My dog howls when I leave. How can I stop his separation anxiety?

Question

Hi we adopted a Chihuahua mix we have had him a little over a week. He is showing signs of severe anxiety, he howls if he can't see us. Also sometimes howls when my husband leaves for work. I go back to work this next Monday. We crate him when we are not here due to potty training work. He is 5 yrs old. He howls the entire we are gone. When we get home he's exhausted. Any tips on how to help him cope? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 10 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Don't worry- you are not alone in this separation anxiety issue Oren seems to be having. This is very common but can be very frustrating for everyone involved- including Oren! Anxiety can be very energy draining, so I am not surprised to hear about the exhaustion experienced when you get home. A few tips, though, can help with this. Keep the crate area very comfortable and inviting with lots of soft blankets. Spray a bit of Adaptil Spray (pheromone spray) you can purchase at your local pet supplies store around the crate area and blankets 15 mins before you leave. Take a kong toy and stuff it with low fat peanut butter or low fat plain yogurt and freeze it overnight. Take it out 10 mins before you leave and offer it to Oren to keep him entertained and busy while you are in the process of leaving and while you are away. Playing music or the radio can help as well. Claiming chewables with L-theanine in them daily can help lower anxiety levels naturally. SSRIs prescribed to Oren by his veterinarian can help with cases that do not improve even with behavioral modifications if Oren continues to have trouble with separation anxiety. I hope this helps and best of luck!

My dog howls when I leave. How can I stop his separation anxiety?

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