How to Use a Pet Camera to Treat Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Does your dog get distressed when they’re left alone? Your canine pal may be suffering from separation anxiety. Thankfully, we live in the age of technology, and one particular gadget can be an invaluable tool to help treat separation anxiety in dogs.

A camera for dogs will allow you to monitor your dog remotely and provide reassurance to your dog via two-way sound. You can even opt for a remote treat dispensing camera to reward good behavior from afar. So, let’s look at how your pet camera can help address your dog’s separation anxiety.

1 Get the right one

Before you head out to purchase your dog-watching camera, take a moment to consider your needs. Pet cameras have a range of features you’ll need to assess, such as video quality, two-way audio, night vision, motion detection, and treat dispensers. Decide which features you need and which will best help you treat your dog’s separation anxiety.

You’ll want a camera for dogs that can be accessed remotely via your mobile phone to ensure constant access to your beloved canine. Look for a camera that’s simple to install and offers a wide field of view so you can monitor those essential areas where your dog spends most of their time.

2 Introduce your dog to the pet camera

Educating your dog and introducing it to the dog cam slowly is really important. Allow them to observe the camera and get used to its presence. Remember, it can be confusing and distressing for your dog to hear your voice when they can’t see you or smell you nearby.

Gradually introduce your dog to the two-way audio and make sure you test the sound levels so you don’t end up frightening your poor pooch with an unnecessarily loud volume settling. When you want to talk to your dog while you’re out, be mindful of the noise levels around you that could be startling to your dog.

Do everything you can to make the camera for dogs a positive thing in your dog’s world so they’re more likely to embrace it.

3 Get into the groove

Dogs do well with a routine, so ensuring you adhere to a consistent schedule for coming and going can help prepare your doggo and make it less alarming for them when you do leave. Once you’ve left, use the dog-watching camera to observe your dog’s reaction to your absence and note any signs of distress.

Knowing what sets your dog off or upsets them while you’re out can help you provide the comfort or solution your dog needs.

4 Boredom busting

A contributing factor to separation anxiety is boredom. Your pet camera can be very useful here to connect with your pet remotely, especially those with a treat dispenser. Some models even offer the ability to vary the distance and force of the treat throw so you can mix it up and keep things interesting with your doggo.

Other stimulating activities to entertain your doggo while you are out include puzzle toys that help to distract your dog from the fact that you’re not there.

5 Gradual increase in alone time

Start by leaving your dog alone for a short time and handsomely praising and rewarding good behavior while you’re out (use the dog-watching camera here). Gradually increase the time you are gone to help your dog adapt to more extended absences.

When your dog becomes comfortable, you can extend the time you’re gone even more, using the camera to ascertain your dog’s level of comfort. Remember to positively reinforce desired behavior using loads of verbal praise and treats.

Final thoughts

Pet cameras can be an effective tool for managing separation anxiety in dogs. Getting the right camera to suit your needs, getting your dog used to the camera, establishing a routine, providing plenty of stimulation and enrichment, and gradually increasing the amount of time you’re gone can significantly reduce your dog’s anxiety.

Patience and consistency are essential, as is positive reinforcement for desired behavior when using a dog cam to treat your dog’s separation anxiety. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to solving your dog’s separation anxiety for good.