A vet has shared a common mistake dog and pet owners make that can create anxiety in their pets, making separation even worse. But there’s a way you can help avoid it
A vet has shared a common mistake owners make that creates anxiety in their pets. Vet Amir Anwary, who is known as @amirthevet on TikTok, has taken to social media to share the issues their behaviour might have on their pets over a long period of time.
In his video caption, he said: “Separation anxiety is such a huge problem dogs these days suffer with ! But you guys can definitely help them by implementing these steps ! If this doesn’t help you may need to consult a behaviourist.”
In his clip, he urged owners against getting overly excited when arriving home or departing, explaining this can trigger anxiety in their pets as they misread the significance of hellos and goodbyes.
He said: “Stay calm when you leave home and when you return. When you leave home, you go and make it a big scene and when you return home you make it an even bigger scene”.
He added: “You are creating heightened emotions around you leaving home which makes the separation anxiety worse because it’s so emotional.”
Rather than this, he suggests blanking your dog 10 minutes before departing and returning home, despite how “cruel” it may feel.
He advises taking your dog for an extended walk if you’re planning on being out the house for a good few hours, explaining they’re more likely to settle while you’re away because they’ll be knackered.
In addition, he suggests leaving a treat puzzle to keep their minds engaged and focused on a positive task while you’re away.
For those who can’t leave their pets alone for any length of time, Amir advises starting with brief departures.
He explained: “This is the hardest one because this is the one that requires the most consistency. When you leave home, start with going away for five minutes and monitor their response.
“If they’re fine with it, go to 10 minutes and monitor their response. Stop leaving them alone for two hours at a time. Of course their separation anxiety is not going to get any better, you’re going to make it a lot worse.”
Reacting to his video, one viewer shared: “My dog sees the shoes I’m wearing and knows I’m leaving and starts crying.”
Another added: “My two Boston terriers actually have really bad separation anxiety and every time we leave the house they go crazy.”
A third said: “The physical and mental stimulation is so true! My family just rescued a puppy a few months ago now, and making sure he’s tired out before we go is a sure fire way to stop the howling and fuss!”.