Separation Anxiety in Pets: Tips & Tricks

Separation Anxiety is a real issue for many pets. While some pets may be used to being by themselves throughout the day while their owners are at work, others may not have ever needed to and so when they are left alone they begin to panic and exhibit signs of distress. In extreme cases, the same distress may be seen even if they are only left alone for a short time. Seeing your pet in distress is devastating, but there will be times when you just can’t take them with you when you leave the house so we look at the symptoms you need to watch out for and how you can help your pets if they are suffering with separation anxiety.

Signs of separation anxiety

Pets exhibit a variety of signs that indicate separation anxiety, including out-of-character behaviors such as:

  • urinating or defecating
  • barking or howling
  • chewing on inappropriate items
  • digging, or trying to escape

These problems often indicate that a dog or cat is in distress.

When a pet's problems are accompanied by other distress behaviors at a time when their parents are preparing to leave the house, often, separation anxiety has been triggered. Some of the additional behaviors and distress signals to look out for are:

  • Excessive drooling (canines)
  • Shaking
  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Hiding
  • Excessive grooming or licking

Because these behaviors can result in injury, household destruction, and escape, the Humane Society of Charlotte is here to help your pet slowly adjust to being by themselves.

Treating separation anxiety

1. Let your pet get used to being in their crate again

    • Is your pet crate-trained? If it's almost time to return to work/school, it's time to slowly get your pet(s) used to that lifestyle once again to prevent undue stress.
    • Allow your pet to spend time alone either in their crate or however they are kept when you're not home.
    • Slowly increase that time and leave the house to let your pet re-adjust (talk a walk, a drive, or simply just go outside in your yard to simulate that you're "not home").

2. Let them spend some time alone

    • Take short trips without your pet
    • Fill up on gas, pick up groceries, pick up to-go food, etc.
    • If they usually spend alone time with music, television - make sure to simulate that environment.

3. Don't make leaving the house a stressful or predictable routine

    • DON'T: Put on shoes, pick up keys, and go to the door but then refrain from leaving. This causes the "fake-out".
    • DON'T: Grab your purse or briefcase, but then sit on your couch with it instead of leaving.
    • Pick a simple routine and follow through.

4. Make sure your pet receives the proper amount of mental and physical exercise the day you are going back to work

    • A tired dog/cat is a happy dog/cat.
    • Try food puzzles! These keep your pets mentally engaged and they receive an immediate reward.
    • Frozen treats keep your pets engaged for a while as they are working to get their prize!
    • Do a brief training or play session that morning for 10-15 minutes.

5. Reach out to local dog walkers, pet care-givers, or daycares

    • When all else fails, consider hiring (even short-term) a professional dog walker or pet caregivers.
    • Consider pet daycares! Many are functioning under social distancing policies and providing specials.
    • These professionals are here to help and BONUS: you're supporting our local economy.

Questions or Concerns? Feel free to reach out to our Behavior Management Team for advice or further training by emailing training@humanecharlotte.org.