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My dog has severe anxiety and destroys her kennel when I leave. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 1 day old | 33 lbs

I have two dogs. One is three years old and I have her puppy who is eleven weeks. The three year old just started getting really bad anxiety when we leave the house. destroying things. I bought a kennel. they both love the kennel but when i leave the house, the three year old tries very hard to claw her way out. she has destroyed the door of the kennel which is a standard metal bar kennel. i have no idea how to make her less anxious when we leave.. HELP!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 25th, 2018

I am sorry to hear that this is happening. It sounds like she is anxious enough to hurt herself. When dogs are this anxious I do think that medication has a place in making them feel better. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. There is a new supplement out called Solliqiun that has a lot of promise. You may consider using that first, before medication. Also, there Is a pheromone product called Adaptil that is a calming pheromone. It comes in collars and plug in diffusers. I would encourage you to purchase this as well. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 4th, 2017
Poor pup! It does sound like she's quite anxious. For dogs that have severe anxiety problems, prescription medication can often make a huge difference in their quality of life - pheromone plug-ins and and natural calming supplements can be helpful for mild anxiety, but it sounds like your girl has more severe issues.

I would recommend talking with your vet about options for anti-anxiety medication - often, a daily SSRI such as Prozac is a good choice for dogs with issues like this. You could also consider making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist for a more thorough evaluation of your dog and a detailed treatment plan including training exercises and other strategies to help her, in addition to possibly using medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 15th, 2017
Poor girl. She may just have generalized anxiety. Discuss with your vet about getting her on a short trial of anti-anxiety medication (i.e. Fluoxetine, Clomicalm) to help her cope, especially if this starts to become more frequent. Anxiety medication along with behavioral modification training (http://corecaab.org/) is the best way to curb a pets anxiety.
Other more conservative treatments involve pheromon therapy such as the Adaptil collar, thundershirt, etc.
Best of luck to you helping Valentine with her anxiety. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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