Hey there, pawrents! It’s Harvey, your friendly neighborhood English Bulldog, back with some helpful tips—this time about something close to my heart: separation anxiety. Us pets love being with you, but sometimes when you’re not around, it can be pretty stressful. So, I’m here to help you keep your furry friend calm, cool, and collected when you’re away. Let’s dive in!
1. Create a Calm Departure Routine
We pets are super smart—we know when you’re about to leave. Shoes on, keys in hand? Yep, we’re onto you! But here’s the trick: try to make your departure no big deal. Stay calm, avoid long goodbyes (even though we love the attention), and just head out like it’s no big deal. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed we’ll be.
*Pro tip: HARV’s essential oil blend can help calm us down during these moments. Just a little dab before you go, and we’ll be chillin’ in no time!
2. Establish a Safe Space
Having a cozy, safe space makes all the difference when you’re gone. Whether it’s a crate, a favorite bed, or a quiet room, your pet needs a spot that feels secure. Toss in some toys, maybe a blanket with your scent, and voilà—a little slice of comfort while you’re away. Some pets even enjoy a little music to keep things calm (Harverina’s a big fan of the classics).
And hey, if you want to add some extra calm, a little spritz of HARV’s anxiety-relief essential oil in the area works wonders!
3. Practice Gradual Departures
If your pet gets super anxious when you leave, don’t worry—we can work on it! Start with short trips, leaving the house for just a few minutes, then slowly increase the time you’re away. Over time, your pet will learn that you always come back, and being alone is nothing to stress over. Reward your pet when they stay calm—it’s all about positive vibes, folks!
4. Use Interactive Cameras
Ever heard of pet cameras? These gadgets are lifesavers when you’re on the go! You can check in on us, talk to us, and some even let you toss a treat our way. It’s like having you there with us (sort of). These cameras keep us engaged and comforted while you’re out, which means less anxiety and more fun!
5. Avoid Reinforcing Anxious Behavior
Here’s the tricky part: when we whine or act out because we’re anxious, it’s natural to want to comfort us. But the best thing you can do is wait until we’re calm before giving us any attention. This helps teach us that calm behavior is rewarded, not anxious behavior. So, no running back when we start barking or crying—just wait it out!
6. Tire Them Out with Exercise
Before you leave, make sure your pet gets some good exercise! A nice walk or play session can burn off extra energy, which helps them feel more relaxed when you’re gone. Trust me, a tired pet is a calm pet. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your buddy before you head out the door.
For dogs like me, HARV’s harnesses and leashes are perfect for a comfy, stylish walk to shake off that anxious energy!
7. Try Calming Essential Oils
Okay, last but not least—essential oils! HARV’s organic essential oil blend is specially designed to help pets like me and my brothers Oreo and Dewey (we’re a crew!) stay calm and relaxed. Whether it’s separation anxiety or general stress, a little whiff of lavender or chamomile can work wonders. Just apply a small amount on our beds or near our favorite spots for a peaceful vibe while you’re away.
Conclusion
Preventing separation anxiety takes time, but with patience, a safe space, and a few handy tricks, your pet will feel much more at ease when you’re not around. And hey, every pet is different, so it’s all about finding what works best for your fur buddy. Give these tips a try, and don’t forget—HARV’s calming essential oils are here to help keep things relaxed and anxiety-free!