Separation Anxiety – Canine

Canine Separation Anxiety:

Your dog has been diagnosed with separation anxiety. The following steps should be implemented as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce this anxiety.

Resolving the Problem

Additional Recommendation

Reward calm, relaxed, independent behavior from your dog when it is spontaneously offered by praising him/her

  • Ignore attention seeking behaviors when you are home
  • Practice having your dog separated from you at home by doing things like:
    • Closing doors
    • Having different sleeping areas

Exercise your dog

Daily exercise can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety

Use Dog AppeasingPheromone (DAP)® in your house

Ask your medical team for more information

Pair departures with a special reward

Give your dog a favored distraction several minutes prior to your departure

  • Examples include long lasting food treats such as a food puzzle toy or a favorite toy

Avoid

Arousal associated with reunions

  • Have your belongings prepared so that your departure from home is calm
  • Do not engage in emotional greetings or departures

Long anxiety ridden times alone:

  • Use doggie daycare, pet sitters or take your dog to work if possible to reduce his/her time alone
  • As your dog improves, start to leave him/her home alone again

Punishing your dog if you return home to find evidence of destruction/house soiling:

  • Punishment may make the behavior worse

Other Considerations

  • Some dogs that suffer from separation anxiety also have claustrophobia and crating them exacerbates the signs of anxiety. If this is the case for your dog, avoid using the crate.
  • Getting a canine companion for a dog with separation anxiety is not a successful intervention in the majority of cases. If these solutions are not successful, consult your veterinarian about possible drug therapy in conjunction with behavior modification.