Why Won't My Dog Leave My Side? A Guide to Separation Anxiety in Pets

We love our pets, and we can often think of nothing better than spending the day with them by our side. But what if your precious pup or cat literally won't leave you alone or panics when you pick up your keys? Learn more about separation anxiety and how it may be affecting your pet — and your whole family.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

According to the ASPCA, separation anxiety occurs when your pet is left alone. It can also occur when he or she thinks she is separated from his or her human. Cats are usually fine with being left alone for short periods of time, and many have the ability to sleep for hours at a time during the day. Dogs, on the other hand, are pack animals and are often more attached to their humans — and more worried when they're alone for a long time. They frequently destroy property, howl, and urinate on the floor when left alone.

Why Did My Pet Suddenly Develop Separation Anxiety?

Some even-tempered pets seem fine when they're alone. Others are OK up until something shifts and then they go into panic mode. A routine change can trigger anxiety, especially if it involves members of the family being gone for long periods of time when they weren't before (such as transitioning from summer break to a school year schedule in the fall).

Ask yourself what may have triggered your pet's seemingly random anxiety. Did a family member get a new job or start school? Did you start leaving the house at a different time than normal? Is your dog put in his or her crate whenever a relative visits? The trigger will likely be unique to your animal friend, but these are a few places to start.

How Does Separation Anxiety Affect My Pet?

Because all pets have different personalities, they may express separation anxiety in different ways. A more outgoing animal companion may yowl, whine, or bound in front of you in an effort to stop you from leaving. A shyer companion may sulk in the corner and engage in destructive behaviors after you leave. If you're not sure if your pet is dealing with anxiety caused by separation from you or another family member, it's a good idea to talk to your vet to determine whether this is the cause — or if there's a medical reason at the root of these odd behaviors.

There are a few telltale signs that your beloved animal companion is suffering from separation anxiety, though. Symptoms of this common condition might also include the following behaviors:

• Expressing signs of anxiety when you're about to leave (or when noticing a part of your "leaving routine" such as grabbing your keys) such as whining, pacing, or pawing at you.

• For dogs, destructive chewing on your belongings or even parts of the room the pup is kept in. A dog may gnaw on the doorframe, scratch up the window blinds, or damage the door itself in an effort to escape and reunite with you.

• Refusing to eat, drink, or sleep when in "separation mode". This is pretty severe, and most animals will calm down after a little while alone. If you notice any behaviors that may harm your animal, like not drinking water, please get your pet examined by your vet before treating the anxiety on your own.

• Urinating or defecating in corners, marking territory, or engaging in other unwanted behaviors that you're pretty sure your pet should have outgrown a long time ago.

5 Ways To Help Your Pet Cope While You're Gone

Whether the separation is real or you're simply logging onto a conference call in the next room, it absolutely feels real (and horrible) to your pet. Remember, your pet doesn't understand why you can't take him or her to the office, to the dermatologist, or to visit your sister who is allergic to animals. He or she simply experiences a feeling of abandonment and fear.

Fortunately, there are a few tried and true ways to ease the anxiety of being apart. Consider these tips and products to start.

1. Pet Naturals Calming Chews

These all-natural chews contain ingredients that are proven to calm down dogs as well as humans including B vitamins and the calming amino acid L-theanine. Use the dosage chart to give your pup what he or she needs based on weight.

2. Calm Paws Protective Collar

This inflatable collar probably won't be your dog's favorite thing, but if he or she chews at wounds or surgical stitches when left alone, it may be a necessity. It's made with durable, soft material and allows your pet to move while protecting vulnerable areas. It's appropriate for cats as well as dogs.

3. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Tablets

If your pet has trouble sleeping when alone, try these calming tablets. Melatonin is a natural substance that helps ready the brain for sleep (humans take it too!). This supplement contains other calming herbs such as passionflower, chamomile, and L-Tryptophan.

4. SmartBones Functional Sticks

Young dogs and those who love to chew may enjoy having something to gnaw on when you're gone (not your doorframe or your pillows, preferably). Check out these rawhide-alternative chew sticks that contain chamomile and lavender for extra calming power.

5. NaturPet Be Calm

This liquid anxiety relief supplement is appropriate for dogs and cats. If your animal friend starts revving up to panic before you leave the house, give him or her some of this herbal formula that contains passionflower, valerian root, and lemon balm. It can also help with digestive issues due to extreme stress.

Peruse Our Catalog for More Helpful Products

Whether you're gearing up for a new season of puppy outfits, looking for new toys for your cat, or turning to science-backed herbal supplements to help your pet's separation anxiety, Baxter Boo has you covered! Look through our listings of hundreds of high-quality pet products to find the perfect solution to your needs today.