Can Doggy Day Care help with Separation Anxiety?

Doggy day care can be a valuable tool to help manage and reduce separation anxiety within your dog for numerous reasons including the chance to socialise with other dogs in a supervised environment maintained by professionals, plus regular visits can help with desensitisation as they build up familiarity with new faces to increase their level of comfort during periods of separation.

However, with it being a complex matter, it is important to consider all information related to dog separation anxiety, which we will explain throughout this article.

What is separation anxiety within dogs?

Dogs are social creatures. Separation anxiety in dogs refers to the condition in which a dog becomes distressed when separated from its owner. 

It is characterised by a range of behaviour such as barking, whining, scratching or chewing. 

It often occurs when the owner has left the house or is out of sight.

How can dog separation anxiety be treated?

Whilst treatment for separation anxiety can involve medication, it often involves behaviour modification techniques such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning. 

If you believe your dog has separation anxiety, speak to your vet or a qualified pet behaviourist.

The root causes of separation anxiety will differ between dogs and therefore there is not a “one size fits all” approach to modifying the behaviour. 

Some of the techniques that will help reduce separation anxiety:

• Ensuring your dog has had sufficient exercise and stimulation before being left alone
• Gradually easing your dog into being left alone through the desensitisation and counter-conditioning training
• Encouraging your dog to be more independent, even when you are around, helps them to cope better by themselves
• Change your routine that your dog might associate with you doing before you leave the house

Dogs Trust recommends speaking to a vet before speaking to a dog behavioural therapist, just in case any underlying health issues might be impacting your pet.

The role doggy day care can play

Whilst not an official treatment for separation anxiety in dogs, in all of our years of experience as a specialist doggy day care centre in London, the difference is notable for many dogs that were once anxious and it is easy to see why.

Dogs in day care get many opportunities to socialise with other dogs and people in a safe and supervised environment, away from their carer. This helps the dog to build confidence, learn social skills and help to reduce their anxiety. 

The dogs in our care receive plenty of exercise, playtime and mental stimulation, all of which help to release pent-up energy and to distract dogs from any lingering anxious thoughts. 

Whilst no two days are the same at the Paws Grooming Empire doggy day care, there is enough of a structure and routine to help dogs feel more secure in a predictable environment, a factor that can contribute towards reducing anxiety associated with the fear of the unknown. 

Regular visits to our doggy day care, with the same familiar happy faces of our team, can help to desensitise your dog to time away from you, helping to make them more comfortable with periods of separation.

It is important to stress once again that whilst doggy day care can be a valuable tool in helping to reduce dog separation anxiety, it may not be a complete cure. 

Some dogs will need additional support and training to manage their anxiety, and that is absolutely okay. 

Our furry little friends can’t tell us what they are thinking, so we must be careful to manage the situations they are exposed to, providing the loving reassurance they need to feel comfortable and safe, even when we are not there with them at that moment.
 

About Paws Grooming Empire Doggy Day Care

We are a fully licensed dog day care service based near East Finchley and Hampstead, London. We provide a complete, comprehensive day care service that goes well beyond simply watching your pet. Our team focuses on creating a fulfilling and structured day that will promote your dog’s mental stimulation, physical health and overall happiness. In our care, we welcome all ages and breeds of dogs. 

Our staff are not only passionate about dogs but also highly trained in animal behaviour, health, and welfare. 

They are dedicated to delivering personalised care and attention, making sure your dog feels comfortable, secure, and loved during their stay. If you would like to come and visit us, our salon is located at 28 Aylmer Parade, N2 0PE, just a short walk away from East Finchley station.