We have a PBGV breed who is 11 years old. She had recently started to destroy things when we leave her during the day. She has always been confined to the bedroom or bathroom when we are gone rather than having free reign. Now she is having accidents and last week started chewing things up (baskets, blinds and carpet), has broken a tooth and we have seen blood on the carpet. Could this be result of anxiety? or old age? or bigger problem? Pet's info: Dog | Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 33 lbs

It could Bella is suffering from separation anxiety. I recommend crating him 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 with a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with her 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. I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concerns. Separation anxiety can be quite difficult to fix. There are many things you can try but what works for a one dog may not work in another. I would recommend starting with the following: 1. Thundershirt 2. Adaptil collar and diffuser (pheremone that helps calm dogs) 3. NaturVet Quiet Moments calming chews 4. Rescue remedy for dogs 5. Provide plenty of environmental enrichment (toys and things to interact with) 6. Pet Cube (you can use this handy device to communicate and play with your dog when you are not home) You can use all of the above at the same time. If these do not help, I would discuss the separation anxiety with your veterinarian to see if anti-anxiety medications are the next step. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

It sounds like Mavis is experiencing separation anxiety when you leave the house. 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.