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My dog has extreme separation anxiety. How can I calm him naturally?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer (duplicate) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 9 months old | 55 lbs
My 2.5 year old GSP is extremely anxious at all times. It gets worse when he is separated from us for any amount of time (from 20 seconds-6 hours). Separated=anytime he can't physically touch us. Although we have used it since he was a puppy, he despises his crate. We try to make his crate a safe and comfortable space for him---with a bed and toys. What do we do to naturally calm his anxieties and help him to relax? When he is anxious he will pace, bark, and/or whine uncontrollably. Help!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 13th, 2017
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Carter and you!
What you are describing sounds like severe separation anxiety. You need more one on one help. I recommend seeing your vet and discussing Prozac (long acting anti-anxiety drug) and a short acting to give a few hours before you leave the apartment. I had to do this for my own rescue dog when I first got him. Fortunately I was able to get him off the prozac. After starting medications you need to work with him, just putting him on medications is NOT enough and will not help you well enough. I personally recommend a Veterinary behaviorist or hiring a personal dog trainer to work with you and him one on one. If he likes other dogs I would sign him up for Doggie Daycare a few times per week as well. I've provided some articles for you to read as well. Using Kongs stuffed with yummy treats are a good distraction so you can get things done.
Good luck!
https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-bark-so-much/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-of-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/10-ways-to-stimulate-your-dog-s-brain/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-stop-excessive-barking-in-dogs/
https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-ways-to-reduce-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 10th, 2017
I can totally understand your problem, as I have a hound dog too! I, personally, have used a bark collar and found it very effective. There are collars that give a little shock/buzz or you can get one that does a spray to deter the dogs from barking. In my experience the dog only needs to be buzzed once or twice until they learn not to bark when the collar is on. You may also consider talking with your vet about an anti anxiety medication for your dog. This may help calm him so he doesn't become so anxious and bark when you leave him alone.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2020
It sounds like he has separation anxiety. The quickest way to resolution is to get a professional, in-home dog trainer to help you. This is not easy to correct. In the meantime you could talk to your vet about some behavior modification medication. You can also try a citronella bark collar in the interim.
https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-fortmyers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-lLuMX-6Vs
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/separation-anxiety-in-dogs1Pet Parents found this answer helpful