#5: Offer a companion toy.
These are unique toys in the fact that the purpose is to come as close as possible to offering a lonely dog an actual companion. These will have the same qualities as a living friend, such as being a good size, having a heartbeat, and emitting body warmth. Some dogs find these incredibly soothing, seeking them out as soon as their humans leave the house.
If you think that your Pug might like something like this, the
SmartPet Love Snuggle Puppy is wonderful. This is a very durable toy with a realistic heartbeat and just the right amount of body warmth. The 'heart' is replaceable, should it ever wear out and you can obtain heating packets as needed. An added plus is that this is washable and it comes in several different colors including a 'golden' that is comparable to a Pug's fawn coat.
#6: Break up the day, if possible.
For many dogs, separation anxiety worsens as the day goes on. So if a Pug can receive even a small break with a bit of human interaction, this can really help.
If you are able to return home near the halfway point of your absence, even for 15 or 20 minutes, this small window of time may be enough for your Pug to 'reset' and better cope for the second half of the day.
You may also want to consider hiring a dog walker. Often, being able to release pent-up energy, breathe fresh air, and have that sort of social interaction can also offer a reprieve.
Another option, though certainly not for every budget, is a pet cam. This can allow you to see your Pug and also talk to your dog or even offer treats, no matter where you are. Most of these work over WiFi and via an app on your smartphone that lets you choose from the various functions.
Checking in a few times a day can keep your Pug happy as well as give you piece of mind that everything is okay. Just be careful that your boss doesn't catch you remotely playing with your Pug all day long; if they do, you didn't hear about this from us.
If you think you might want to splurge on something like this, the
Furbo Full HD Dog Cam with Treat Tossing Function
is really awesome. This has live-stream video, two-way audio, and holds 100 dry treats that you can toss to your dog by tapping that function on the app. It also has night vision mode and can even send you push notifications if your Pug starts barking.
#7 Calming Aids or Medication
If your Pug experiences separation anxiety to such an extent that it is causing extreme and chronic stress that is affecting your dog's quality of life, it may be time to offer additional help in the form of an OTC supplement, aromatherapy, or a prescribed medication.
Let's take a look at the options, including pros and cons:
1) Supplements.
Calming supplements that may work are those that contain colostrum proteins (considered a safe supplement for dogs) that is shown to reduce anxiety, L-theanine (a naturally occurring amino acid) that works to increase dopamine and in turn reduce stress, and thiamine (vitamin B1) which supports the nervous system to reduce anxiety.
There are other compounds such as Valerian root, chamomile, and melatonin that may work to some degree.
When given about 30 minutes before departure, this can work very for some dogs. This type of anti-anxiety supplement is also used for other high-stress situations such as hearing fireworks or a thunder storm. However, it typically is not so potent that it would work on its own without other steps being taken (as previously listed), it can make dogs drowsy, and some dogs may experience an upset stomach.
If you feel that your Pug could benefit from a calming supplement, one to consider is
Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Supplement; this has no artificial additives and are soft chews flavored with real chicken liver.
2) Aromatherapy.
This sort of aid is based a holistic approach that involves inhaling certain scents to improve emotional well-being. It works by activating sensors in the nasal cavity which in turn sends signals to the brain. And, if you don't know much about this, you may be wondering if this could actually help your Pug.
While there are some promising studies and a lot of anecdotal (informal) evidence, this is not a magical cure. However, some dogs do respond very well to this and it can be part of an overall plan to reduce your Pug's separation anxiety.
If you'd like to try this, the most popular method is to use an oil diffuser like the
Zen Breeze Essential Oil Diffuser
and chose lavender oil which is well-known for its calming effects.
Be sure to set the diffuser where your Pug cannot reach it, such as up on a table or a sturdy high shelf. 3) Prescribed medications.
This should only be considered in severe cases in which anxiety is so bad that it is interfering with a dog's health and ability to function.
There are two main types of medications that may be prescribed. One option is benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), which certainly can help with anxiety for many dogs, but has possible side effects including increased appetite, moderate to severe drowsiness, and even increased anxiety in some cases. There is also a possible link to memory issues and the ability to learn new concepts.
The other option is antidepressants like buspirone. Possible side effects include loss of appetite, restlessness, nausea, headache, dizziness, aggression, and hyperexcitability. Clomipramine is another, with is a tricyclic antidepressant, but this carries the risk of side effects including lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, elevation in liver enzymes, confusion, increased thirst, increased heart rate, and/or convulsions.
Extra Tips
1)
Act casual and calm as you get ready to go. Do not overcompensate by offering lots of soothing words and hugs which dogs quickly learn means their human is about to leave the house.
2)
Don't turn around and go back in if you hear your Pug start to bark or whine; if so, this can be a never-ending cycle. Trust in the environment that you created and the aids that you have set up for your Pug.
3)
Do not place your Pug in their area right before you head out the door. Do this at least 20 minutes beforehand in a matter-of-fact manner.
4)
Teach your Pug that being in their area does not necessarily mean a long time without you. At random times, have your Pug go there, then leave the house but return just 5 or 10 minutes later.
5)
Arrive back home in a calm manner. Do not rush to your Pug proclaiming your love and gushing apologies. This can send the wrong message that it was a miracle that you returned.
Instead, place your keys down, grab a drink of water or sort through the mail, then casually release your Pug from their area and take them outside for bathroom needs. Once that is done, you can express your happiness and offer lots of attention. After being home all day, your Pug deserves some
fun interaction
and physical activity to release pent-up energy.