How to help a dog with separation anxiety

Does your pooch feel anxious when they’re left by themselves? Read on for our tips for helping a dog with separation anxiety.

As much as we love hanging out with our furry friends, there are times when we have to leave them at home alone or with someone else. Sadly, this can lead to dog separation anxiety, which can be distressing for our poor pooches.

This can be an issue that develops throughout their upbringing or is brought on by other factors, such as a new environment or owner, a change in routine, or even past trauma. Another major cause of dog separation anxiety in recent years, has been owners returning to the office after a prolonged period of working at home in the company of their dog. This meant that dogs who had got used to having their humans at home, had to adjust to being left by themselves or with a dog sitter, or even becoming an office dog.

If you think your dog has separation anxiety, carry on reading for some of the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs and how to deal with it.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs

Dog separation anxiety can be difficult to diagnose, because the signs usually happen when your dog is on their own. A good way to monitor your pooch’s behaviour when you’re not there, is to use a pet cam.

Some of the main symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs are:

Howling, barking or whimpering
Having “accidents” indoors, even when they are toilet trained
Chewing and destruction
Pacing around
Trying to escape
Excessive licking, panting, yawning and nibbling at themselves

Waltham research has focused on learning more about what causes these sorts of behaviours in dogs, with the aim of developing effective treatments to help them. However, experts agree that prevention is better than a cure. Dr. Tammie King, pet behaviourist at Waltham, and Dr. Alexandra Moesta share what owners can do if they suspect their dog has separation anxiety:

How to prevent separation anxiety in dogs

Spend regular time apart
Avoid a sudden transition from spending all your time with your pooch, to leaving them alone for long periods of time. Instead, start with short stints apart, such as closing your pet in a separate room for a little while or popping to the shop. Be sure to start with brief absences and gradually build up the time you are apart. Dogs become attached to their owners, so any sudden absence can be tough for them.
Don’t make a fuss when you leave
You want to tell your pet that your absence isn’t a big deal — that they don’t have to worry about being apart and that you aren’t worried either. Don’t sneak out without them knowing, but avoid any dramatic or emotional hellos or goodbyes. If you make a fuss, they’ll start to worry about what’s happening. Instead, make your comings and goings seem like a natural part of each day and nothing to be concerned about.
Monitor for stress and anxiety
As you practice leaving your dog for short periods, consider setting up a pet cam to watch how they react while you’re gone. Keep an eye out for pacing, barking, whimpering, drooling, destructiveness or other signs of anxiety in dogs. This will help you understand how your dog is coping and whether you can start to leave them for a bit longer or need to spend more time training them to be left alone.
Create a safe haven
Make a space in your home where your buddy feels safe, comfortable and protected. Some dogs are happy in a crate, which can be kitted out with a bed and blanket to feel like a safe space for them to call their own. Some owners and dogs prefer not to use a crate, so in this case a comfy bed and blanket tucked into a warm, quiet corner or alcove can do the same job. Leave your furry pal some tasty treats or a favourite toy when you go out, so the experience of you leaving feels more positive to them. For example, food dispensing toys are great for enrichment and entertaining your pooch in your absence.
Establish a routine for them
Just like people, dogs like consistency. They thrive when they have an idea about when they’re going to get their next walkies or can expect their next meal. By establishing a good routine for them, this can help them adjust to being left alone. For example, feeding and walking them before you go out and once you return home, if the timings are appropriate.
Get some exercise together 
There’s nothing like a fun activity or game before a period of alone time. Exercise can help your four legged friend release some excess energy, engage their minds and improve their mood (and yours!) Dogs are naturally more active in the morning and evening, so these are ideal times to squeeze in some exercise together.
Ask for advice and help
If you find your dog has separation anxiety, reach out for support. Family or friends might be able to help pet-sit or break up your dog’s alone time with the odd drop-in visit. You may also want to consider hiring a dog walker who can come in for a midday visit and walk, or taking your pooch to doggy day-care. A qualified pet behaviourist can also help if you’re struggling with how to deal with dog separation anxiety.

Having a dog with separation anxiety isn’t uncommon, but hopefully your pooch can overcome it with your help and love. By committing to training them to be left alone gradually, and doing all you can to make the transition a stress-free one, they’ll be much better for it. For more advice about caring for your furry best friend, check out the other articles on the CESAR® blog.

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