Libby here.
The great Thelma Houston really understood what it meant to be left behind. Abandoned. Neglected.
Although the topic of this week's post is nowhere near that melodramatic, it is about a pertinent topic—leaving pets behind.
Whether for an hour, a day or a week, pets react differently to your absence. Some pets are totally calm (who cares! Let's party). Others however react in a much more visceral manner; they experience separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety manifests itself differently in each pet- and there's no real way to determine how it will affect your pup other than by trial and error. Here are some general 'categories' if you will, of how separation anxiety manifests itself.
1. The Destroyer- This pet shows its anxiety about being left at home by well, destroying. Everything in your house that is. Shoes, beware!
2. The Soiler- This pet shows they are not pleased at being left alone by urinating or defecating in your home. Bring on the wee-wee pads!
3. The 'if you make my life miserable, I will make everyones life miserable'-This pet shows their anger by barking. Incessantly. For the entire time you are gone. Making your neighbors hate you.
Now, I'm obviously not advocating that you don't take any time away from your pet. Like any healthy relationship, absence can make the heart grow fonder. And, you are entitled to your space. That said, if you have a pet who tends to over-exhibit on any of the above when you leave the house, it might not be a bad idea to bring them into the PPAC. Behavioral (therapy, anyone?) or pharmacological intervention may be available to help ease some of the anxiety your pets experience when you are not around. The PPAC doctors can also help advise on any other appropriate courses of action.
Til' next time,
Libby
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