Your dog’s wagging tail and eager eyes are a source of endless joy, but what happens when those same eyes are filled with anxiety at the mere thought of you leaving? Separation anxiety is a common struggle for many dogs. From incessant barking to destructive behaviors, the signs can be very distressing for both you and your dog. Let’s take a closer look at what separation anxiety looks like and tips for dog separation anxiety, and what you can do to ease it when you aren’t home.
Understanding Separation Anxiety In Dogs
With a pack mentality hard-wired into their brains, most dogs are very sociable and want to be around their owners all the time. If they aren’t properly trained to see alone time as a good thing, it can cause some issues—namely separation anxiety.
Your dog may have separation anxiety if they frequently do the following when you aren’t home:
- Excessive barking – Your dog barks and whines persistently when left alone.
- Destructive behaviors – Your dog chews, scratches, or destroys things in your home.
- Bathroom accidents – Your dog has indoor accidents even if they are house-trained.
- Pacing – Your dog continually moves around your house or acts restless.
- Escape attempts – Your dog tries to escape from your house or their crate to find you.
- Excessive greeting behavior – Your dog is overly excited or frantic when you return home.
If things like this happen from time to time, it may not be cause for concern. But, if your dog seems to be exhibiting similar behaviors, you should start paying closer attention and noting their behavioral issues. While these signs can point to separation anxiety, they can also point to certain medical issues, too.
Make sure to make an appointment with your vet to rule out any medical causes or other issues that could be causing these behavioral issues in your pup.
Your vet may also be able to provide you with some tips and adjustments you can make if these issues do seem to be stemming from separation anxiety. Let’s talk about a few.
6 Tips for Dog Separation Anxiety
1. Create a Comfortable Environment For Your Dog
If your dog has separation anxiety, it’s important that you do what you can to help them feel secure when you aren’t around. You should start by creating a soothing, safe environment for your dog
Select a quiet area in your house where your dog feels comfortable. This might be the corner of your living room or the spare bedroom. If your dog is crate trained, that is a perfect safe haven for them.
In your dog’s space, leave t-shirts or blankets that carry your scent. This gives your dog a bit of comfort and reassurance when you aren’t around.
Leave out your dog’s favorite toy or some chew items to try to keep them occupied while you’re away. You might play calming music, or maybe even white noise if traffic or other sounds upset your pup. Look into pheromone diffusers or calming sprays, which could help relax your dog.
Make sure that your windows, doors, and gates are closed and secure to prevent any escape attempts. You might want to add cameras or monitors to keep an eye on your dog throughout the day. If your dog is an escape artist, take some time to talk with your neighbors about your dog’s separation anxiety and give them ways they can help in an emergency.
2. Establish Consistent Routine
A consistent daily routine can be a powerful tool when managing your dog’s separation anxiety. Structure and predictability can really help ease your dog’s anxiety.
Aim to feed your dog at the same times every day. Avoid feeding your dog immediately before you leave—that may make them associate feeding time with you leaving.
Your dog may recognize certain departure cues, like grabbing your keys, putting on your shoes, or anything else you may routinely do before leaving. While you’re at home, take some time to desensitize your dog from those cues. Associate them with positive experiences and help them create positive associations with some of their triggers.
3. Burn Energy Before You Leave
Get out and about with your dog daily to help them burn off a little bit of energy. A tired pup is typically a good pup. Burning off that energy may help alleviate any destructive habits they tend to have while you’re away. If you can fit it within your schedule, try to take your dog on a walk or to play before you leave.
If you aren’t able to physically get out before going to work, you’ll want to have a few mentally stimulating activities for your pup to do before leaving. Chewing is a simple way to get your dog mentally engaged while also helping with their anxiety.
When choosing chews for your dog, opt for options that are safe, durable, and suitable for their chewing habits. Make sure you are giving your dog durable chews that can withstand without splintering or causing potential choking hazards for your dog. Dental chews are a great option to distract your dog while also cleaning their teeth. You should never leave your dog unattended with a chew, though, so make sure to take this away before you leave for the day.
4. Find Enrichment Activities
Enrichment activities aren’t just fun for your dog—they’re also great for your dog’s mental and physical well-being. Setting up some enrichment activities for your dog while you’re away can keep them distracted and sharpen their minds.
Introduce interactive treat dispensers and puzzle toys to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated in your absence. Fill treat dispensers with your dog’s favorite treats or their kibble to help encourage play. Keep it interesting and fun for your dog by rotating through different types of treats.
5. Hire a dog walker or enroll your pup in doggy daycare
In an ideal world, we would be able to check up on our pups at any point in the day, but this isn’t realistic if you don’t work from home. If your work requires you to clock long hours in the office and you aren’t able to pop back home, you may want to hire a dog walker to get them up and active. If your dog is sociable, taking them to doggy daycare a couple of days a week can help adjust to you being away.
6. Seek Guidance From Your Vet or Behavioral Specialist
If your dog is still experiencing separation anxiety despite your best efforts, you should speak to your vet about alternatives that may help. Based on your dog’s age, health, and habits, your vet will be able to recommend certain medications or supplements that can help with your dog’s anxiety.
Easing separation anxiety in your dog is no easy task. With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, though, you can make a positive difference in your pup’s life. By creating a safe environment, establishing consistent routines, and providing your dog with enriching activities, you’ll not only help alleviate their anxiety but also strengthen your bond. With love and dedication, you can help your dog find peace and contentment, even when you’re apart.
