Separation Anxiety In Dogs: How to Calm Your Anxious Dog

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Hello, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones, and in this edition of Veterinary Secrets, I’ll be discussing an issue that many dog owners face: separation anxiety in dogs. In this video, I’ll explain how to recognize if your dog has it, and more importantly, what you can do to finally treat it. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Separation Anxiety

For those of you who are new to my channel, welcome! It’s great to have you here. Today, I’ll be featuring my neighbor’s dog, Pippy, who is often roaming around and keeping me company. She’s a fantastic dog, but today we’ll focus on a different topic. Before we get into it, I wanted to share a quick personal update. I recently visited the dentist and, well, part of my tooth came out! It’s a little off-topic for today, but it’s YouTube, so I thought I’d mention it.

Now, let’s get back to the subject at hand: separation anxiety in dogs. One of the most common complaints I hear from dog owners is that their dogs are destructive when left alone. Does this sound familiar? Maybe your dog chews on things like newspapers, pizza boxes, or even your favorite shirt? Or perhaps you hear loud barking and whining?

What Are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety?

So, what exactly are the symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs? The signs can include:

• Chewing and digging
• Escaping from confined areas
• Destructive behavior
• Urination or defecation indoors
• Coprophagia (eating their own stool)
• Excessive pacing

Think about how you feel when you’re anxious. Those same symptoms can manifest in your dog. The key difference is that separation anxiety is more than just bad behavior—it’s a true emotional response to being left alone.

How to Identify Separation Anxiety

In my practice, I often hear from pet owners who describe their dog’s behavior. They say, “My dog seems fine in puppy class, but as soon as I put on my coat, he starts following me around, pacing, and drooling.” This behavior can be a clear indication of separation anxiety.

The main clue is that the dog’s anxiety is triggered when you’re about to leave the house. It’s not just bad behavior; it’s genuine anxiety.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

The initial trigger for dogs with separation anxiety is the moment you begin to prepare to leave. Simple cues like putting on your coat or grabbing your keys can signal to your dog that you’re about to leave. This is when the anxiety sets in.

For example, Pippy is a calm and collected dog, but if she had separation anxiety, she would start following me around, pacing, and drooling as soon as I grabbed my coat. This is typical behavior for anxious dogs.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

1. Get a Correct Diagnosis

The first step in treating separation anxiety is to make sure your dog truly has it. If your dog is showing the symptoms I mentioned earlier, it’s likely separation anxiety. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Training Is Key

Basic dog training is essential. If your dog hasn’t been to puppy class or doesn’t have basic training skills, I highly recommend enrolling them in one. In some cases, anxious dogs may find it difficult to focus in class, so additional treatment might be necessary.

3. Making Time Alone Positive

If your dog’s separation anxiety is mild, the goal is to pair their experience of being alone with something positive. One great tool I use is a Kong toy filled with peanut butter. The idea is to give your dog something enjoyable to focus on when you leave. This positive association can help reduce their anxiety over time.

For example, when I would leave my own dog, I’d stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter and leave it with them. It kept them entertained for up to 30 minutes while I was away.

4. Consider Natural Remedies

There are natural treatments you can try as well. One option is a supplement called L-theanine, which is an amino acid found in green tea. The dosage is generally 1-2 mg per pound of your dog’s weight, twice a day. For Pippy, who weighs about 50 lbs, I’d start with 50 mg twice daily. It can take a couple of weeks to see results, but it’s a natural and generally safe option.

Another option is lavender essential oil. It’s known for its calming effects. I typically use about 10 drops of lavender in a vaporizer with a cup of water, and I leave it in the room where my dog spends time while I’m gone. This can be helpful for reducing anxiety.

Rescue Remedy, a flower essence remedy, is another holistic option. I’ve used it with many clients’ pets with great success. You can apply 5-10 drops to your dog’s water or put it directly on their lips. I recommend giving it to your dog about 30 minutes before you leave.

5. Acupressure for Anxiety Relief

There’s an acupressure point called the Ying Tang point, located between your dog’s eyes, just above the nose. This point is often used for anxiety relief. Gently applying pressure for 30-60 seconds may help calm your dog. You can try it on your dog to see if it makes a difference.

Professional Help for Severe Separation Anxiety

If your dog’s separation anxiety is more severe, seeking professional help is crucial. A skilled dog trainer can help address the anxiety through gradual counter-conditioning and desensitization. Patience is key during this process, and it’s important to avoid punishment.

Gradual Training Process

One of the first steps in training is to break the association your dog has with pre-departure cues. For instance, when you pick up your keys, your dog immediately starts to feel anxious. Instead of leaving the house right away, try picking up your keys without actually leaving. Then, reward your dog when they remain calm.

After that, move on to “out of sight" exercises, where you leave your dog in one room while you’re in another. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re out of sight, rewarding calm behavior.

Next, start with short departures. Leave the house for just a minute or two while your dog is distracted with a Kong toy, and then gradually extend the time. The key is to be gradual and consistent.

Final Thoughts on Treating Separation Anxiety

It can be challenging to treat separation anxiety, but I’ve seen many dog owners successfully help their dogs overcome it. With patience, consistency, and the right treatment plan, your dog can learn to be more comfortable being left alone.

Thank you for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. If you found this video helpful, I encourage you to subscribe to my channel. Also, check out the link below to access my free books and videos with natural remedies for pet health.

Remember, treatment for separation anxiety is possible, and with the right approach, your dog can learn to feel safe and secure, even when you’re not around.