A vet has issued a warning against 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: “Seperation anxiety is such a huge problem dogs these days suffer with ! But you guys can definitely help them by implementing these steps ! If this doesnt help you may need to consult a behaviourist.”
In his clip, he urged owners against overexciting their pets when they’re coming or going from the house, saying this can create anxiety in their pets as they misinterpret the meanings of a ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.
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.
“You are creating heightened emotions around you leaving home which makes the separation anxiety worse because it’s so emotional.” Instead, he recommends ignoring your dog 10 minutes before you leave and return home, despite how “cruel” it may feel.
He recommends taking your dog for a long walk if you’re planning on being out the house for a good few hours, saying they’re more likely to relax while you’re away because they’ll be tired.
Alongside this, he says leaving them a treat puzzle will keep their minds active and on a positive task while waiting for your return. For those unable to leave their pets home alone for any period of time, Amir recommends starting with short departures.
He said: “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.”
Commenting on his video, one user said: “My dog sees the shoes I’m wearing and knows I’m leaving and starts crying.” Another user added: “My two Boston terriers actually have really bad separation anxiety and every time we leave the house they go crazy.”
A third user 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!”
