• Change routines before each departure: Preparations for departure and the way we behave before we leave can trigger anxiety. Let's start by getting our pet used to our absence by practicing repetitive entries and exits from the house. First for a few seconds, then for minutes, then for half an hour, etc. This way, we gradually trivialize the source of stress. Also, let's try to discreetly organize our departure preparations a few days before.
• Teach your pet to relax: At all times, use rewards (small treats) to communicate and reinforce good behaviors each time your pet does them.
• Be truly present when we are there: A pet that is bored when its owner is home may find the time even longer when he is away. Before we leave for the day, let's spend some quality time with him by playing with him to expend energy, both physically and mentally.
• Establish a healthier relationship between us and your pet: Our pet needs to be able to live without us for a few hours. When we are at home, let's ignore his excessive demands for attention.
• Leave the TV or radio on and the lights on while we are away: In addition, set a timer to go off 15-20 minutes before we return to let our pet know that we will be home soon. For pets that don't handle prolonged absence well, we can have someone visit our pet once or twice during the day.
• Fight boredom and provide a stimulating environment: If we are the only source of pleasure for our pet, it's natural that he or she doesn't like us being away. Let's leave stimulating toys at his disposal like the Aikiou Stimulo smart bowl for his food ration. This bowl asks our cat to decipher how to access his kibble. It can keep him busy for a long time!
• Let's not reassure our anxious pet: Let's not be tempted to pet or reassure our anxious pet when he is in crisis. It's best to ignore him so as not to encourage his negative behavior. By reassuring an anxious pet, we are telling him that he is right to dramatize what he is experiencing.