When you shut that door on your pet, you can may never truly know what they are thinking, but the range of severe and strong motions they go through might be termed separation anxiety. Dogs are so notorious for acting out when their owners go out that dog separation anxiety is a huge topic among pet owners, but cats are no stranger either.
It can be hard to truly know what is going through your pet’s mind sometimes, because of so many different factors that might affect them, but often when you look at the trends over time you might begin to notice some worrying signs that you should address.
Consider some of the following questions:
- Is your pet irritated or upset when you return?
- How does your pet behave when you leave? Do you frequently have to pickup messes or do they ever act out?
- What does your pet do when you’re away? Do they sit by the door and wait for you or go about their usual activities?
Many of the tricks & tools to combat separation anxiety at pet owners’ disposal are fairly old, but as technology is advancing so are your options, thankfully. One of the most exciting gadgets to fight dog separation anxiety to come along recently is Petcube Play.
Let’s take a closer look at how it can help you care for your pet remotely.
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Two-way audio
With Petcube Play, you have a 24/7 live stream to what’s going on at home. You can see how your pet is behaving and beyond that, you can hear them – whether they’re being loud or whimpering, enjoying their time or sleeping away. If they are exhibiting signs of anxiety, they can also hear you – so you can calm them down in your own voice and reassure them that they’re OK and you’ll be home soon.
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Laser play
For pets, sometimes all you need is a good distraction. Petcube Play was designed with that in mind and then some, incorporating a favorite toy for many dog and cat owners, a laser pointer that is fully controllable through your smartphone. Just open the free Petcube App and play away! Not only will your pet have a fun game of “chase the laser” to play, but they’ll get a few more minutes of activity in, allowing them to quickly forget about any previous emotion and cut loose.
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Cloud video recording
Starting in February 2017, all Petcube devices will come with up to 4 hours of free video recording on the cloud through their Petcube Care service. This will automatically capture any videos of you interacting with your pet through the camera to replay later, but even better – it’ll also automatically get any videos that are triggered by sound/motion alerts – allowing you to replay later on what your pet’s been up to all day.
This is a really powerful feature that will allow you to look for troublesome behaviors or warning signs of separation anxiety. If you’d like to extend the video history, Petcube offers additional plans for 10 days of video history for $10/month or $100/year or 30 days for $30/month or $300/year.
Source: Houston Petting Zoo
Keep Dog Separation Anxiety at Bay with Petcube
Dogs are inherently social animals, often forming deep bonds with their human caregivers. The distress they experience when left alone can manifest as separation anxiety, resulting in destructive behavior and distress. Petcube, a cutting-edge device, can be your ultimate ally in alleviating this anxiety. By utilizing real-time monitoring, treat dispensing, and interactive play, Petcube creates a bridge between you and your dog, even when you’re away.
1. Establish a Routine
Maintaining a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security for your furry friend. Dogs thrive on predictability, so try to feed, walk, and interact with them at the same times each day.
2. Gradual Departures
Teach your dog that your departures are temporary by leaving for short periods initially. Slowly increase the duration over time, allowing them to adjust to your absence without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Interactive Play
Engage your dog with interactive toys, puzzles, or Petcube’s built-in laser pointer. This mental stimulation can keep them entertained and distracted from your absence.
4. Calming Music and Comfort Objects
Playing soothing music or leaving familiar items, like your scent-soaked clothing, can provide comfort to your pup. Petcube’s two-way audio feature lets you soothe them with your voice.
5. Positive Association
Create positive associations with your departures by leaving treats or toys that your dog loves. They’ll start to associate your leaving with good things happening.
6. Professional Training
Enroll your dog in professional training classes that specialize in separation anxiety. These programs can provide you with expert guidance and actionable techniques.
7. Vet Consultation
If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend behavior modification strategies or even medication if necessary.
8. Avoid Punishments
Never scold or punish your dog for anxious behavior. This can worsen their anxiety and lead to additional behavioral problems.
9. Use Petcube for Remote Interaction
Petcube allows you to monitor your dog through a high-quality camera, talk to them via two-way audio, and even dispense treats remotely. This can ease their distress by keeping them engaged with your presence.
10. Virtual Dog Sitters
Consider virtual dog sitting services that use Petcube technology. These services provide human interaction through the device, ensuring your dog never feels truly alone.
11. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is a content dog. Prioritize regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog physically and mentally satisfied, reducing anxiety levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Petcube help with dog separation anxiety?
A: Petcube offers real-time monitoring, treat dispensing, and interactive play, helping bridge the gap between you and your dog during your absence.
Q: Can I use Petcube for separation anxiety in older dogs?
A: Yes, Petcube’s features are beneficial for dogs of all ages, including older ones experiencing separation anxiety.
Q: Is Petcube easy to set up?
A: Absolutely! Petcube is designed for user-friendly setup, allowing you to start using its features quickly.
Q: Can I talk to my dog through Petcube?
A: Yes, Petcube features two-way audio, enabling you to communicate with your dog in real-time.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t respond to the interactive features of Petcube?
A: Every dog is unique. If your dog doesn’t respond to certain features, focus on the ones that engage them best.
Q: Are there any additional benefits to using Petcube?
A: Yes, besides alleviating separation anxiety, Petcube can help you monitor your dog’s overall behavior and well-being remotely.
Conclusion
Your furry friend’s well-being is of utmost importance, and managing dog separation anxiety requires patience, understanding, and the right tools. With Petcube, you can bridge the gap between you and your beloved dog, making their moments of solitude more manageable and stress-free. Remember, every dog is different, so finding the combination of techniques and technologies that works best for your pup might take some time, but the results will be well worth the effort.
