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My dog cries when I'm gone. Is it separation anxiety? What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkipoo | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 10 months old | 12 lbs

Hi Pet coach. I really need your help with my rescue dog from Chile, Miel (Yorkiepoo- 10y/o). Fell in love straight away and I thought all was well. Now she screeches as though someone is hurting her. Its been months out of the year Ive had her and Im so down about it now, I wanted her to be happy but she hides from me and gives mixed messages. In mornings, she jumps on me and plays, licking me, happy. After that, its down hill. Cries and barks when Im not around. I don't understand.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2017

From your description, if Miel is showing this crying behavior when you aren't around, it can be sign of separation anxiety. She is anxious when you leave and is afraid you may not be coming back. This can be a common problem in dogs. I recommend crating her when you are gone. The crate will provide her a small space where she can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train her to get used to a crate. Start putting her in it when you are home and sitting nearby so she doesn't think you are abandoning her, and slowly increase the time she is in it. She can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that she has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to her in the crate. That will keep her occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that will a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. If these methods do not help her, then I recommend having her seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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