Do Boston terriers experience separation anxiety?

This post answers: Do Boston terriers experience separation anxiety? What does separation anxiety look like in Boston terriers before leaving home? What does separation anxiety look like in Boston terriers after returning home? What are some ways to manage separation anxiety amongst Boston terriers?

Do Boston terriers experience separation anxiety?

Boston terriers are prone to separation anxiety when they are left alone for very long hours by their owners. Results of a survey conducted on owners of Boston terriers showed that about 68% of Boston terriers experience separation anxiety.

Boston terriers usually experience separation anxiety in two distinct stages where in the first stage it is seen when the owners are leaving the house and in the second stage is seen when the owners are back home.

What does separation anxiety look like in Boston terriers before leaving home?

Some elements that owners of Boston terriers must look out for before leaving home to check anxiety amongst their pets are:

  • Spontaneous barking before you leave
  • Boston terriers become depressed while pet owners leave
  • Boston terriers follow you around the house while you’re getting ready
  • Boston terriers guard the door such that the owners are not able to leave.

What does separation anxiety look like in Boston terriers after returning home?

Some elements that owners of Boston terriers must look out for after coming home to check anxiety amongst their pets are:

  • Destructive behavior
  • Escape from the cage that they were left in
  • Self-harm
  • Overexcitement when the owners return
  • Chewing on various things in the house.

What are some ways to manage separation anxiety amongst Boston terriers?

Some ways to manage anxiety amongst Boston terriers are:

Follow a routine

Having a set routine for the Boston terriers can help manage their separation anxiety. This might involve following a set behavior every day before leaving home so that the pets become accustomed to their leaving and feel comfortable while they are away.

Put them in small spaces

Boston terriers like to be kept in small spaces as it gives them a sense of comfort and coziness. Individuals must try and place them in a compact area. Keeping them in very big places or pens can make them feel a sense of discomfort accelerating there’s separation anxiety.

Consult a vet

Pet owners must consult a vet for a proper diagnosis of their Boston terriers. Though symptoms like barking, whining, defecating are some symptoms of separation anxiety they can be caused due to other reasons as well.

Assuming that the Boston terriers are anxious and hence are carrying out disruptive behavior might be a cause of the neglect of the actual problem. Thus pet owners must consult their veterinary doctors to get the right diagnosis of their Boston terriers and then treat it accordingly.

Avoid punishment

When pet owners are trying to reduce the separation anxiety amongst their Boston terriers the first thing, they must keep in mind is that punishment for their actions is only going to worsen their symptoms and resulting anxiety rather than getting it in control.

Pet owners must understand that their pet’s negative behaviors are because of the stress and panic that was caused due to their absence.

Normalize living

Many pet owners shower affection on the Boston terriers before leaving in the form of cuddles and kisses, though this gives them a sense of joy when a pet owner releases them and approaches the door after unconditional affection they feel a sense of fear and threat.

This makes Boston terriers more anxious about their owners leaving and forms a negative association between their departure and unconditional affection.

Give them a habit of being alone

One of the most crucial ways to help Boston terriers deal with their anxiety is to help them be alone and realize that being alone does not mean being in danger or it does not mean anything bad.

Pet owners must help Boston terriers to get comfortable staying alone. They can do this by following small steps such as leaving them outside the supermarket when they walk in, leaving them in the backyard for a while while they’re cleaning up the house.

Use distraction

Pet owners can take the help of companion toys, food dispensing toys, or any object that reminds them of the owner’s presence when they are away to keep them distracted for a while without feeling uncomfortable.

Tire your Boston terriers before leaving

Exercising your Boston terriers helps to tire them out in a way that they require some amount of rest and recovery time putting them to sleep. This can be done by taking the Boston terriers for walks and playing with them in the backyard

Select the right toys

Toys can be of two types one that provides entertainment when Boston terriers feel alone, upset, and require toys to interact with, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy helps perfectly for the role of a companion toy.

The second one could be using a treat dispenser which helps to distract Boston terriers when the pet owners are away.

A proper treat-dispensing toy can help keep the dogs occupied while the owners are away and fulfill their hunger needs too.

Play canine-specific calming music

Leaving the TV or radio on leaves no control over the type of commercials that are displayed, while playing calming music tailored for dogs can aid in a happy mood and a nice environment for the dog when left alone.

Through A Dog’s Ear: Music To Calm Your Canine Companion which is available as unlimited streaming, a CD, or an MP3 can be used for the purpose.

Frequently asked questions: Do Boston terriers experience separation anxiety?

Why do Boston terriers have separation anxiety?

Boston terriers might experience separation anxiety when they are left alone for very long hours by the pet owners.

Can Boston terriers be left alone?

Boston terriers prefer company however they can be left alone safely for about 4 to 8 hours.

At what age do Boston terriers calm down?

Boston terriers may calm down by the time they are two years old.

Do Boston terriers cry?

When Boston terriers experience a high level of stress and emotions they might become

sad. dogs are usually not seen shedding tears like humans unless they have some health issues.

Are Boston terriers needy?

Boston terriers can be very clingy and prefer being around their owners well they are close.

Citation

Boston Terrier Separation Anxiety: Guide & Remedies

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