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How to help an adult dog with severe separation anxiety and accidents?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 43 lbs

We have a dod from humane society that has severe seperation anxiety. She never leaves my side. Best medication to help her. Does benadryl work? She poops when left alone, she is an adult dog. Cannot crate she had injured herself escaping, ate crate cover. Really need to help her before I have to get rid of her. Its really bad. Thanks Lmp

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 26th, 2019

Hello. I would start with an over the counter anxiety product like Zylkene. I would also start using a dog appeasing pheromone in the home ( room diffuser ) or it comes as a collar. The pheromone can calm an anxious dog without drugs. Adaptil is the name of this product. If this does not help over the course of a couple of weeks, you will need to talk to your vet about possible behavior modification therapy & the use of prescription medications like Trazodone. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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