Vet says there’s time of day you should never comfort dog

A vet expert has cautioned dog owners about a frequent error that can trigger anxiety in their furry companions.

Amir Anwary, who goes by @amirthevet on TikTok, has revealed the primary causes behind canine anxiety issues and the steps owners can take to minimise the risk.

In an informative video, he said: “Separation anxiety is such a huge problem dogs these days suffer with! But you guys can definitely help them by implementing these steps! If this doesn’t help you may need to consult a behaviourist.”

Then, he outlined how owners’ actions can affect their pets’ wellbeing over time. One of the biggest mistakes he’s noticed is that many owners try to soothe their dogs before leaving their homes.

However, the vet warned against overly dramatic hellos and goodbyes. Even though many are simply trying to comfort their pets, they could actually be making their anxiety worse.

Amir said: “Stay calm when you leave home and when you return. When you leave home, you go and make it a big scene and when you return home you make it an even bigger scene.

“You are creating heightened emotions around you leaving home which makes the separation anxiety worse because it’s so emotional.”

The expert urges owners to resist the urge to comfort their pets at those certain times – a few minutes before and after you come or go.

Instead of this approach, the vet recommends ignoring your dog for 10 minutes before departing and after arriving home. Even though it may seem “cruel”, this is the best way to create a calm environment.

For extended periods away, he suggests taking your dog for a lengthy walk beforehand, since a fatigued dog is more prone to settling whilst you’re out.

Amir, a specialist in pet behaviour, also proposes providing your animals with mental stimulation during your absence. This could be with a toy, treat or simply by turning the television on when you head out. 

For pets that struggle with being left alone entirely, he recommends gradually extending the time apart, beginning with just a few minutes.

He explained: “This is the hardest one because this is the one that requires the most consistency. When you leave home, start with going away for five minutes and monitor their response.”

He then advised to step up to 10 minutes and so on, warning against immediate long absences, stating: “If they’re fine with it, go to 10 minutes and monitor their response. Stop leaving them alone for two hours at a time. Of course their separation anxiety is not going to get any better, you’re going to make it a lot worse.”

If these tips are not effective for your pet, it’s advisable to visit your vet for further advice. You can also read more helpful information on the RSPCA website.