My dog has severe separation anxiety. Is it my fault? How to help?

Question

My little pug has sever seperation anxiety, from only me. She follows me everywhere and freaks out when I'm not in sight. (Also the chewing my stuff when I'm gone and crying- the whole nine yards). Is this my fault? I got her at 8 weeks old and she has been stuck to me ever since. Just want to know if this is my fault or not. Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed | 4 months and 17 days old | 30 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

No, this likely isn't your fault. It's not very well understood why some dogs develop separation anxiety, but it's thought it could be due to a sudden change in schedule, moving to a new home, losing a family member, or being adopted from a shelter. To help with Rosie's separation anxiety when you are gone, I will give you my suggestion to try to treat it. I would 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 also fill a Kong toy with peanut butter 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. Crating Rosie will also help with house training her.

My dog has severe separation anxiety. Is it my fault? How to help?

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