Introduction

Separation anxiety is a serious problem for dogs and their owners. It can lead to destructive behavior, as well as emotional issues for both parties. In this article, we’ll look at the causes and symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs, plus strategies for coping with and treating it.

Change the way you come and go.

One of the most common ways that dogs develop separation anxiety is through associating your arrival with them with a cue. For example, if you always come home at 6 PM and your dog gets excited when they hear the doorbell ring, they’ll start to get nervous as soon as they hear the doorbell ring because they know that it means you’re coming home.

Another way this happens is when there’s something that is associated with your departure like their collar or leash. When you leave for work in the morning (or whenever else), you might put on their collar or leash so that it’s ready for use when needed. This can create an association between putting on items like these and being left alone for long periods of time which can make them anxious about being separated from someone who’s important to them

Give your dog something to do while you’re away.

When you’re not at home, give your dog something to do. One of the best ways to help your dog deal with separation anxiety is by giving him or her something to chew and play with while you’re gone, since dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise.

• Treat puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler can keep a dog occupied for hours on end. These puzzle toys are stuffed with treats that dispense when the toy gets rolled around or shaken off-center. The more time he spends playing with it, the more likely he is to get treats!
• Other great options include stuffed animals (especially ones you’ve already given him before) and chew toys made from durable materials like nylon rope or rubber tires—these will hold up under rough play so there’s no chance of them breaking apart under his teeth during his hour-long session of chewing and gnawing away at them without stopping for breath! If all else fails though, try putting some peanut butter inside a Kong™ brand treat dispensing toy – this tasty combination is sure-fire way for kiddo here not only gets plenty of exercise but also keeps their mind occupied throughout those long hours without anyone else there too…

Change your departure cues.

When you’re leaving, try to make it as low-key as possible. Don’t talk about going anywhere; just go. Don’t give your dog a signal that you are leaving (like putting on your coat). If he has a routine, follow it exactly.

When you return home, don’t give him any indication that something is different from normal—no “welcome home” signs or other gestures of affection or excitement (unless he’s been gone for at least 8 hours).

Rule out medical causes.

• Check for underlying medical issues. If your dog has been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as diabetes or arthritis, you may be able to treat the condition using medication that can calm him down and make him more comfortable when you leave.
• Consult your vet. If there are no underlying medical causes and your dog still has separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about what else could be causing it and how to treat it.
• Look for signs of pain or discomfort. Your veterinarian may be able to check for possible spinal problems (such as intervertebral disc disease) that might contribute to his separation anxiety by causing pain in his back or legs when he stands up for too long during playtime at home without you around—or even when he just walks around!

Don’t make a big deal out of arrivals and departures.

It’s important to remember that your dog can’t understand what you’re saying, so don’t make a big deal of arrivals and departures. Don’t say “goodbye” or “goodnight” when you leave, or use phrases like “I’ll be back later,” since they will only confuse your dog and make him even more anxious.

Confine your dog to a safe area.

If your dog has a separation anxiety problem and you need to leave it alone, confine it to a safe area. This can be any room or area that doesn’t have anything dangerous in it (e.g., no countertops). It should also be large enough so that your dog isn’t too confined and can lie down comfortably, as well as not easy for the dog to escape from (e.g., don’t put into an extra bedroom).

Make goodbyes brief, and don’t make them a big deal.

It’s also important to maintain a calm and positive atmosphere when you leave. It’s tempting to play with your dog or give them extra attention before you leave, but this can actually make things worse. The more excited they get, the more agitated they’ll be when you walk out the door. Instead, try to keep goodbyes brief and calm so that both parties are on their best behavior when it comes time for parting ways.

Separation anxiety is hard on dogs and their owners, but there are ways to help calm dogs when they’re left alone.

You may not have known your dog has separation anxiety if you haven’t experienced it. Dogs who suffer from this condition become extremely anxious when their owners leave them alone, and they display symptoms such as excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, and even seizures.

Separation anxiety is common in dogs of all ages and breeds, but can be more severe in some dogs than others—especially certain breeds like terriers and hounds that were originally bred to work independently from humans.

If your dog exhibits signs of separation anxiety, there are ways to help calm him or her when you’re away from home:

Conclusion

If you think your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it’s time to do something about it. Start by talking to your veterinarian and making sure there aren’t any medical factors contributing to the problem. Then, take a look at these tips for managing separation anxiety in dogs: changing routines and giving them things to do while you’re away, not making departures or arrivals a big deal, and confining your pup when necessary. If those don’t work for you—or if you just can’t stand seeing your dog so upset—getting professional help might be the best option after all!