Monday, April 17th, 2017
Dogs are pack animals by nature. They seek to belong to a group and take pride in being part of a family. This is also why it is ingrained in them to look for an alpha or a dominant figure to look up to and emulate. The alpha can manifest in the form of a bigger and older dog, but in many cases, the alpha is their master – yes, that means you!
Your dogs rely on you in many facets of their survival and happiness. This is the reason why they experience anxiety and stress when you leave them behind. The absence of a leader figure disorients them; and it is during these times that they develop negative behavioral issues. Cats, on the other hand, are often perceived to be more independent than dogs. This has led to the misconception that they are not affected when left alone for long periods of time. But while cats may seem more confident and less clingy, they also experience anxiety issues when their beloved routines are changed.
Are you worried about an upcoming trip because you will be separated from your pet? Do you wonder what may happen to your pets when they are left on their own for too long? Here are some interesting things to consider before you decide to leave your pet unattended longer than usual:
Dogs and cats have a different way of sensing time
Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t tell time through seconds, minutes or hours. They have a different way of sensing duration; and this is why they feel just as anxious whether you leave them for 30 minutes or for 3 days. They also are not capable of soothing themselves by counting down the many days or hours before you are back again. As a result, they may develop anxiety issues that they can’t comprehend or handle.
Because they are so happy and excited to see us when we return to their sides, we often overlook the troublesome feelings of anxiety they may have experienced while we are not around.
Not being able to go to the bathroom frustrates your pets
Your pets are creatures of habit. If they are used to relieving themselves during your daily walks and that routine is disrupted, it will lead to a somewhat of a crisis. Unless you have specific corners in the house where they are assigned to do their business, your pets will most likely wait until you get back so they can take their business outside. But while they will probably try their best to hold it in rather than disappoint you, accidents do happen. And they may feel a tremendous amount of shame and guilt when they accidentally relieve themselves in the house.
Just like humans, holding things in for too long can have negative impacts on your pet’s mind and body. If this is not addressed and becomes a habit, it may even lead to health complications.
Pets misbehave to catch your attention
Expect to come home to a mess when you leave your pet behind for unusually long periods of time. Chewed up shoes, tattered pillows scratched up furniture – these are just some of the way they will show you that they hate it when you disappear. Even if they know they aren’t supposed to bite the furniture or play with breakables, they’ll do it anyway to try to teach you a lesson.
Accidents do happen
Leaving your pet unattended can be a cause for unwanted accidents that can harm your pet or damage your home. There are so many possibilities that we can never be fully prepared for, so if you have to be away and you can’t bring your pet with you, you should definitely consider hiring a pet sitter to make sure your pet is staying out of trouble and getting the attention and routine it needs.
Are you looking for a professional sitter for your pet? Do you have to go on a business trip or a vacation? Pet Nanny can help care for your pet in your absence. For more information, call us at 734-981-6108 today.
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