How To Deal With Basset Hound’s Separation Anxiety

If your basset hound doesn’t have separation anxiety, you need to check if you indeed have a basset hound. Separation anxiety is something that many basset hound owners are complaining about. Although it is cute at first, it gets old. They are known for being needy and clingy dogs.

Please note that separation anxiety is very real in your basset hound’s mind. They think that you are leaving them forever, even if you only went to the bathroom. When a basset hound experiences separation anxiety, he will start to howl, urinate, chew up shoes, and all kinds of other trouble. You have to learn how to deal with your basset hound’s separation anxiety.

How To Deal With Basset Hound’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is very real and you have to learn how to deal with that. Your basset hound will experience this condition every time you leave for work, go to the bathroom, or go to the grocery shop. You might end up with some chewed shoes, or complaints from your neighbors about howling. Here is how to deal with your basset hound’s separation anxiety:

1. Take them for a walk prior to leaving

A great way to deal with your basset hound’s separation anxiety is to tire him out before leaving. It doesn’t take a lot to tire a basset hound because they are already tired as soon as they wake up.

Take your basset hound for a walk before you leave for work. They will have less energy to devote to destruction after you are gone. They will probably spend the day sleeping on the couch or eating.

2. Keep them busy after you leave

As soon as you leave your basset hound alone, he will start howling. They hate when they are left alone, but you have to go to work. So, you need to find a way to keep them busy after you leave. I found out that hiding treats behind the couch, or behind the curtains kept my basset hound busy for hours.

You can leave a treat trail that will keep your basset hound busy sniffing out treats all around the house. They are natural hunters, so leaving a treat trail will keep them busy for hours. Make sure that you don’t hide a treat in your wardrobe because they will take out all of your clothes in the process.

3. Give them treats

You can win your basset hound’s heart through his belly. You can bribe your basset hound with a tasty snack right before you leave for work. That will keep him satisfied for some time. Then, give them another treat when you come home from work (if he’s been a good boy).

Make sure to choose a healthy treat that your basset hound loves. Mine loves eating strawberries. Maybe yours would love peanut butter or some of the approved vegetables.

4. Buy them a special toy

Another great way to deal with your basset hound’s separation anxiety is to buy them a toy that they will enjoy. But, make sure you give them this toy only when you leave. He will associate your leaving with that toy and he will find comfort in it.

Make sure that the toy is not made out of some material that he can shred, or pull the stuffing out. My basset hound has a chewable toy that he loves. Plus, it keeps his teeth clean in between brushing sessions.

5. Create a treat maze

I love this tip. When I used to train my basset hound, he didn’t care much and was always slow and lazy. I thought that he is not a very intelligent dog so I didn’t hold a grudge against him. But, little that I know. Basset hounds are actually very intelligent dogs but chose to hide their intellect.

One day, I left treats all around the house. But, this time he had to use his brain to get them. I left one treat behind a chair that was close to the wall, so he will have to move the chair to get the treat. Then, I left another treat behind a closed door which you could open only by pushing. When I got home after work, all of the treats were gone. So, each day I leave him with more and more complex tasks that he has to finish if he wants a treat.

6. Crate-train them

You can leave your basset hound in a crate when you leave for work. But, you should only do so if your basset hound has had crate training. This is something that you need to take into consideration. You can’t just put your basset hound in a crate and go to work. This will do more harm than good.

Introduce your basset hound to the crate by putting their favorite blanket in the crate. Then, you can start feeding him meals inside the crate. Put some of his favorite toys in the crate. When you see that your basset hound is going to his crate without you telling him, he has been crate trained, and only then you can leave them for a long period of time.

7. Use homeopathic remedies

Some basset hound owners use homeopathic remedies to deal with their dog’s separation anxiety. The separation anxiety will vary from dog to dog. There are some dogs that simply cannot deal with the fact that you have to leave them.

Homeopathic remedies are made from natural ingredients such as chamomile, Valeriana, Ignatia, and other natural ingredients. Even though they are all-natural, I would consider talking to the vet before giving my basset hound any medicine, natural or not.

8. Medicate according to the vet

You should only medicate your basset hound for his anxiety separation only if the vet has suggested it. It is important to follow the directions given by the vet as well as the recommended dosage.

Basically, medicine for the treatment of separation anxiety for your basset hound is antidepressant drugs. That is something that only the vet can recommend and prescribe.

9. Never leave them

This is something that every basset hound would love! But, it is not doable. The only thing you can do is spend as much time with your pet as you can. If he is a good boy, take him with you when you go shopping, or visit a friend.

Are Basset Hounds Prone To Separation Anxiety?

Basset Hounds are just as susceptible to separation anxiety as any other breed of dog. In fact, due to their eagerness to please, you may find that your Basset Hound faces this disorder more.

Separation anxiety can lead to symptoms such as destructive behavior, persistent barking and howling when left alone, urinating and defecating inside the house, pacing, panting, and salivating heavily.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common behavioral disorder that can occur when owners leave their pet’s homes alone. Many dogs experience this form of extreme stress due to being left alone for extended periods of time, feeling anxious in new environments, or not having proper socialization training.

If a Basset Hound does suffer from separation anxiety, it is important for owners to help them cope by providing lots of exercises beforehand and leaving recognizable items like toys or clothing near the door so they recognize that you will come back.

Also establishing a routine is recommended so the pet knows what to expect when their family leaves home every day. With patience and understanding an owner can reduce their pet’s anxiety levels over time.