Does your pet suffer when you’re away on vacation? - Does your pet suffer when you’re away on vacation?

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Separation anxiety -

Your pet may have never showed any unhealthy signs of separation anxiety while you were away at work or on a quick trip to the grocery store, but they'll for sure notice a longer absence.

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Grieving period -

The separation can be debilitating for them. Typically, dogs will go through a grieving period that can last from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how long you're away.

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Adjustments for cats -

Even for cats, it can take anywhere from five days to two weeks to adjust to a new routine and the absence of their owners.

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Change in their environment -

When you go on a vacation, a lot of things change for your pet. From different feeding times to less attention, and new people, it can all cause them to become stressed.

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They get unused to you -

And if you're gone for a long period of time, your smell is no longer familiar to your pet. As a result, some cats hide or even act defensive.

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Separation impacts them -

Contrary to an old popular belief, pets do have a minimal sense of time. And while you can't communicate how long you'll be away, a lengthy separation will certainly impact them.

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Seeing the suitcase come out -

Your pet knows something is up the second the suitcase comes out. They're able to recognize things by a combination of an object’s appearance and scent.

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They can sense it -

And just like they have a relationship with a loved ball, they also have one with your suitcase. However, the association in this case isn't a happy one, as the suitcase will trigger certain negative behavior patterns.

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How do they learn? -

Cats and dogs learn by association, connecting sights, sounds, and odors to specific outcomes. Your pet's anxiety when your furry companion knows you're leaving is the result of associated learning.

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A vacation buddy -

If you're always bringing your pet with you on vacation, seeing a luggage will be a source of excitement for them. But it can also be the opposite.

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They know when you're going on vacation -

At the end of the day, they know when you're going on vacation. And because there's a very good chance you're going without them, they'll try to prevent you from leaving with their sorrowful eyes.

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Common reactions -

Your pet's separation anxiety can be demonstrated in a number of ways. There are, of course, some differences between cats and dogs.

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Urinating where they shouldn't -

One of the most common behavior problems seen in pets in response to change is inappropriate urination. They may act out due to your absence with aggression or fear. Urinating where they shouldn't is a result of that.

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Excessive scratching -

For cats, they may also start scratching on things if they're upset or stressed. Scratching is a natural behavior, but when done excessively it's a sign of a stressful time.

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They want to stay in bed -

Much like when humans are feeling down, pets can also demonstrate a reluctance to leave their bed or crate.

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They might hide -

New things often scare pets. And when they're scared, they might hide from their pet sitter, or at the boarding facility.

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Aggressive behavior -

A scared or stressed pet may lash out aggressively or defensively. However, this is only seen in pets with extreme stress levels.

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Loss of appetite -

When you're away, some pets might even refuse to eat. This is a sign of anxiety and insecurity from the loss of their normal routine.

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Help them avoid anxiety -

If you must be gone for an extended period of time, your best option is to help your pet lessen their anxiety. Luckily, this can be done in a number of ways.

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Creating a positive association -

When all the signs indicate to your pet that you’re going on vacation without them, make them feel more at ease by using some training techniques.

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Introduce your pet to the suitcase -

Bring out your suitcase at least a week in advance so your pet gets used to it. Then, toss in treats or toys, so it's a positive association for them.

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Write down your daily routine and ask the pet sitter to follow it -

Meals, playtime, grooming, interactions, and other important factors should be included to minimize stress for your pet.

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Leave behind a scented item -

Leaving behind a scented item, such as a t-shirt that you've worn, will comfort your pet. You can leave it in their bed, so they can snuggle with it.

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Consider medications and supplements -

If your pet is prone to stress and anxiety, consider medications and nutritional supplements. Many of these items should be started before leaving for vacation, and can indeed be very helpful.

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Make sure they have their favorite toys and treats -

If your pet is staying at a boarding facility or with a sitter, be sure to bring some of their favorite toys or treats. And try to have them stick to your normal feeding schedule.

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Where should your pet stay? -

The extent to which a pet is distressed can also depend on whether they're staying at a boarding facility, with someone they know, or having someone take care of them at home.

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Boarding facilities -

At a boarding facility, there are many unfamiliar sights and sounds. Your pet can easily miss you, while feeling anxious about the new surroundings.

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With a friend -

This could also be the case if they stay with a friend, unless they often go there for play dates. In that case, they might not even notice that you're gone.

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At your home -

However, the most comfortable for them is to have someone take care of them at home. This is their own environment, and thus a safe space.

Sources: (CVETS) (The Spruce Pets) (Psychology Today) 

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