I can honestly say that I have never experienced a pet with separation anxiety. Since Bella’s sister Gabby pasted we have been dealing with all sorts of issues with her adjusting to being alone when we have to go places. We are a buys family of five and all three of our children play spring sports. Our Labradors have always stayed outside the house when we went places, but since Gabby passed Bella has been very destructive. We tried leaving her outside on the front porch and she went thought the screened in porch multiple times before we tried something different. She wears a shock collar so she doesn’t leave the property, we have five acres for her to run around on.
We tried to kennel her inside, but she destroyed her face trying to escape the kennel. Then we had to resort to putting her back outside and made it When she started to where her shock collar wouldn’t allow her to get on our front porch, but she took the shock and destroyed more. We also tried chaining her up as a last resort and she broke free of the chain and destroyed even more.
Our last resort was to get a large pin 10 foot by 10 foot, shock collar, pet meds and essential oils to keep Bella calm when we are away. Just yesterday I learned that it’s not that she has separation anxiety from being alone, but because I’m not there. When we are home I diffuse doTERRA Essential Oils: Lavender, Cheer, Peace and anything else I can think of to keep her calm at home. We have put her dog igloo, outdoor carpet, her bead and put a tarp over the top to keep her dry when it rains. Anyone that has experienced this with a pet please offer all the suggestions that you have tried and that worked for you and your pet. Or even offer suggestions on how long it take for a pet to get over separation anxiety.
What have you tried to keep your pet calm while you are away?
Heather!
March 29, 2021 at 9:47 amOh, and talk to your vet! He or she has almost certainly seen this issue before. Some dogs even need drugs for this kind of anxiety.
Heather!
March 29, 2021 at 9:43 amOh, poor Bella! And poor you guys, too. I’m so sorry y’all are dealing with this! I wish I had some great advice, but I don’t. I have seen this before, though. I found a stray once several years ago. I brought him home and he was absolutely fine in my house…with my two dogs and cats. He stayed with me for a few days, but I couldn’t have another dog, so I talked my brother into adopting him. The problem was that my brother didn’t have any other dogs or cats. Bodhi (the dog) went absolutely crazy when my brother left the house. He did a lot of the same things you describe, and even broke a second-story window. We think we would have jumped out if my brother hadn’t come home in time! He would chew his kennel and be bleeding from his mouth and face, but just couldn’t be alone. Unfortunately, there’s no happy ending to this story. My brother had to surrender Bodhi to a shelter in hopes he would find a more suitable home. The only suggestion I can think of is maybe finding another dog (or possibly a cat?) to keep Bella company during the day. Or would a doggie daycare be possible?
I really hope you find the solution to this very real and heartbreaking problem! Please share it with us when you find it, and good luck to ALL of you!