Separation anxiety is a disorder that is observed in humans and animals alike, especially in kids who develop close relationships with their caregivers. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is commonly observed in pets who develop excessive dependence and attachment to their owners, which may lead to debilitating anxiety and distress every time their owner leaves or whenever they are left alone at home. There are hundreds of reasons why pets may suffer from separation anxiety, including lack of training, improper socialization and sudden changes in ownership or residence.

If you’re reading this article, chances are your dog or cat has been exhibiting symptoms of anxiety. 

Dogs may exhibit it as:

• Destroying furniture

• Barking

• Howling

• Peeing and pooping when left alone

• Excessive pacing 

• Howling

Cats may exhibit it as: 

• Destroying furniture

• Peeing or pooping outside their litter box

• Excessive meowing

• Crying or moaning

• Vomiting

• Trying to escape 

To help you, I’ve come up with a list of things you can do to soothe your pets during periods when you aren’t around and help curb symptoms of separation anxiety.

Use Counter-Conditioning for Mild Separation Anxiety

One easy way to deal with separation anxiety is by redirecting your pet’s fearful behaviors or triggers to more pleasant experiences. This can be done successfully by associating new experiences or the introduction of new people -- which may oftentimes cause anxiety for pets -- with good things and rewards. This may help recondition your dog to connect unfamiliar experiences and unfamiliar environments to pleasant emotions and feelings instead.

Try Desensitization Strategies for Moderate Separation Anxiety

For moderate to severe separation anxiety, you can try employing desensitization strategies by letting your pets get accustomed to longer periods of separation. To make this strategy as successful as possible, do this over a period of a few weeks to a month so you can ease your pet into it and not make them more frightened or anxious. Create a safe and comforting environment for them while you’re away, such as a cozy cat house for your cat or a comforting nook for your dog. 

In some cases, desensitization may require a professional’s help so that you can carry it out precisely without the risk of causing more distress to your pet. 

If your pet seems to have severe anxiety, consider contacting a pet behaviorist who can help desensitize your pet more effectively. 

Consider Socialization for New Pets

Whether you just adopted a cute Mini Groodle puppy or a sweet British Shorthair kitten, socialization remains to be one of the best ways you can curb separation anxiety disorders in pets. Introducing environments, people and different situations to them may help them better adapt to inevitable changes in the future. 

For puppies, you can start socialization as early as eight weeks, or as soon as you get your puppy home. Introduce various textures, food, smells and people at this time to help them acclimate better to their new territory and hone their socialization skills. Kittens can be socialized as early as two to seven weeks of age. You can also use toys and food to help keep them comfortable and happy. 

Other Recommendations to Help You Deal With Pet Separation Anxiety

Aside from the things I’ve mentioned above, there are some additional things you can try to help your pets overcome their separation anxiety, such as:

1. Leave a used shirt at home before you leave. Your pet will appreciate you leaving a recently worn shirt or article of clothing that has your scent on it. This will help them better cope with not having you around.

2. Avoid making a fuss about leaving home. While you’d want to kiss your pets goodbye or cuddle with them before leaving home, consider going for a quick pat instead to avoid building up anxiety for your pet once you do depart.

3. Have a consistent pet sitter.

To help your pets get accustomed to you leaving, at least help them by assigning or hiring a consistent pet sitter so that they can still have a familiar face around them when you’re not around. This will also help them cope with their anxiety better since they won’t need to adjust to an unfamiliar sitter every time.

4. Don’t be stingy when it comes to treats.

When you leave home or when you’re preparing to leave, give your pets a few treats or give them a comfort toy that they can play with whenever you leave them home alone. This will help them redirect their attention to pleasant things other than your departure.