Do Shiba Inu experience separation anxiety?

This blog answers: Do Shiba Inu experience separation anxiety? What does separation anxiety in Shiba Inu look like? What are the causes of separation anxiety in Shiba Inu? What are the ways to manage separation anxiety in Shiba Inu? What are the other tips to manage separation in Shiba Inu?

Do Shiba Inu experience separation anxiety?

Shiba Inus are likely to experience anxiety when they are left alone for very long hours. Apart from this, they might also experience a sense of anxiousness when they see their owners carry out routines that indicate their departure such as picking up the key cars or wearing their shoes.

What does separation anxiety in Shiba Inu look like?

Some signs and symptoms of separation anxiety in Shiba Inu are:

• Trembling
• Pacing
• Chewing
• Defecating
• Urinating
• Aggression
• Attempts to escape
• Self-harm
• Biting
• Excessive barking

 

What are the causes of separation anxiety in Shiba Inu?

Some causes of separation anxiety in Shiba Inu are:

• Lack of socialization
• Negative experiences in the past or present
• Lack of companions
• Lack of care and affection from owners

What are the ways to manage separation anxiety in Shiba Inu?

Some ways to manage separation anxiety in Shiba Inu are:

Behavior modification

Behavior modification might include desensitization and conditioning to the absence of the owner such that Shiba Inu feel less stress and anxiety on their owner’s departure. In this, the pets are gradually exposed to situations with separation between them and the owner, and this period is increased over time until the pet is comfortable with the idea of it.

Medication

Using medication for the pet’s separation anxiety is usually considered in very severe cases. Pet owners must consult veterinarian doctors before giving their pet any kind of medication.

Natural supplements

Another method to deal with a pet’s separation anxiety is to consider natural supplements. These are a better choice than over-the-counter medicines. Certain supplements can help Shiba Inu to calm their anxiety symptoms.

What are the other methods to control Shibu Inus separation anxiety?

Some other ways to control Shiba Inus separation anxiety are:

Consult a vet

Pet owners must consult a vet for a proper diagnosis of their Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is anxious and hence is 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 Shiba Inu and then treat it accordingly.

Avoid punishment

When pet owners are trying to reduce the separation anxiety amongst their Shiba Inu 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.

The best way to help avoid such negative associations is to shuffle the order of things that the pet owners do before their departure such that it does not lead to a pattern that their Shiba Inu picks upon.

Use distraction

The best way to help Shiba Inu from experiencing a sense of anxiety when their owners are away is to keep them distracted.

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 Shiba Inu before leaving

Exercising your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu for walks and playing with them in the backyard

Select the right toys

Toys can be of two types one that provides entertainment when Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety can be very difficult for the dogs to experience and overwhelming for the pet owners to manage. Hence pet owners must work with their pets to make sure they are in absolute comfort.

In cases where pets do experience a sense of separation anxiety, the owners must use active strategies to help them get through these difficult mental health conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Do Shiba Inu experience separation anxiety?

Can Shiba Inu be left home alone?

Shiba Inu can be left alone at home comfortably for about 8 hours at a stretch.

Why are Shiba Inu so clingy?

Shiba Inu can be claimed when they experience a sense. They tend to follow their owners everywhere in the house looking for affection.

Why is Shiba so anxious?

Some Shiba owners might report that their pets are very anxious, and this could probably be due to improper socialization during their initial stages of puppyhood.

Can Shiba Inu get depressed?

Shiba Inu like any other breed can experience a sense of depression due to a lack of mental stimulation.

How can individuals calm their Shiba Inu?

Using passive resistance towards Shiba Inus misbehaviors can help calm them down eventually.

Citation

Separation Anxiety in Shiba Inu: What are the symptoms and how you can handle it

myfirstshiba.com