How to Calm Dog Separation Anxiety  

By: Tess Marty for the Happy Pets Blog

Dogs are social creatures who love being around their humans, so it’s no surprise that some of them struggle with anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common issue, and it can cause both dogs and their parents a lot of distress. From refusing to eat when you leave the house to tearing up furniture, to your neighbors leaving a note about barking for you to find when you get home…your dog’s reaction to being separated from you isn’t abnormal. 

When your dog or cat is acting out when you are away, they might be experiencing separation anxiety. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about separation anxiety in dogs, from what it is, how to help your pet cope using proven training techniques, lifestyle adaptations, and natural stress relievers like CBD treats for dog anxiety.

Table of Contents:

-What is Separation Anxiety?

-Is Separation Anxiety Different? 

-Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

-Why Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety

-Can Anxiety Lead to Behavioral 

-How to Prevent Anxiety In Pets

-CBD Dog Treats & Dog Anxiety Meds

-Can Separation Anxiety Be Trained Out

-How Long Does it Take to Cure Separation Anxiety

What Is Separation Anxiety in Pets?

 Separation anxiety is when your dog or cat becomes distressed when left alone or are apart from their parents. It’s more than just your dog missing you while you're gone—it's a deep-rooted fear or panic that they can't control. Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit behaviors like destructive chewing, barking, pacing, or even having accidents in the house, despite being house-trained.

This condition can significantly affect both yours and your dog's quality of life and can be heartbreaking to witness. Fortunately, with patience and the right approach, separation anxiety can be managed, and your dog can learn to feel comfortable being alone.

How Is Dog Separation Anxiety Different?

While general anxiety can lead to nervous behaviors in a wider range of situations, separation anxiety tends to be directly related to the absence of the person your dog is most attached to. Understanding the difference is important when it comes to treatment because the approaches for separation anxiety may be more focused on desensitization to being alone, while general anxiety might involve helping your dog feel secure and confident in different settings.

Separation anxiety is a specific form of anxiety that is triggered by being left alone or separated from an attachment figure, usually their parent. General anxiety, on the other hand, can stem from a variety of factors like fear of loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or changes in routine. These two can sometimes be linked, or your pet may experience one and not the other. 

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs with separation anxiety often display certain telltale signs when left alone. Keep an eye out for these behaviors:

• Pacing or Restlessness
• Drooling or panting more than usual
• Excessive barking, howling, or whining
• Attempting to escape from the house or crate
• Accidents, even though your dog is house-trained
• Extreme excitement or relief when you return home
• Destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or scratching doors 

It’s important to remember that these behaviors aren’t out of spite or stubbornness—your dog is likely feeling overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. Punishing these behaviors could make the situation worse, so it's crucial to approach them with understanding and compassion.

Why Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

There are a number of reasons why dogs develop separation anxiety. Studies have been conducted to understand the causes, some of the most common including:

• Change in Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and sudden changes, like a new work schedule, moving to a new home, or even a change in family members, can trigger anxiety.
• Previous Abandonment: Dogs adopted from rescues, or puppies from breeders separated early from their litter may have had traumatic experiences of being abandoned or rehomed, making them more prone to separation anxiety.
• Overattachment: If a dog has never learned to feel safe when alone, they may become overly dependent on their owner for comfort. This can happen if the dog is rarely left alone as a puppy or during key developmental stages.
• Traumatic Event: Experiences like thunderstorms, loud noises, or a traumatic separation (even something as simple as a long vet stay) can trigger separation anxiety. For rescues or foster pets, this can be more common than we'd like it to be. 

Every dog is different, so understanding your pup’s background and causes will help you find the best way to manage their anxiety.

Can Separation Anxiety Cause Behavioral Issues

Yes, it certainly can..

While most signs of separation anxiety appear when your dog is left alone, the effects of this anxiety can extend beyond the home as well. Dogs with separation anxiety might develop behavioral issues that show up in other environments, especially if they feel insecure without their parents. These issues can include:Overexcitement:

A dog with separation anxiety may become overly excited when they see you after even a short period apart, like when you're out running errands. In social settings, this can translate into excessive jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as they struggle to control their emotions.

Reactivity & Aggression

Anxiety can cause dogs to react defensively or in unfamiliar situations. This might mean barking at strangers, lunging at other dogs, or displaying other forms of reactivity when outside of their safe, familiar home environment. 

New Environments or Routine Change 

Separation anxiety can make dogs more sensitive to change, and they may feel anxious or insecure traveling or going to new places when you travel or take them to an unfamiliar neighborhood. This anxiety might manifest as trembling, reactivity, or attempts to escape and hide. 

Difficulty Focusing

Dogs who are preoccupied with anxiety may struggle to concentrate, making it difficult to learn new commands or behave calmly in public. This lack of focus can make walks or outings more stressful for both you and your dog. They may be more sensitive to signs that you are getting ready to leave, such as putting your work clothes on or rushing them through their walk. 

Leaving Your Dog Without Triggering Anxiety

While some dogs may have a natural predisposition to separation anxiety, there are steps you can take to help prevent it from developing, especially in puppies, and mitigate it in dogs who already experience it. The key is to gradually teach your dog that being alone is safe and normal

• Start with short separations: When training your puppy or dog, begin by leaving them alone for short periods, slowly increasing the time you’re away. This helps them understand that you will always return. If their separation anxiety is more severe, you can even start by just leaving the room.
• Desensitize “leaving” routines: Dogs are observant. Even the act of you putting your shoes on, filling their chewy our, or even putting on Bluey, can spark anxiety. Your dog will likely pick up on how you get ready to leave versus getting ready on a stay-at-home morning. Desensitize these actions by getting fully ready to leave (even grabbing your keys and wallet!) and not leaving. Your pets will start to realize that getting ready doesn’t always mean they’ll be alone, and your getting ready routine won’t trigger anxiety.
• Create positive associations: Ensure your dog has something enjoyable to do while you’re gone, like chewing on a special toy or puzzle that they only get when you leave. This creates a positive association with your absence and a bit of a distraction from the act of you leaving. Giving them a super cozy space to sleep in can help them feel more relaxed, too. You can add in some white noise or leave the TV on for them so it’s not so quiet. 
• Avoid emotional goodbyes: Don’t make a big fuss when you leave, as this can heighten your dog’s anxiety. Stay calm and neutral to help your dog feel more relaxed about the transition

How you leave matters and intense emotional exchanges can be a charger for your dog's anxiety. Show them it's no big deal when you are gone. Incorporating a natural calming aid prior to heading for the door can make a world of difference.

Exploring Anxiety Meds for Dogs 

In some cases, dogs with severe separation anxiety may benefit from medication to help manage their symptoms. Traditional anxiety meds for dogs prescribed by veterinarians can help to reduce anxiety but often come with potential side effects like drowsiness, lethargy, or gastrointestinal upset. Calming medicines for dogs, like over the counter anxiety medications for dogs include benadryl, zyrtec, or melatonin, which can have similar side effects, and are not recommended by vets to be used long-term.

CBD Dog Treats: Alternatives to Anxiety Meds

Many pet owners benefit from natural alternatives like CBD dogs treats and oil drops to help manage their dog’s stressors without the harsh side effects of anti-anxiety meds (i.e prescription medications). CBD for dogs can help to soothe and calm their fight or flight mode, which is usually responsible for anxious feelings. Plus, since it’s a non-psychoactive, and independently lab tested for safety and efficacy. Click here to learn more about the Calm + Joint Soft-Chew Treats!

 

How to Use CBD for Pet Stress

Natural pet wellness, like Happy Hounds Calm dog treats, can be also be more gentle and is a truly holistic approach to supporting your dog's emotional well-being. Many over the counter dog anxiety meds, like Cannabidiol (CBD) works to naturally reduce anxiety over time without the risk of toxicity from supplements like Melatonin. Calming supplements for dog anxiety, like CBD, can help your dog feel calmer without making them feel “out of it” like medications such as Benadryl or Trazodone for dog anxiety. 

Can You Out Train Anxiety in Dogs?

Training is a critical part of managing separation anxiety, but it requires patience and consistency. One of the most effective training approaches is desensitization and counterconditioning, where you gradually expose your dog to being alone in a controlled, non-threatening way. Flooding— or exposing your dog to too much stimulus too quickly, or all at once— early on in training can be detrimental, causing long-term separation anxiety. This type of behavior adaptation was takes time.

Four Tips to Train Anxious Dogs & Cats

1. Short departures: Begin by leaving your pets alone for just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Just going out of your door and standing behind it for a moment and coming back is a good start. 
2. Reward calm behavior: When your cat remains calm while alone, reward them with treats or praise when you return. Consider leaving a lick mat or treat with them when you leave so they associate you leaving with a fun snack. Practice when they’re well-exercised and ready for a nap. 
3. Ignore frantic greetings: Try not to make a big deal out of leaving. Over time, this helps your dog learn that separations are not a cause for panic. A quick goodbye is okay, but try to make it feel natural, like you’re just going to grab the mail, even if you leave for a while. 
4. Crate training: Some cats feel more secure in a crate when left alone, but this should always be introduced gradually to ensure it’s a positive space, and so that they don’t associate going in the crate with you leaving every time. 

How Long Does It Take?

There’s no set timeline for curing separation anxiety, as it depends on the severity of the case and how consistently training is applied. For mild cases, you might see improvements within a few weeks of training, while more severe cases may take several months or longer. The key is to remain patient and consistent. Every dog is different, but with the right approach, most dogs can learn to feel more secure.  

Start Somewhere

Dealing with separation anxiety can be challenging, but remember that you’re not alone. Separation anxiety is very common, and can be managed. By understanding your dog’s anxiety, using training techniques, and considering natural calming aids like CBD dog treats managing your dog's anxiety is doable. 

It may take time, but with patience, your pup can learn that being alone isn't all that scary.