Skip to main content

Going back to work: How to deal with your dog’s anxiety

Spending extra time at home with our pets has been the best — and possibly the only good— part of the pandemic, but it’s relieving to see the world begin to return to normalcy as COVID cases drop. Since many of us are returning to the office, though, our pets are getting used to being alone as well — some better than others. Dog separation anxiety is no joke, but it can be worked through with the right techniques and mindset.

It’s tough to see your fur baby in distress — we know — but it will help your dog immensely to learn how to be by herself. It won’t be the easiest process, but with these vet- and trainer-approved tips, you’ll be well on your way to showing your pup that being alone is nothing to worry about.

Mixed breed dog sitting in front of a door in her home
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Symptoms of dog separation anxiety

Just like people, dogs express their emotions and fears in different ways. It may look like lethargy, naughtiness, or plain ol’ craziness — these are a few ways you may experience dog separation anxiety, courtesy of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC):

  • Accidents in the house.
  • Excessive barking and howling.
  • Eating excrement.
  • Chewing and destructiveness.
  • Pacing.
  • Escaping.
  • Depression.
  • Panting.
  • Drooling.

Although you may witness some of these behaviors before or after you leave the house, it’s more likely that your dog will act out while she’s alone at home. Setting up a pet camera can help you identify what exactly your dog is doing while you’re gone, but it’s up to you to help your pooch feel comfier by herself.

Why do dogs experience separation anxiety?

Although some pups are naturally more anxious than others, there are a few documented reasons why dogs develop separation anxiety. The ASPCA notes that this problem is more prevalent in rescued pups, which leads many to believe that losing someone important, whether canine or human, can be a contributing factor.

Because dogs are creatures of habit, changes in care, environment, or routine can disrupt their well-being. Even the addition of a family member can be enough to cause uncertainty and worry. An owner returning to work, even part-time, certainly fits the bill of situations that can worry a pup.

It’s also important to ensure your dog isn’t dealing with any medical or behavioral issues that are contributing to her symptoms. Medications, for example, can cause side effects such as frequent urination, panting, and other changes. Contacting your trusted veterinarian is a great way to rule out any new or preexisting conditions.

A Boston Terrier puppy stands next to a door they chewed

How to help with dog separation anxiety

It’s important to remember what you’re working toward when managing your pup’s worries. Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine states on its website that the goal of treating separation anxiety is not to reduce symptoms but to get to the root cause of their anxiety by teaching them to tolerate — and maybe even like — being alone.

Small changes for big results

In mild or moderate situations, a few routine changes can go a long way. Tufts recommends both walking and feeding your dog before you leave for work, as aerobic exercise can be a fantastic stress reliever. When your pup’s stomach is full, she knows her needs are met and may even fall into a nice postmeal nap, making things a lot easier for everyone.

You can also help your furry friend distract herself while you’re away with some long-lasting treats or fun toys. Puzzle toys and games for dogs are a great way to keep canine brains stimulated (via AKC). They can even tire out your pup! Better still, have some extra-special treats and toys that your dog gets only when you leave for work. You never know, she may even look forward to it.

Desensitization and practice

The way you act as you leave and return home can show your dog a lot about how she should react. If you make a big deal out of coming back, hugging, and kissing your pup as if you haven’t seen her in ages, your pooch may interpret your return as a big deal as well. Acting calm and confident instead will leave your dog reassured, especially since she looks to you for care and guidance.

If your dog needs more structure to reduce her separation anxiety, the AKC recommends the desensitization method. Basically, you’re implementing the above tips in a calm practice session, leaving your dog alone only for a short time. Each time you practice, slowly increase the amount of time your pup is alone. Before you know it, a few hours will feel like nothing.

If you could use extra help, a certified canine behavior expert or trainer can guide you through this process, too, so don’t panic if you feel a little lost in the fog. There are also many doggy daycare and kennel options if you decide that your pooch is better off with supervision, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself (or your pup) to feel calmer right away.

Here’s the good news: Separation anxiety is a highly treatable and even reversible problem that your dog will probably overcome. The way you support and train your pup will go a long way in helping her build confidence while alone, so don’t underestimate the power of patience, practice, and a little love.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more
Are ‘dog years’ really 7 human years? How to calculate your dog’s age
Time to bust the myth: A dog year may not equal 7 human years
A dog licks a person's finger with yogurt on their nose

There are many ways to identify a dog's age and translate dog years to human years — other than knowing their birthday, of course — from the formation of their teeth to the development of their body. Then there’s the classic rule of 7: 1 year in "human time" equals 7  "dog years". However, research shows that figuring out exactly how to translate dog years to human years may not be as simple as multiplying a number by 7. So how can you calculate your dog’s age?
Let’s dive into the latest and most accurate techniques for canine age calculation. Once you know how to apply this knowledge, you'll be able to figure out what stage of life your dog is in.  This calculation is yet another way to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your best buddy — and it’s fascinating to know either way.

Is 1 dog year 7 human years?
Despite the popularity of this trope — that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years — it’s not quite that simple. In fact, the dog-to-human age equivalent can change from year to year depending on the age and size of your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pups will gain about 15 human years within their first actual year of life, while the second year of life equals another nine years.
Past year two, however, the numbers tend to differ. Larger breeds will “age faster” on paper, meaning their human age equivalent will be higher than that of a smaller dog who was born at the same time. This may sound a bit sad, or even worrisome, so it’s important to remember that age isn’t an indicator of health or life expectancy. As we tell humans, age is just one number.

Read more
How to stop a dog from peeing in their crate for good in 5 easy-to-follow steps
These tricks will keep your house — and his — pee free
A brown puppy lies in their crate on a blanket with their head resting on their crossed paws

As pet parents, we’d like to think that we have every solution for behavior issues, like how to stop a dog from peeing in his crate. Your buddy can’t exactly tell you why he pees in the crate when you’re not home, though, and you can't always catch him in the act — so it can be tricky.
Luckily, with a keen eye and a few trial runs, you’ll figure out the problem in no time. You can always enlist your family, vet, or local doggie daycare to keep an eye out, too, but it’s up to you to make the necessary changes to change the behavior. Anything from a more consistent routine to a new treat-dispensing toy could be the difference between cleaning up a puddle or coming home to a happy pup.
Here’s how to stop your dog from peeing in his crate.

First, rule out medical issues as a cause for crate incontinence
Before anything else, it’s important to make sure your fur baby is in good health, so you should book a visit to your vet. Many medical issues could cause a dog to lose control of their bladder, not all of which are obvious or even noticeable. Dogs are notorious for hiding their discomfort, after all.
A few reasons your dog might not be able to hold it include:

Read more