My dog is clingy, cries, and won't play. Is it separation anxiety?

Question

Does my dog have separation anxiety? Anywhere I walk he was to follow, if I am on my front lawn he tries to jump out the fence and cries, if I leave him tied up while I do yard work he cries too and pulls. When I feed him he was to sit right by me and sometimes i have to hold the bowl and recently he won’t play with me that much anymore i will throw the toy and he will just sit on my feet or wants to be in between my legs. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 55 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Yes, Scooby could have separation anxiety. I recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he 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 him in the crate. That will keep him 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 his skin. If these methods do not help him, then I recommend having him seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Best of luck.

My dog is clingy, cries, and won't play. Is it separation anxiety?

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