Content
- Dogs are social animals
- in hostile territory
- doesn't like to be without you
- How to help the dog to eat in your absence?
Many people wonder why their pets eat when they are with the family, but when they leave home, they don't. What happens in dogs' heads and why do some lose their appetites? This is not abnormal behavior, in fact it is more common than you might believe. Remember that nutrition is the foundation of canine health and part of the reflection of emotions, so once again, your dog is trying to tell you something. Understanding the reason is essential to help you and change this behavior that has become a habit, as it could worsen and harm your health. In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain why doesn't your dog eat if you're not with him, clarifying your doubts.
Dogs are social animals
It is very important to note that dogs are social animals. In nature hunt and eat in groups, a natural behavior that also show other canids such as hyenas or wolves.
Since they are puppies, many people try to create a strong bond with their pet that even at the time of eating the dog is involved. Could this be your case? Did your puppy get used to eating with you, either in the feeder or in the kitchen? For him to eat without you is not an option. He will choose any time to eat alone while you are nearby. And although he doesn't eat at the same time, he will enjoy your presence while he does.
in hostile territory
Many things can happen while leaving your dog at home: an alarm, a visit from the postman, a noisy building and much more. While some dogs are comfortable with the idea of spending a few hours alone in a space, others are more sensitive, it costs them to relax in solitude and spend most of their time alarmed by every noise, however small.
Their absence does not affect them so much, but don't feel safe in this environment and therefore cannot properly protect your home. Remember that puppies are territorial animals, so this discomfort will be reflected in their lack of appetite. His homecoming will make him feel more relaxed because he knows you will protect him.
doesn't like to be without you
One of the most common problems in puppies is called separation anxiety. Basically it means that your puppy doesn't like to be away from his best human friend, so he won't eat without your presence. In this case it's not the environment, it's the absence of the person. For them it is a physiological and at the same time a psychological way of expressing their frustration.
Not all dogs suffering from separation anxiety fail to eat, however it is a very common scenario for loss of appetite. Some puppies that go through this separation phase may skip meals but continue eating, while others don't even approach the feed because they just don't feel like it.
However, this is not the only behavior a dog engages in when suffering from separation anxiety. Take the big picture: Does your dog have other destructive behaviors when he leaves the house? Like dirtying, breaking, biting and barking in a prolonged way? If the answer is yes, your pet could fit perfectly into this category.
So, it's best to consult an ethologist, dog educator or trainer, although you can also start home rehabilitation. However, it should not be forgotten that, in the long run, it will become a serious problem, the ideal is to consult a professional.
How to help the dog to eat in your absence?
Strategies for solving the problem will vary greatly depending on the reasons that cause it. Keep in mind that, depending on the seriousness of the case, it could take from days to years for your puppy to recover the desire to eat in your absence. The process will be progressive. Changing this type of behavior is not easy, but it is not impossible either. At PeritoAnimal we invite you to follow these simple steps:
- increase the confidence levels of your dog, inspiring security in him every time he leaves the house, don't make a drama out of his departure, but don't make a party either. When you are at home and some of the visiting scenarios or strange noises happen, act normally, without giving importance to these stimuli. He will learn from you.
- try educate him to eat in your absence: first put a baby protection on the door of the room that has the food, stay behind it and encourage him to eat, your dog will eat with you nearby. Practice walking away until it is out of your sight for a few seconds and then come back. Keep increasing distances and absences.
- play with your dog the shoot prizes from afar and then exit the panorama, come back and repeat. This will create a positive effect on your pet because you will feel that good things can also happen when you are not there.
- Exercise for dogs is critical in general, but for puppies suffering from separation anxiety it is essential. Exercising your puppy and offering him your full attention before leaving the house is a good way to positively drain his energy. Also, if you are tired, you will be less dependent on outside noises and will rest.
- make your environment a safe place for your beloved pet. You must make him feel good in your absence. You can cover up possible noise with pleasant music or with the television turned on. Experts say that children's television channels work very well on pets. Close doors and windows to isolate noise from the outside world, but be careful about closing all air intakes, especially in summertime. Window covers with visual barriers can also work on very nervous dogs that need more reassurance. And finally, you can think about buying a "nest" bed so you can hide and take refuge. As with puppies that are afraid of fireworks, those suffering from separation anxiety will feel more protected there.
- If you're going out for a short time and the situation gets tough and you need to eat, you can leave a long recording of your voice so that you can somehow feel your presence.
