I need help for separation anxiety

by Ratna
(Downers Grove, Illinois)

Should I leave my 22 months old coton de tulear with a pet sitter b/c we are planning a vacation (5to 6 days may be)??He is very attached to me and very clingy. My concern is how he is going to deal with separation anxiety. I will be worried for him when we leave him at home and I may not enjoy my vacation. My husband doesn't seem much concerned about him and thinks he will be just fine. Has anybody left their coton for long vacation or should we take him with us since we will be driving ?? Any advice?? Thanks!!

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Apr 19, 2017
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Pet sitting NEW
by: Linda

Of course the best case scenario is taking your Coton with you but it will restrict what you do while on vacation. The second best thing is if you have a trustworthy friend that will stay at your house and pet sit. That way your dog is in familiar surroundings. I would never board my dogs at a kennel!!!

Apr 11, 2017
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Travel by car with anxiety NEW
by: Iris

PS I would be afraid to travel with a dog by car in the summer especially because of the real threat of heat stroke to your dog.
Even on a plane I brought a battery operated fan to try and cool my dog under the seat in his carrier until the plane turned on the air conditioning .
There really is not a good solution, other than getting your Coton comfortable with a dog sitter he and you know and trust.
Best of luck ( please also see my previous reply, it's worth the cost and energy to hire a professional to train your dog and you not to have separation anxiety. I am sorry I did not have the wherewithal to do that with my dog Tuffy.
Iris&Tuffy

Apr 11, 2017
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Take on vacation, separation anxiety NEW
by: Iris

Hello, I hope you've alrEdy made your decision and all worked out for the best for your family and your dog.
I can only speak from my own experience , both my 9 year old Tuffy, a Coton, and I have separation anxiety. Tuffy has traveled cross country by plane many times since he was four months old. One time I had to make the cross country trip for a funeral,and had to leave him home with my son and daughter in law who knew him well and lived in the same house. They were very loving and conscientious taking care of him, even so, after a day or two he shut down and refused food and drink.when I left Tuffy he weighed ten pounds, when I came back after a week, he'd lost so much weight I could slip my whole hand through his collar.
There is no good answer to your question, because traveling with a dog and the making plans and arrangement for the dog at your destination can be frustrating and difficult. Tuffy hibernates for many hours during travel in his carry case and does not eat or drink until we settle somewhere. I am also now concerned that it may be a contributing factor to his bladderstones and surgeries to remove them.
I take Tuffy everywhere I go, I zip him in his carrying case when I go into a restaurant or grocery store or doctor's office.
I can never leave him alone in my apartment because he is fearful and barks. I'm afraid of the apartment managers threat that if he creates a disturbance they will have him picked up by animal control. Tuffy has reoccurring calcium oxylate bladder stones and has four surgeries for that problem in less than three years. I would suggest you invest in a professional trainer to undo your dog's anxiety and find him a trustworthy dog sitter. I truly wish I had done that. Love and blessings, Iris& Tuffy

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