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My Maltese cries when I leave. How can I stop her separation anxiety?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 8.5 lbs

I have a dog that is two years ld. She cries all the time we go out. what can I do to help me, even when i go on vacations I take her but if I go to the restaurant to eat she cant go and she cries all day.I have a Maltice

1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2018

It sounds like Bailey may be suffering from separation anxiety. 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 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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