• Identify the behaviour. Is it boredom, anxiety, loneliness, their breed tendency?
  • Lots of Meaty bones
  • Calm music
  • Be resourceful, if another pet is causing them to react, can you use a barrier to separate the pets?
  • Long walks around the block twice a day.
  • Balls, chew toys, ropes, kongs.
  • Don't reinforce bad behaviour, reward good behaviour
  • Use enrichment toys to stagger feeding (rather than a whole bowl of food).

Slow feeder

Stuff a kong with peanut butter, or cream cheese

Kibble dispenser

 

Good old fashioned meaty bones or pigs ears can also help. Dogs behaviour can change during the stay and can be different from a Meet & Greet.  However, researching the dog's breed beforehand and having a Meet & Greet will help you determine early on whether you, your pets, your property, and your family are a good match for the potential pooch to stay with.


There are other options, which may be expensive or require Pet Owner approval as they involve the Vet.


Thunder Shirts

Thunder Shirts works by applying a gentle, calming pressure around your dog’s torso. It’s like a “hug” and relaxes most dogs. 


Pheromone Collars & Diffusers

These items mimic the pheromone that the mother dog produces to calm and reassure her puppies. Dogs recognize these Pheromones throughout life. It mimics the natural way to help dogs cope with new and fearful situations. The Lavender and Chamomile provide a soothing fragrance. There are a range of collars and sprays available from Pet Stores and some Vets stock plug in diffusers.


Powders that added to food

Anxiety Aid is a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that aids in relieving anxiety. Rufus & Coco’s Anxiety Aid is a professionally formulated palatable powder to help relieve anxiety in cats and dogs. It contains Tryptophan, an essential amino acid which converts to serotonin once consumed; along with other B group vitamins and minerals to help your little mate


Medication under Vet Advice

In extreme cases when other non-medicinal methods have been exhausted, you may find that drug therapy may be your only solution. As this solution comes from your vets expert guidance, you should try not to feel guilty about using them, knowing that your vet always has your pet’s best interests at heart.

Vets may prescribe drugs, which tend to calm a dog’s senses a little, but they are not a cure. Drugs only provide a support mechanism to assist the owner in rehabilitating the dog, it is only a temporary fix for the underlying problem. You have to treat the root cause


You may also like to try calling RSPCA School for Dogs 0438 728 110



Be Resourceful:

How To Make Your Home Calming for Anxious Pets

Join our exclusive PetCloud Facebook Pet Sitters Group to get support and tips from other Sitters and the PetCloud team


Understand

What triggers separation anxiety?


At your wit's end? We're here to help.

Call our Support Team: 1300 66 77 85

Email our Support Team: service@petcloud.com.au