Spanish Water Dogs (SWD) are less well-known than many other breeds, but their popularity among dog lovers is rapidly increasing due to their kind, loving, and low-maintenance nature. They’re a loyal, dependent breed that is a great choice for families with or without young children, and they’re relatively allergy-friendly as well.
Spanish Water Dogs were originally bred to be both a herder and a waterfowl retriever. Some SWDs are effective watchdogs as well. However, their primary purpose these days is to serve as a companion animal.
As with all dogs, some Spanish Water Dogs are prone to anxiety. They are extremely intelligent and are incredibly perceptive to human emotions. That means you can play a big part in treating Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety.
Owners tend to take the wrong approach to separation anxiety by reinforcing it by making a big deal when they come home, for example. A more hands-off approach is often much more effective. Whether through behavioral changes (which we’ll cover below) or dietary supplements like pure, natural full-spectrum CBD oils from SeaPet.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Dogs who are excessively attached or dependent on their family, or “pack”, sometimes develop separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in Spanish Water Dogs can manifest itself in many ways — most of them destructive to non-canine property. They may also bark the entire time you’re gone from the house — not a crime, but certainly not the best way to get to know your neighbors.
One interesting fact is that separation anxiety can be dependent on the time of day that the owner leaves. For example, sometimes it only happens when the owner leaves for work, or if there’s a departure that’s out of the norm.
Separation anxiety can also be caused by many things, including (but not limited to) changes in:
- Owner: A surrendered or abandoned dog is more prone to separation anxiety.
- Schedule: A change of schedule where your SWD is left alone more or longer can trigger separation anxiety.
- Residence: Moving house can be incredibly tough on dogs and separation anxiety may manifest itself in a new house.
- Family: A sudden absence of a family member (death, moving away) can be a major player in separation anxiety.
If you’re unsure as to whether Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety is a problem in your house, try setting up a pet cam. Take a look at the footage and see what your dog does when you’re gone. Some signs of separation anxiety include:
- Excessive barking
- Destructive behavior
- Having accidents while you’re gone
- A tendency to be “clingy”
- An elevated need for attention or petting
- Shaking, shivering, or salivating upon your departure
While the obvious solution may seem to be a crate, crates should be used with caution. Spanish Water Dogs with separation anxiety can try desperately to escape, which can result in injuries.
How is Separation Anxiety Treated?
There are many schools of thought about treating separation anxiety, from natural methods to pharmaceuticals. If your SWD’s separation anxiety is mild, it’s generally best treated with behavioral changes or training. For example, you might give your dog a special treat that he only gets when you leave. The toy is then put away when you get home.
SWDs are classified as working dogs, which means they do best when they have a “job” to keep them occupied. As hunting and herding are less common activities these days, you can ward off the symptoms of Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety by giving your dog a fair amount of exercise daily, whether that’s long walks, a round of fetch in the lake, agility training…whatever your dog likes best!
You should also try not to get your dog excited when you come home. If you ignore your dog for the first few minutes after your arrival, they’ll be less keyed up when you get home. But one of the easiest solutions is to add supplements to your dog’s diet.
CBD and Spanish Water Dog Separation Anxiety
Using CBD might be familiar to you in terms of human consumption, but many are not aware of the calming effect it can have on animals, including dogs. CBD is a compound that is extracted from the hemp plant (not the marijuana plant, so no worries about your dog feeling any psychoactive effects!
Thee’s a ton of anecdotal evidence that CBD is effective for dogs of all breeds, including Spanish Water Dogs. There are currently formal studies being conducted — the idea is that CBD works on your dog just the same as it does on you.
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a compound that works together with endocannabinoid receptors in a dog’s central and peripheral nervous system. This supports a healthy immune system, works as an anti-inflammatory, and eases Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety.
Where Can I Get the Best Spanish Water Dog Separation Anxiety Treatment?
If you’re looking for a Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety treatment, you want to look for the best product available. Read the labels! You will want to look for a high-quality CBD, and this entails checking for third-party testing, proper methods of production, and accurate strength measurements.
While it may seem odd to some that you’d look out for anything untoward in a natural product, it’s true — not all CBD products are created equal. Some inexpensive brands may contain THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana), pesticides, or other toxins you definitely don’t want your dog to consume.
With more than a quarter-century in the business, you can trust us to ease your Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety with our high-quality CBD. Our aim is to provide owners with a trustworthy source for their CBD needs. And we don’t stop at CBD: We also stock a full line of natural supplements, including fish oils, joint supplements, and more.
If you’re ready to try a natural Spanish Water Dog separation anxiety treatment, SeaPet’s Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract is the place to start. Get yours today.
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