How to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety: Trust, Treats, and Training

Dog separation anxiety is serious business. Yet often, the dog's mental health is out of sight, out of mind for us pet parents. I know I've done this. I'm out with friends. And my dogs are not at the top of my mind. Unbelievable! I know.

Last weekend, I was walking Bruno, my lab mix, through the neighborhood when we bumped into my neighbor, Clara, and her rescue dog, Lucy. Clara looked frazzled. She confided that Lucy had chewed through her favorite pair of shoes—again—while she was at work. Lucy's rampages were becoming more frequent and logging more damage points each time.

As a dog mom, I've been there. Years back, my lab mix Bruno destroyed my hiking boots the night before a big weekend on the trails. He thought we were going to leave him behind.

Since that time, I've learned how to spot the signs of dog separation anxiety and how to help a dog with separation anxiety. I've even explored where to find calming treats for dogs. The right dog treats can make a difference.

I'm here to share it all with you.

What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dog separation anxiety is an emotional condition in which dogs experience distress when separated from their favorite humans. All dogs can develop this. And they can unlearn it too—with proper dog training!

Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety

You can't see your dog while you're gone—unless you set up a nanny cam. So, it's important to know what to look for before you leave.

Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety (before & after):

• Clinginess
• Whining, barking, howling
• Restlessness, pacing
• Appearing jittery, like they just had a pup espresso
• Salivation and drooling
• Refusing to eat
• Overly excited when reunited
• Licking and pawing you a lot
• Eating poop while you're watching (Attention grabber, for sure!)

Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety (while you're gone):

• Destructive chewing, scratching, or digging
• Becoming very vocal
• Urinating or pooping around the house
• Panting
• Increased heart rate
• Agitation
• Attempts to escape, destroying windows and doorframes in the process.

In extreme cases, they may gain or lose weight, have dog diarrhea, or experience depressive symptoms.

Separation anxiety isn't just an annoyance. It's terrible for dog health. Excessive stress lowers immunity and can potentially take years off of a healthy dog's life.

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Understanding the root cause of your dog’s anxiety can help you address it effectively. Some common causes include:

• Change in routine
• Recent move
• Kids leaving for college (Dog may wonder if you'll be next)
• Lack of mental stimulation
• Over-attachment

Changes in Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. A sudden change, like a new work schedule or moving to a new home, can trigger anxiety.

I imagine the return-to-office policies of the last couple of years are big drivers of a dog separation anxiety epidemic.

Your K9 is accustomed to you being with you 90% of the time. When you're not there, they don't know what to do. They worry like a parent who just let their 15-year-old go on their first couples date.

Traumatic Experiences

Dogs that have been abandoned, rehomed, or lost a loved one are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Rescue dogs like Lucy and my little terrier, Pixie, are at high risk.

Lack of Mental Stimulation

Dogs are intelligent creatures. When they’re bored, their anxiety can escalate. Chronically bored dogs whose only stimulation is playing fetch or walking with their dog parent may experience heightened anxiety because they haven't learned to entertain themselves.

Over-Attachment

Some dogs become overly attached to their humans, making even short separations feel unbearable.

How to Address Dog Separation Anxiety

1. Create a Predictable Routine

Dogs love routines and may even have an internal clock that tells them when they usually get home from work.

You're late? They start to worry.

You can't always avoid the occasional long day at the office. But you can build routines around most of their life, building trust so they have faith you'll return soon.

Set consistent feeding, walking, and playtime schedules. Chewtime schedules are also beneficial.

I give the dogs trachea chews once a week at the same time. The chew cartilage makes a great dog toothbrush. And they're packed with glucosamine for joints.

Then I give them marrow-filled dog bones for 15-20 minutes 2 times a week. This not only creates a routine. Dog bones are also mentally stimulating, which can reduce the build-up of anxious energy.

2. Avoid Frantic Departures

Dogs and cats can sense your emotional state through your body language, movement speed, and likely the smell of your sweat.

Before you leave the house, keep things calm and low-key. Don’t make a big deal out of your departure or return.

If you believe your dog has developed over-attachment because you're home with them so much or they go everywhere with you, it may be time to leave them at home for short stints, so they know you'll come back. But before you do that, please read on!

3. Provide Positive Reinforcement

When training your dog to feel comfortable alone, rewards are key. Use high-value treats like beef lung bites to reward calm behavior.

4. Make Calming Treats for Dogs Part of the Routine

Help your dog get into a healthy mental state before you leave with a marrow-filled dog bone.

The chewing action alleviates boredom and generates a sense of well-being between chew sessions.

You should never leave your dog alone with their bone. But giving them access for 15-20 minutes while you eat breakfast can completely change their mental state. Plus, it reassures them that you love them and are coming back.

5. Consider Crate Training

For some dogs, a crate can be a safe haven. Make it a positive space by adding a soft blanket and a few favorite toys. Never use the crate as punishment. Instead, use it as a tool to help your dog feel secure while you’re gone.

Learn more about crate training here.

Best Calming Treats for Dogs

The best calming treats for dogs are nutritious and promote better dog health. Here's a little-known secret—don't tell anyone...or please do.

Healthy dogs are equipped to manage stress—including separation anxiety. The heart, brain, immune system, digestive system, and hormonal systems all work together to regulate stress responses in the body.

When I give dogs healthy dog treats, I'm equipping them with the nutrition they need to feel happy and well.

Combining a healthy dog bone treat with training to build trust and predictability is how to help a dog with separation anxiety.

Free 7-Day Dog Training Series

Is your dog’s separation anxiety feeling overwhelming? Have you lost more than one pair of shoes, pillows, or doorframes to this condition?

Training is essential. It introduces predictability into your favorite K9's life that reassures them you wouldn't leave them somewhere unsafe. You're always coming back!

With K9 Connoisseur’s Free 7-Day Dog Training Series you learn all the training basics, from “sit” and “stay” to building confidence, reducing anxiety, and promoting dog health and wellness. It’s valued at $250 but free for dog parents like you!

Sign up here and start creating a happier, calmer life for your pup.

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