Dealing with Your Italian Greyhound’s Separation Anxiety: Don’t Worry, You’re Not Alone!

No one likes seeing their beloved pet in distress, and if you have an Italian Greyhound, you know this breed can be susceptible to anxiety. 

Separation anxiety is a common issue for Italian Greyhounds, but with the proper guidance and patience, you can help your pet overcome this issue and thrive. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of separation anxiety in Italian Greyhounds, common symptoms of the problem, tips for dealing with the anxiety, some natural remedies, and professional help for treating Italian Greyhound separation anxiety.

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Italian Greyhounds

There are many potential causes of separation anxiety in Italian Greyhounds. Still, the most common ones are related to the breed’s sensitive nature and need for attention. 

Many Italian Greyhounds are highly attached to their owners and can become anxious when left alone, even for short periods.

It’s also important to note that Italian Greyhounds tend to be anxious by nature, and a traumatic experience can exacerbate this. 

Suppose your Italian Greyhound has experienced a traumatic event, such as moving to a new home, changing routine, or losing a family member. In that case, it may be more prone to developing separation anxiety.

Additionally, Italian Greyhounds may develop separation anxiety if they are not given enough exercise or mental stimulation. 

All dogs, including Italian Greyhounds, need plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy, and if yours is not getting enough, they may become anxious.

Common Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

You may notice a few common symptoms if your Italian Greyhound has separation anxiety. 

The most common symptom is excessive barking or whining when you return or leave the house.

You may also notice that your dog is overly clingy when you are home or that they try to follow you around the house.

Other symptoms of separation anxiety may include destructiveness, such as chewing or scratching furniture, or defecating or urinating in the house, even when they are potty trained. 

Your Italian Greyhound may also display signs of distress, such as pacing, panting, or trembling.

Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety

The first step in helping your Italian Greyhound deal with their separation anxiety is identifying potential triggers and trying to avoid them. 

If your Italian Greyhound is anxious when you leave the house, try desensitizing them by going for short periods and gradually increasing the time away. 

This will help your Italian Greyhound get used to the idea of you leaving and returning and can reduce their anxiety.

It’s also essential to ensure that your Italian Greyhound gets plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. 

Take your dog for walks or runs, play fetch, and give them plenty of toys to keep them occupied when you’re not home. 

This will help keep your dog healthy and active and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Finally, give your Italian Greyhound plenty of attention when you’re home. Spend time playing with them, cuddling them, and giving them lots of love and affection. 

This will help them feel secure and loved and reduced their anxiety when you’re not around.

Professional Help for Treating Italian Greyhound Separation Anxiety

If your Italian Greyhound’s separation anxiety is severe or you have tried to help them on your own and haven’t seen any improvement, it may be time to seek professional help. 

A qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist, can help identify the root cause of your pet’s anxiety and provide you with a personalized plan for helping them.

Your vet may recommend medications or supplements to help reduce your pet’s anxiety, or they may suggest a behavior modification program to help your dog learn healthy coping skills. 

Your vet may also recommend a qualified animal behaviorist who can provide additional support and guidance in helping your pet.

Natural Remedies for Italian Greyhound Separation Anxiety

In addition to professional help, a few natural remedies can help reduce your Italian Greyhound’s separation anxiety. 

One of the most effective remedies is lavender oil, which has calming properties to help reduce stress and anxiety.

You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your Italian Greyhound’s bedding or directly to its skin. You can add the oil to a diffuser and let it fill the room with a calming scent. 

You can also give your dog treats containing lavender oil to help reduce their anxiety.

Another natural remedy for Italian Greyhound separation anxiety is CBD oil. CBD oil has been found to help reduce anxiety in humans and animals, and it can be an excellent option for pets sensitive to medications. You can give your dog CBD oil directly or add it to their food for a calming effect.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety can be difficult for Italian Greyhounds, but you can help your pet overcome this issue and thrive with the right approach and patience. 

Identify and avoid any triggers, give your pet plenty of exercises and mental stimulation, and show them lots of love and affection. If your pet’s anxiety is severe, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. 

Natural remedies such as lavender and CBD oil can also reduce your Italian Greyhound’s anxiety.

Remember, you’re not alone! There are plenty of resources to help you deal with your Italian Greyhound’s separation anxiety, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help. 

With the proper guidance and support, you can help your pet overcome this issue and live a happy and healthy life.