But here you are trying to figure out how to help your rescue dog with separation anxiety. First, I want you to know you aren’t alone, so many adopted dogs suffer from separation anxiety, mine included. 

We’ll go into all the details below, but here is a quick overview of how to help your dog with separation anxiety:

1. What anxiety signs to watch for
2. Identify what triggers the separation anxiety
3. Create a routine
4. Make the necessary adjustments
5. Decide when to seek professional help 
6. Medicine as the last resort

What is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a psychological disorder that manifests in excessive barking, whining or crying, chewing, digging, urination, defecation, and other destructive behavior that is accompanied by excessive panting and drooling when the dog is left alone.

Before you assume your dog has separation anxiety, consider ALL of your dog’s behaviors. Just because your dog misbehaves by chewing on the furniture, or urinating on the carpet when you leave them alone in the house, doesn’t mean they have separation anxiety. Are they getting enough physical and mental stimulation each day? They could just be bored. 

Signs of Separation Anxiety 

Witnessing your dog tearing up pillows, chewing door frames, or scratching walls can be distressing and may point to a deeper issue. These destructive behaviors are clear indicators that your dog isn’t just acting up; they’re experiencing intense distress and trying to soothe themselves.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety to watch for:

1. Excessive vocalization: Dogs may bark, whine, or howl excessively when left alone.
2. Destructive behavior: Dogs may chew, scratch, or dig at doors, walls, furniture, or belongings in an attempt to escape or alleviate their anxiety.
3. Inappropriate elimination: Dogs may urinate or defecate indoors, even if they are house-trained when left alone.
4. Pacing or restlessness: Dogs may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as pacing, spinning, or circling when left alone.
5. Escape attempts: Dogs may attempt to escape confinement by scratching at doors or windows or trying to jump over fences.
6. Excessive salivation or drooling: Dogs may drool excessively when left alone due to anxiety.
7. Loss of appetite: Dogs may refuse to eat when left alone.
8. Depression: Dogs may exhibit signs of depression, such as lethargy, decreased interest in activities, or changes in sleeping patterns when separated from their owners.
9. Excessive greeting behavior: Dogs may become overly excited or anxious when their owners return home, displaying frantic greeting behaviors such as jumping, pawing, or licking.
10. Shadowing behavior: Dogs may follow their owners from room to room or exhibit clingy behavior when they sense that their owners are preparing to leave.

I have spoken in several blogs of my beloved Ryder. He along with his doggie sister Scout, are both pure bred Dobermans from reputable kennels in the Toronto area. I did my due diligence with both dogs, dedicating time to research, kennel visits and extensive questionnaires from breeders before I made my final decision.

Life with a puppy is not always easy. And although I have committed myself twice, my newest experience with adopting a dog has given me time to reflect on puppyhood.  Training aside (which is the equivalent to a one year old for at least 18 months), there is something to be said about the immediate gratification of the human animal bond between an owner and a new puppy. They instantly bond with you, looking at you for their every direction, cuddling into the crook of your neck at night. That little puppy belly. The little things that make the puppy experience completely worth it. All the patience and mid night potty brakes eventually pay off when puppy is now a mature dog sleeping at your feet.

So what about the ladder isn’t enough to have your mind made? Over the summer I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Toronto Humane Society. I had an extensive behind the scenes look at what shelter life is like for not only cats and dogs, but mice, rats, rabbits and birds. The level of care they receive is unmatchable in my opinion. Meals twice a day, cleans runs and kennels, 6 walks a day and outdoor play time for the kitties. They receive loads of attention from volunteers and the best medical care. But at the end of the day when the lights go out, they are still alone. When I met Cody, my now 9 year old Chihuahua, he was shy, reserved, and despite the best medical care, had itchy red skin. I don’t know what it was about him that I was drawn too. Maybe it was his little round head and quiet eyes, or my incessant need to collect every skin allergy dog I come across, but I met him, and needed him to come home with me.

After both an application process and interview process with me, Ryder and Scout, Cody was free to come home with me. Now although puppies in themselves are a challenge, rescue dogs are no different. Patience is still required but at a new and different level of understanding. The real challenge is not knowing their history. What kind of life did he live before he came home? And what made him so scared of people, places and things?

Six months later, Cody is finally coming into his own. He’s gaining confidence, enjoys pack walks with his brother and sister, and loves spending his days at the clinic with my coworkers and I. Meeting every new face who comes into the building. The level of reward I feel from making his lonely life into one that is full of joy and loads of sniffing is at the very least equal to raising a puppy.