How to help dogs with separation anxiety

When dogs have separation anxiety, they find it stressful to be apart from the people they’re most attached to. They can become extremely anxious, and their distress can reveal itself in a wide range of behaviours.

Dogs can develop separation anxiety at different stages of their life, leading you to notice sudden differences in their behaviour. There’s a range of factors that can cause it, and unfortunately the reason behind it can be hard to identify.

Some dogs begin to feel anxious if there’s a big change in their life – such as moving to a new house or family. It might occur if they suddenly begin to spend a lot less time with their owners than they’re used to, such as when people return to work or school. Even the loss of another family pet can bring about separation anxiety.

Other contributing factors are historical. For example, some dogs who have previously been affected by anxiety are more susceptible to experiencing it again. So, it’s always worth thinking about how any changes in your life or your dog’s life might affect them and make them feel anxious.

To spot signs of separation anxiety in dogs, you can set up a camera to record your pet while you’re away. It’s also worth paying close attention to their behaviour when you’re at home, as some signs can start before they’re separated from you.

Typical signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Following you around your home
• Trying to leave the house with you when you head out
• Barking, whimpering, or whining when you leave or after you’ve gone
• Staying close to the door you left through
• Pacing or being unable to rest while you’re away
• Destructive behaviours such as chewing or destroying things when they’re alone
• Reacting to noises when they’re alone that wouldn’t concern them when you’re at home

Other signs to look out for, which may seem less connected, but can still be signs of separation anxiety include:

• Loss of appetite
• House soiling when they’re alone, even though they’re house trained
• Panting and drooling
• Obsessive behaviours such as over-grooming and excessive licking

Your dog may do some of these things to an extent when you’re at home. But if they have separation anxiety, these behaviours will become much worse when they’re left alone.

1. Speak to your vet

If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, it’s important to tackle it. It’s impractical for you to stay at home continually, but it’s also challenging for your dog to be affected in this way.

What to take with you to the vet

Your vet is likely to ask questions such as:

• How long have you owned your dog?
• Who is usually in your house and when?
• Are the behaviours related to one person leaving or when your dog is totally alone?
• Has your routine changed and if so, how?
• Have there been other changes, such as you moving house?
• Has there been an absence in your home recently?
• Do you have other pets?
• Is your dog from a rescue or shelter?

The answers to these questions will help your vet determine whether your dog has separation anxiety or if something else is the problem.

2. Separation anxiety training for dogs

Early support and proactive management can help reduce the likelihood of your dog developing separation anxiety. Here’s what you can do to help prepare your dog for you to leave the house more often and for longer periods of time. These approaches may also help if your dog is already showing signs of separation anxiety.

Create a consistent, predictable routine

If you’re working from home more than usual or at home over the holidays, it’s tempting to enjoy lots of time with your dog. But establishing a routine that more closely resembles normal life is more beneficial for them. A consistent routine enables your dog to predict what will happen next and goes a long way to reducing their stress levels.

Start spending more time apart

The routine you create should include your dog spending some time away from you and anyone else in your household. It’s important to make sure your dog has everything they need to feel comfortable in your absence, though.

3. Leave and arrive home quietly

Always keep your hellos and goodbyes low key. When your leaving and homecoming rituals involve minimal fuss, it helps your dog to understand that your absence isn’t anything to worry about. Prolonged goodbyes and hugs at the door may increase separation anxiety in dogs. It’s best not to make a big fuss when you first arrive home either, but you can give your dog all the attention and affection you want once you’re settled in.

4. Practice at home

When you’re at home more, it’s a good time to practice crate training or teach your dog to go to their bed on command. You should also make sure you reinforce calm behaviour. For example, next time your dog is relaxing on their bed, praise them for being calm and maybe even give them a healthy treat.

5. Make sure they stay active

Before your dog has some time alone, make sure they’ve had enough exercise. If they’re a little tired, they’re more likely to have a nap while you’re away or at least find it easier to relax.

6. Ask for help

Planning ahead is a big part of how to help dogs with separation anxiety. You can manage the transition for your dog by establishing a network of people who can help, such as family, friends, dog walkers, and day care-centres. Make sure you start using their support before the change in your routine, though, so your pet has a chance to get used to them.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, or you’ve been spending a lot of time at home with them, you may have to begin by being apart for shorter periods. You may also need to start by introducing time alone when you’re still close by – in another room, for example. Once your dog is comfortable with being left alone, you can gradually extend the length of time you’re away.

If your workplace allows employees to bring pets to the office, this can be useful to limit the amount of time your dog spends at home alone. However, it’s important to remember that your dog may still need to have time on their own so that when they can’t be brought into the office, they’re fully prepared for the situation.

The following suggestions may help when you start spending more time away from your dog.

Use enrichment activities

Try using feeding toys or hiding food around your house while you’re away. This will give your dog something to do, stimulate their brain, and enable them to express their natural behaviours. Start slowly and allow your dog to get used to any feeding puzzles while you’re around before giving them one to use when they’re alone.

Leave your scent

When you leave your dog, make sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to rest with a special treat or toy. You could also leave a blanket or piece of clothing carrying your scent with them, as this may help to comfort them.

Turn the TV or radio on

Turn the TV or radio on.

Ask an expert

If you think that your dog may be affected by separation anxiety, don’t blame yourself and don’t try to deal with it alone. Make sure you contact your vet first if you think you have spotted signs of separation anxiety in your dog. They may then refer you to an animal behaviourist, who can give you extra support and specialist guidance. And remember, whichever approach you try, preventing or reducing your dog’s separation anxiety takes a lot of patience and love. So be kind to yourself as well as your dog.