Owner helping dog with separation anxiety.

How to help with separation anxiety in dogs

Provided by
Owner helping dog with separation anxiety.

Learn about separation anxiety in dogs and how you can help your furry family member.

Your dog may react to change in their environment differently. Some pets don't mind a change in schedule or routine, while others may start to become stressed. Separation anxiety in dogs may be common and they need time to adapt and learn a family's new schedule.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs can occur at any time during their lifetime. In fact, your pet may experience separation anxiety as a puppy, adult dog or senior. There may be a number of reasons why your pet has separation anxiety. For example, has your schedule recently changed, are you back to work or are kids back to school? Naturally, your pets are part of the family and if there's a change in your routine, your pet may start to feel the effects of the schedule change. After all, your dog may love being around the family!

Signs of separation anxiety in dogs

Your pet may miss you while you're gone and the stress of you being gone may manifest in different ways. In fact, some pets become destructive, while others may tend to be more vocal. Check out the list of possible ways your dog may exhibit stress while you're away.

Consider the following symptoms:

  • Excessive barking or howling
  • Excessive chewing
  • Destroying objects or items
  • Going to the bathroom in the house when they're potty trained
  • Pacing and whining

If you're unsure if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian. Their expertise and guidance can help determine the next best steps for your furry friend.

Tips to help your dog with separation anxiety

If your pet does have separation anxiety, it may take time for your pet to feel better. For example, it can be stressful for them that you're not home, so working with your veterinarian is important for your specific situation. Also, every dog is different and they may require different approaches to help with their separation anxiety.

Consider the following treatment options:

  • Check-in with your veterinarian and make sure you keep them updated on your pet's progress.
  • Practice leaving your pet for a certain amount of time and reward upon your return.
  • Pet enrichment and interactive toys can help ease your pet's anxiety while you're away. Consider keeping your pet's favorite toys out for them to play with while you're away.
  • Noise machines like white noise and fans can help your pet if they're feeling uneasy or anxious.
  • Reward positive behavior. This can help your pet learn and enrich the training process.
  • If you know your schedule may be changing, help prepare your pet with a test run so they can get used to the routine.
  • Provide a pet-friendly and safe space. This may include toys, a pet bed, blankets, crates and pet enrichment.
  • Spend quality time with your furry friend when you're home. This may help your pet's stress and also can help solidify the human-pet bond.

Separation anxiety in dogs may take time

Pets make great companions and their friendship is priceless. Naturally, no pet owner wants the stress of a dog experiencing separation anxiety. If you need to seek medical care for your pet, research your pet health insurance options. You want to make sure your dog can get the medical care they need. Most of all, with patience and love, guidance from your veterinarian and a positive training schedule, your pet may be greeting you at the door in no time at all!

Discover how a pet insurance policy can be there throughout your pet's lifetime.

Terms and conditions do apply. We love informed decisions. See the Trupanion policy for full coverage details.

Pet insurance products are underwritten in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company and ZPIC Insurance Company, 6100-4th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108. Administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Terms and conditions apply, see full policy on Trupanion's website for details.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, neither offer nor are financially responsible for pet insurance products. State Farm is a separate entity and is not affiliated with Trupanion or American Pet Insurance.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

Start a quote

Select a product to start a quote.

Find agents near
you or contact us

There’s one ready to offer personalized service to fit your specific needs.

Related articles

A guide to responsible pet adoption

If you're planning on bringing home a new pet, you will want to consider these factors before adopting.

Drive safely with pets in cars

Is your pet free-ranging in the car? Better check local laws and crate or tether her up.

How to calm a dog or cat during a storm

Thunderstorms and severe weather are common triggers of pet anxiety. But by taking proactive steps in pet preparedness, and by learning how to calm your dog or cat during a thunderstorm, you can help soothe their storm anxiety.

Consider purchasing pet insurance

No pet owner wants the stress of a sick pet or unanticipated bills. Fortunately, pet medical insurance can help with those unexpected costs.