How to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
Do you feel that your dog gets nervous when they see you getting ready to leave the house? Do you arrive home to a very anxious dog? Does your dog destroy shoes, jump, or claw at the door, or chew on items when you are gone? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety happens when a dog that’s hyper-attached to their owner gets super stressed when they are left alone. Keep in mind that this is a serious condition, but thankfully there are plenty of things you can do to help.
You may be wondering about the signs of separation anxiety. These include:
- Howling or barking in excess
- Having indoor accidents, even if they are housebroken
- Drool, pant, or salivate more than usual
- Pace, often in an obsessive pattern
- Chew things up, scratch at windows, or doors
What are some things that you can do to help the situation?
- Give your dog a treat each time you leave. We recommend that you investigate treats that help calm your dog. There are also many supplements on the market which will help calm your dog as well!
- Do not make a big deal about your comings and goings. Ignore your dog for the first few minutes after you get home.
- Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you.
Your dog may get nervous if they see you picking up your keys or putting on your shoes. Continue to gather your belongings, but don’t leave right away. Put on your shoes, grab your keys, and sit at the table. When your dog starts to feel less anxious about it, you can slowly start to disappear. Only you can tell if your dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods of time. Another thing to consider is making sure that your dog is getting enough exercise throughout the day. A tired, happy dog will be less stressed when you leave. If you try all our tips and you are still experiencing separation anxiety, it is time to visit the veterinarian for an expert opinion. They will be able to guide you in the right direction!
