I believe my dog is experiencing separation anxiety. Every time I leave, no matter how long he barks, howels and chews everything. Is there anything I can give him to help calm him down? I have tried extra walks, frozen treats, and calming head to tail dog treats.

Updated On November 18th, 2019

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 10 months and 18 days old | 55 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Poor Wilbur and poor you! 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.

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