14 Helpful Pro Tips to Calm Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Did you know that dogs can have extreme separation anxiety? Your precious puppy may experience intense stress every time you leave the house. While a little whining is normal, if your dog stays panicked from the moment you walk out until you return, it’s time to take action. Think of it like a canine version of a human panic attack—overwhelming and exhausting for your furry friend. You don’t want that! But don’t worry. You can help your pup feel calm and confident when they’re home alone. We have a few tips inspired by the American Kennel Club, to ease those anxious feelings and create a happier, more relaxed dog!

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Crate Train

Many people are wary of putting their beloved pup in a crate but most dogs actually like being in a crate. The crate gives them a sense of security and comfort which is especially important when they are left alone. Training your dog to spend time in their crate is a great thing. They will be relaxed and your house will be safe from doggy destruction! 

Build Up Time

Dogs need to learn how to be alone, especially new puppies. If you immediately start leaving your dog for long periods of time, they may become anxious and stressed anytime you walk out the door, just knowing they will be alone for a while. Train your dog to be alone by leaving them only for short periods of time, and then gradually lengthen the time you are gone. This will help them become adjusted to being alone and prevent some of that anxiety.

Goodbye Treat Time

Anytime you walk out the door, say goodbye to your dog by giving them their favorite treat. This is a great way to make your dog excited when you are leaving rather than anxious. Once they know they will be getting that delicious treat at the door, they may even start to look forward to you leaving every day! Get all of your stuff ready to leave then give your dog a big hug and a nice big treat as the last thing you do before you leave. They will be so happy to get a tasty snack that they may not even notice you are gone!

Food Releasing Puzzles

There are a surprising number of doggy puzzles on the market that will keep your dog entertained and busy while you are away. Many of the puzzles involve hidden food, so your pup has to work for treats. They will need to figure out how to complete the puzzle in order to get a reward. Set up a treat puzzle for your dog before you leave, and they will be happily distracted the whole time you are gone. 

Chew Toy Treats

A chew toy is another perfect distraction for your dog. Find the type of chew toy that your dog likes and encourage them to play with it when you are home. Then, when you go away, you can give them their favorite toy to keep them happy and busy. Look for toys that have incorporated hidden treats or that taste good (like a chewy bone), as these will be even more appealing to your pup. 

Leave Slowly

Rather than grabbing your keys, putting on your coat, and immediately walking out the door, take a slower approach. Put on your coat and then go make dinner. Grab your keys from the hook, put them in your pocket, and then walk around the rest of the day with them. This can help make your departure routine less distressing and intense for your pup. They won’t start to panic every time you hold your keys or wear a coat. 

Lots of Physical Exercises

If you know your dog will be alone for an extended period of time, make sure they get plenty of exercise before you leave. Bring your dog for a good, long walk or head to the local dog park to let them play with doggy friends. This will make your dog less anxious when you leave since they will be content and tired! Hopefully, they will sleep the whole time you are gone rather than miss you the entire time. It will also help prevent any bathroom accidents since your pup got plenty of outdoor time before being stuck inside.

Medication

If your dog has severe anxiety when left alone, you may want to talk to your vet about medication options. Many people are wary of medicating a dog as a first step, but it may be needed as a last resort. There are quite a few medicines that will help with doggy depression or anxiety. There are even holistic and natural options you may want to try. This may be the way to go if nothing else works to calm your dog. 

Compression Shirts

Dog compression vests and shirts are great options, especially for dogs that like to cuddle. The tight-fitting shirt makes the dog feel like they are getting a giant hug, which is comforting to an anxious pup. Plus, they will help keep your dog warm in the colder months! Many vets and trainers recommend compression shirts to help with all types of doggy anxiety. Try putting one on your pup next time there is a thunderstorm or fireworks or if you are leaving for an extended period of time. It may do wonders to calm your dog’s nerves.

Pheromone Collars

Pheromone collars, also called calming collars, are made with a pheromone designed to mimic that of a mother dog. The chemical signal is supposed to help your dog relax and calm down. This is a very easy thing to try the next time you leave your pup! Pick one up at your local pet store, and then see if it helps your dog. Nothing is as soothing to a pup as the smell of their mom dog!

Pheromone Diffusers

Pheromone diffusers are similar to calming collars as they emit a natural scent similar to that of a mom dog. The diffuser can be plugged into the wall, just like a plug-in air freshener! Hopefully, that comforting mom dog scent will soothe your dog next time it is left alone. And don’t worry. They smell pretty good to humans, too! You may want to put a diffuser in every room of your house.

Always Come Back

We assume that you will always go back to your dog. You need to make sure your pup knows this, too! Many dogs have separation anxiety after being left alone by previous owners. If you adopt a dog with anxiety, it will hopefully get better over time as they slowly learn that you always come home. Once your dog trusts that you will be home soon, they should start to calm down when you go away.

Dog Sitter

Sometimes, the best solution is to hire someone to spend time with your best friend. This doesn’t mean they will be there every minute you are out. Yet, knowing that they won’t have to spend hours and hours alone but that another human will soon come to cuddle them and pet them will surely help your dog relax. While this may be a bit pricy, it will probably improve the situation.

Talk to an expert

At times, there is truly nothing we can do. If you tried crate training, goodbye treats, and pheromone diffusers, yet nothing seems to work, it’s probably time to talk to an expert. As with everything in life, there is surely someone who knows better than you. Asking for advice will help you understand what causes separation anxiety in your dog and how to fix it.

This article was inspired by American Kennel Club.