anxiety among canines. Let us discuss 2 other important tips in the next part.
How to Avoid or Manage Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Here are some tips to help avoid or manage separation anxiety in canines:
Cannabidiol Products
Experience has shown that this pharmaceutical product derived from the cannabis plant can help relax your dog’s nerves. It eases tension and the adverse effects of separation anxiety.
This happens because of the positive effect of the drug on your dog’s endocannabinoid system. This is the system that helps maintain hormonal balance among other things.
Good as these drugs can be, you need to seek the consent of your veterinarian. This is so that you will be sure there are no adverse effects if your dog uses them.
You should also ensure that you get premium quality CBD products as this is very important. For more on this subject, you can visit: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-shop-for-cbd#summary
Lastly, on this note, make sure the option you are getting is specially formulated for dogs. We strongly advise that you do not offer products formulated for humans to canines.
Early Training
Regardless of the dog breed you have, you need to ensure your canine companion is trained in the area of socialization. This also has to do with having a sense of independence.
You are advised to get professional help to achieve this if need be. You should also make sure this is done very early. This should happen before they reach 8 months.
On a Final Note
Separation anxiety is a big issue among many dog breeds. Understanding how this mental health complication happens and how to treat it will make a world of difference.
This is why we have shed more light on these things here. We strongly advise that you do well to make good use of the information here when the need arises.
