![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.adoptapet.com\/blog\/uploads\/2011\/07\/separation-anxiety-dogs-aap.jpg\")
Samson Katt \/ Pexels<\/small><\/p>\n
Separation anxiety in dogs takes many forms and has many different levels of intensity, but one of the most obvious signs is a dog crying, howling, barking, or otherwise vocalizing when left alone. Your canine crooner may not be hurting themself or anyone (or anything!) with this behavior, but unless you live in a soundproof studio or way out in the country, dogs howling can certainly cause problems with your neighbors. Also, it is a very audible communication from your dog to you, or whoever might be within earshot, that your dog is unhappy. Your dog may have felt \u201cabandoned\u201d before, and if they\u2019re not well-balanced through training, routine, and exercise, losing their protector can feel unbearable. The good news is there are lots of things you can try to reduce and eliminate dog crying when left alone.<\/span><\/p>\n Separation anxiety<\/span> occurs when a dog experiences fear or panic when left alone, either after a specific person leaves or if they\u2019re totally alone. Common symptoms of <\/span>anxiety in dogs<\/span> include hiding, shaking, panting, excess energy, aggression, and destruction. Humans can also notice <\/span>signs<\/span> before they leave, including pacing, panting, pulling their ears back, following you around, hiding, or refusing food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most obvious sign \u2014 and one that can potentially be the most problematic for everyone involved \u2014 is crying or excessive barking. Dogs cry or whine for a number of reasons, but in this case, they\u2019re generally expressing their uncertainty and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n Some newly adopted dogs may vocalize when they are first left alone as they are still getting used to their new home. Even dogs you\u2019ve had for a while can be upset by changes in their routine, such as your work hours changing, a new roommate, etc., which can lead to separation anxiety. To help your dog\u2019s separation anxiety, put them on a very consistent, reliable routine \u2014 at least one week of the same schedule of eating, playing, and exercising every day, including weekend days \u2014 and give them time to adjust. Even if your hour-by-hour schedule varies day to day, try to make sure your dog\u2019s stays the same.<\/span><\/p>\n Exercise is known to help dogs with separation anxiety reduce stress. Unspent energy builds up in a dog and needs to come out somehow. It\u2019s better spent running around the block with you than singing the classics while you\u2019re gone, so take your pup for a walk or engage in an intense <\/span>play session<\/span> or other exercise right before you leave. <\/span>Launcher fetch toys<\/span> are great for helping get dogs\u2019 energy out without requiring too much effort on your part. An <\/span>indoor agility kit<\/span> also works for days when you\u2019re stuck indoors. Whatever you choose, just make sure the activity is long enough to tire them out, so they\u2019ll be more likely to sleep while you are gone. And guess what \u2014 exercise releases serotonin in a dog\u2019s brain, just like in humans! Serotonin causes a happy, calming feeling, and exercise is a way to get it instantly and safely into your dog\u2019s brain without giving them any drugs. Check out <\/span>our article about ways to exercise with your dog<\/span> to get more fun ideas (ever tried Doga?) and eliminate dog crying.<\/span><\/p>\n Turning on a talk radio station or a news TV channel generally works well to soothe anxious dogs when you leave. Put the volume as loud as people would be talking in your home. If you\u2019re looking for something specifically tailored to your dog, a sound machine may be a good option to help a dog with separation anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can also give your dog a food puzzle right before you go, so they will be busy trying to get the food out of them while you are gone. Make sure you get the right size toy for your size dog. Even better, buy four or more different toys, and rotate, so one \u201cnew\u201d one each day, putting the \u201cold\u201d one away. Take a look at our <\/span>Puzzle Toys Pinterest board<\/span> for inspiration on recipes, DIY toy making, and more, as well as <\/span>this guide<\/span> to keeping your dog entertained.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Doggie daycare can be a daily or occasional way for dogs who enjoy playing with other dogs to get lots of exercise and be happier and less anxious on days when their humans can\u2019t be home with them. Daily dog walkers or sitters can also add just enough extra exercise and attention into your dog\u2019s routine to alleviate crying when left alone.<\/span><\/p>\n You can help alleviate your dog\u2019s<\/span> separation anxiety with training<\/span>. You want to \u201cfake\u201d your dog out the next dozen (or more) times you leave to start addressing their crying behavior. Mix it up. Your dog will think that you are coming back right away and will be less likely to cry. Here\u2019s an example:<\/span><\/p>\n When you are getting ready to leave, gather up your things and leave as if you are coming right back. Skip hugs, kisses, or dramatic farewells. Don\u2019t say \u201cGoodbye, sweetie pie! It will be OK! Mommy will be back soon!\u201d This just gives your dog a huge alert that you\u2019re leaving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Follow the same low-key routine when you return. This is the hardest for humans, but ignore any attention-seeking behavior, such as jumping or going crazy, and only reward your dog with calm love and affection when they are calm for at least five minutes after you\u2019ve come home. You can take them outside immediately if they have to go potty but do so calmly without fanfare, as you\u2019d do if you\u2019d been home already.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to desensitization training, <\/span>crate training<\/span> your dog may be a helpful way to make them feel more secure when alone. Some dogs become more anxious in a crate, so take the crate training slowly to see how your dog reacts and if it helps their vocalizing or makes it worse. Adult dogs can often be crate trained for up to four-hour stretches during the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After you\u2019ve followed the <\/span>steps necessary for crate training<\/span>, you\u2019ll want to gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog in the crate and then gradually increase the time you\u2019re out of the house and your dog is in the crate by five-minute increments. You might want to try an airline kennel so their environment is darker and feels more secure than a wire crate or have the crate in a darker room. Don\u2019t use a blanket to cover the crate because a dog can pull a blanket inside and eat it. Make sure you only use a chew-proof crate pad too.<\/span><\/p>\n Every dog is an individual and responds differently. A dog crying when left alone is not an uncommon problem, especially for a dog in a new home.\u00a0Some dogs have severe anxiety that can take weeks to months to figure out if and what combination of the above may help. If you are struggling with a more severe situation like your dog is injuring themselves or the howling is causing landlord issues, it\u2019s a good idea to seek help from a certified animal behaviorist or professional dog trainer.<\/p>\n If all else fails, you can visit your vet to discuss your dog\u2019s behavior. There are a few medications for dogs with separation anxiety, such as <\/span>Alprazolam or Clomicalm<\/span>, that your vet can prescribe that may help either relieve anxiety or sedate your dog. You can also try natural anxiety remedies, including experimenting with calming products like calming collars, shirts, and diffusers. Probiotic supplements, available through veterinarians, can also help dogs maintain positive cardiac activity during stressful events, promoting a positive emotional state. It may take up to six weeks to see results, so give yourself plenty of lead time.<\/span><\/p>\n What if you sought out a professional and it did not help or you are unable to make the investment? Rehome is a peer-to-peer adoption service that allows pet parents to post their pets on adoptapet.com to be seen by millions of potential adopters. When you\u2019ve done all you can it\u2019s important to remember that pets are individuals and sometimes your home might not be the right fit for either of you.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve realized your dog\u2019s anxiety is not improving or they are under a great deal of stress, rehoming your dog to a family that can better address these needs may be a very kind and responsible choice. If you\u2019re in the difficult position of considering whether to rehome your dog, it\u2019s important to take an honest look at the situation and to do your homework. Rehome can help make the process easy and as safe as possible.<\/p>\n Adult dogs can generally be left for four to six hours a day, while puppies between three and six months should not be left alone for longer than their age in months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Entertaining your dog by playing the radio or TV, leaving them with food puzzles, and crate training may all keep them from crying while alone.<\/span><\/p>\n Every dog is different, and with training and other methods of intervention, some dogs may overcome their separation anxiety in weeks while others may take months.<\/span><\/p>\n Home remedies for separation anxiety in dogs include exercise, crate training, playing calm music, and calming products like collars, shirts, and diffusers.<\/span><\/p>\n Every dog is different, and with training and other methods of intervention, they take different amounts of time to overcome separation anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n Yes, there are medications that your vet can prescribe that may help either relieve anxiety or sedate your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n Putting on the radio or TV or giving your dog a food puzzle right before you go can help soothe some anxious dogs when left alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With training and other methods of intervention, many dogs overcome separation anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n Citations:<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t <\/p>\nWhat Causes Separation Anxiety In Dogs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Prevent Separation Anxiety In Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Set a Reliable Daily Routine\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to Entertain a Dog Home Alone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to Desensitize Your Dog to Your Leaving<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Training For Dogs With Separation Anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Medication For Dogs With Separation Anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What if None of This Works?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Separation Anxiety in Dogs FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How Long Can Dogs Be Left Alone?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How Can I Help My Dog Stop Crying When I Leave?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How Long Does It Take For a Dog to Overcome Separation Anxiety?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What Are Some Home Remedies For Separation Anxiety In Dogs?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Separation Anxiety In Dogs?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Can Medication Be Used to Help My Dog Stop Crying When Left Alone?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How Do I Comfort My Dog When They Are Left Alone?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Do Dogs Eventually Get Over Separation Anxiety?<\/span><\/h3>\n