Radio On Against Separation Anxiety: Yes Or No?
Many leave the television or radio on to pets with separation anxiety. Especially when they intend to leave the pet home alone for a few hours, such as when they go to work. Sometimes they do this because they believe the animal in question will feel less alone, especially dogs.
Human beings are noisy beings. This is because our main form of communication is speech, and when we are in a group, sounds make us feel safer and more protected. Although most domesticated species have become accustomed to it, not all animals tolerate the noise we make in the same way.
As in other aspects of the relationship we establish with animals, there is a certain tendency to equate emotions, feelings and, in the end, to understand them through an anthropic vision. However, each animal species has its own ethology, a way of perceiving the world and communicating with it.
In fact, to make our pet truly happy and emotionally balanced, you should first try to understand him from his point of view, not yours. Let’s see together if it’s okay to leave the radio on for pets suffering from separation anxiety.
Radio and separation anxiety
Currently, many dogs suffer or have suffered from separation anxiety. Sometimes, this type of behavior only occurs during the first few months of the animal’s life. Subsequently, if the detachment has worked properly, the dog stops suffering from these episodes when he is left alone.
Conversely, many dogs can develop separation anxiety at any point in their life due to a multitude of factors. Therefore, separation anxiety in dogs is one of the main behavioral problems for which veterinary clinics or trainers are used.
Some dog owners who suffer from this problem choose to try to make the pet feel always accompanied and, therefore, leave the radio on at home. But is it a good solution?
At first glance, and without going into specific cases, the answer is no. Leaving the radio on for a dog with separation anxiety will not solve the problem. On the contrary, it could even make things worse.
Separation anxiety in dogs must be resolved with the full involvement of the owner in the life of the animal, guided by a professional in the sector. The dog must trust you, know that you will be there and that you will guide him towards the development of self-control and autonomy. These behavioral problems require professional help and leaving the radio on will not make the disturbance go away.
Parrots and the fear of silence
Parrots and Psittacidae birds are very popular pets. In this case, leaving the radio on when you leave them alone at home is helpful. Why?
These birds in the wild live in large social groups. Anyone who lives with a parrot can claim that it is one of the loudest animals to live with.
These animals whistle and scream continuously in the wild. For them, silence implies that something bad is coming. When a flock of parrots goes silent, it’s usually because a predator is lurking.
For this reason, it’s always good for parrots to have background music or other sounds, especially if they don’t live with others of their own species. But remember: there must be a quiet environment at night in order for them to rest properly.
Cats, silent and stealthy pets
Another typical pet is the cat. Due to its predatory and solitary nature, this domestic feline is extremely quiet. Anyone who owns a cat knows that their pet’s favorite hobby is to spend the day napping.
Cats are generally very calm animals who prefer silence or soft ambient sounds. Indeed, in homes where there is a lot of noise, constant banging or screaming, cats end up developing behavioral problems, such as aggression, depression or anxiety.
Even though they are very independent, cats suffer when the owner leaves the house. Despite their fame, cats are social animals that need a stable group and contact with their members. However, leaving the radio on is not the best option for them.
Is it helpful to leave the radio on for pets with separation anxiety?
Leaving the TV or radio on less so that your pet doesn’t feel alone is up to you. Perhaps your dog prefers to have background noise because it helps calm him down or, conversely, your parrot may hate that noise.
Above all, it is best to discuss these types of questions with a professional who can study the case and help you resolve all your doubts.
