Separation anxiety in Cane Corso puppies and adult dog breeds is quite common and it affects a lot of dogs around the world. Cane Corso dogs with issues like separation anxiety generally are incapable of finding comfort when the dog owner leaves them alone or when they are isolated from the family.
Absolutely! Here’s a breakdown of separation anxiety in Cane Corsos, how to recognize it, and strategies for managing this challenging issue:
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Cane Corsos
- Common but Challenging: Separation anxiety is a serious behavioral issue that can significantly impact both your Cane Corso’s quality of life and your own. While Corsos are known for their loyalty and bond with their owners, this intensity can make them more susceptible to anxiety when left alone.
- Signs to Watch For: Key symptoms include:
- Destructive Behavior: Chewing on furniture, scratching at doors/windows, etc.
- Elimination Issues: Indoor accidents even when house-trained.
- Vocalization: Excessive barking, howling, or whining.
- Pacing, Restlessness, Panting: Signs of significant distress.
Causes of Separation Anxiety in Cane Corsos
- Changes in Routine: A new family member, moving homes, or shifts in your work schedule can all trigger anxiety.
- Lack of Socialization: Inadequate exposure to new people and situations early on can make them overly reliant on your presence.
- Breed Predisposition: Their history as guardians and strong attachment to their owners can make separation more difficult.
- Traumatic Experiences: Past abandonment, neglect, or being left alone for extended periods can lead to anxiety.
How to Help Your Cane Corso with Separation Anxiety
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Vet Consultation: Rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to behavioral changes. Your vet can also discuss medication options if anxiety is severe.
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Gradual Desensitization: Start by leaving your Corso for VERY short periods (seconds at first), slowly increasing the duration as they remain calm. Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.
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Counterconditioning: Change your dog’s association with being alone. Leave them with puzzle toys, long-lasting chews, or a frozen Kong filled with treats to create positive experiences while you’re gone.
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Crate Training Done Right: A crate can provide a safe space IF introduced gradually and positively. Never use it as punishment.
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Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired and engaged Corso is less likely to be destructive. Provide ample physical activity and mental enrichment before you leave.
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Calming Aids: Consider:
- Pheromone Diffusers: Can provide a sense of comfort.
- Thundershirts: The gentle pressure can be soothing for some dogs.
- Music/White Noise: To mask potentially alarming sounds.
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Professional Help: If anxiety is severe, seek a behaviorist specializing in separation anxiety. They can tailor a desensitization plan and address any underlying fears.
Key Takeaways
- Patience is Key: Overcoming separation anxiety takes time and consistency. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
- No Quick Fixes: Be wary of methods claiming an instant cure. Addressing anxiety requires a multifaceted approach.
- Your Well-Being Matters Too: Severe separation anxiety can be stressful for owners. Seek support from your vet or a behaviorist to manage your own emotions.
- Prevention for Puppies: Early socialization and gradual independence training go a long way in preventing severe anxiety from developing.
Remember, with dedication and the right support, you can help your Cane Corso overcome their separation anxiety and live a happier, less stressed life.
Symptoms Of Cane Corsos Separation Anxiety Disorder:
So how will you know whether your Cane Corso puppy is suffering from Separation anxiety issues or not? Well, many significant signs show that your dog is different from other dogs as they are going through an anxiety disorder.
By knowing the signs of anxiety, dog owners can provide the right anxiety medications and can treat the anxiety of their beloved dogs. So, here are the symptoms as per American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Defecating or urinating in the house
- Aggression
- Shaking and shivering
- Panting
- Drooling
- Depression
- Destructive behavior
- Pacing
- Excessive barking with loud noises
- Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
- Scratching and digging at windows and doors
- Restlessness, etc.
A few of these signs may be the outcome of periodic anxiety-causing affairs, however, any of these symptoms can become recurrent. Thus, often result in further serious issues. Therefore, take action as soon as you notice anxious behavior or extreme stress, and try managing anxiety by taking proper preventatives.
Prevention Of Cane Corso’s Anxiety:
Dealing with Cane Corso’s stress can be challenging. This is because it’s quite hard to determine the exact method that will make your dog cope with anxiety and make your dog calm down.
And it is even more challenging to determine whether the dog’s anxiety will grow into a further serious disorder or not. Nevertheless, there are methods to help a guard dog avoid anxiety-related issues.
Here are a few prevention methods you can follow to help your puppies or older dogs to deal with issues like anxiety when you leave the house.
Body Language
Dog owners must learn body language. Yes, it is a big deal. Whether you own a Black cane Corso to any other Cane Corso, it is very important to learn your dog’s behavior and pet’s nervous reaction.
Understanding when the dog is scared or uncomfortable can assist you avoid harmful experiences or utilize them as an approving training moment. Dog body language can even tell you if your dog is getting nervous, which is particularly useful in case your dog suffers anxiety and aggression-related issues.
Obedience Training
You need to provide proper obedience training to your guard dogs. It is an important tool for controlling and handling dog anxiety. Obedience training establishes trust and lays the basis of a healthy relationship.
A well-trained and obedient dog will get socialized more easily in the dog park than many dogs who are not trained, and obedience lessons are an excellent place for most dogs to meet other pets in an undisturbed environment.
Practice Socialization From Early Age
Proper socialization will prevent your Cane Corso dog from developing anxiety. Introducing your large dogs to new dogs, places, people, animals, and adventures can help bypass an exaggerated reaction down the road, as well as help your hunting dogs become well-adjusted.
If you own a dog that may suffer from separation anxiety because you are a busy dog owner, then early socialization is very important for your dog.
Nutrition and Exercise
Regular stimulation and exercise are vital for your dog’s development, mental, and physical well-being. A well-stimulated working breed of dog is less potential to pick up a destructive behavior, and good food is equally significant for your dog’s health. Thus, you need to pay attention to the fact that what your dog eats in a day.
Ensuring your dog’s mental and physical requirements can help you stop any behavior issues that do not stem from anxiety, allowing you to understand your dog better.
Situation Avoidance
In case your Cane Corsos often experience separation anxiety, you can try to prevent or avoid situations that start your dog’s anxiety. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that natural products and therapies can help puppies with anxiety. Also, to avoid such a situation, you can offer several dog sports actions.
How To Treat Anxiety Disorder In Cane Corso Puppies?
Cane corsos can develop anxiety-like human beings. So, if your dog is also showing symptoms of separation anxiety, then you can follow these treatment methods to deal with your dog’s anxiety.
Crate Training And Keeping Your Dog Busy With A Job
Dogs can find safety in crates. However, since crate training can make some dogs anxious, you must be careful when using this method. To figure this out, you must be mindful of what the dog is doing.
Instead of containing them if they’re stressed, consider a baby gate. You should assign your dog tasks. They have access to food puzzle toys, new hikes, and dog sports. To prevent anxiety, you will want to ensure your dog receives as much mental stimulation as you can.
Anxiety Medications
If your cane Corso develops a severe anxiety disorder, the vet may suggest natural therapies or medications for anxiety. Antidepressants and SSRIs are often prescribed for Cane Corsos with anxiety, such as clomipramine and fluoxetine.
For common anxiety-producing occasions like fireworks, loud noises, car rides (travel anxiety), fear aggression, or thunderstorms, your veterinary behaviorist may prescribe a medicine such as a benzodiazepine along with an antidepressant that will help your Cane Corso cope with the anxiety.
Music Therapy
While your dog and you are in the car or at home, music can help you both unwind and rest. Street noises that could be bothersome can also be muted by music. If your dog has anxiety, you should put your time to good use by doing this.
Even if anxiety is not always a terrible thing, it’s best to ignore a destructive dog. To keep them away from the situation, you might want to box them for a little period. If your dog is anxious, time-outs can help.
Using CBD Oil
A few dog owners have said using CBD oil can treat dog anxiety disorder. CBD is generally a compound mainly found in hemp and cannabis that many dog owners, and human beings, have found helpful for treating a wide range of different health issues. Anecdotal information from dog owners claims that CBD oil is effective in managing dog anxiety.
It is necessary to note, nevertheless, that although most human beings use CBD oil, there is presently no scientific information on using CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety. Moreover, CBD oil isn’t yet regulated — meaning purity and consistency aren’t always validated.
thus, in case you are considering utilizing CBD oil for dog anxiety treatment, it is better to consult the vet. Your vet can help you decide whether CBD oil is a good treatment or not, as well as advise different products.
FINAL WORDS
The best method to deal with the anxiety of your Cane Corso dog is to consult your vet. Your vet can assist you to determine the anxiety type and the potential triggers and causes. Also, your vet can help you know whether the anxiety is just situational, or it’s becoming a serious issue for your beloved dog.
Your vet will help you get a proper treatment plan for your dog. Since extreme anxiety is usually caused by a lot of factors, the most useful method to treat anxiety is mainly through a variety of preventive strategies, training, and medications.
