Anybody here that have dealt with dog severe separation anxiety?

[Coventina]

I've been fortunate in that I've never had a dog that suffered from this.

My MIL just adopted a poodle mix, 11 months old, a rescue, who has SEVERE separation anxiety.

I've ordered a thundershirt and CBD oil for her (so far, MIL has not tried any remedies other than trying to just reassure her through voice and touch).

Wondering if anyone has other helpful suggestions?

[mr_lebowski]

1. Certainly no expert, but I would think 'practicing' with a dog would make sense.

Leave for 3 minutes, come back and warmly greet dog.
Leave for 5 minutes, do same, etc ...

Condition him/her to expect a return from their hooman by seeing it happen repeatedly.

Just a thought off the top of my head.

Hi Coventina

[Coventina]

7. Thanks!! Nice to see you!

Hope you are staying healthy and safe!

[awesomerwb1]

2. Oh, I thought you meant you had separation anxiety

Not currently a dog owner (long story), but I used to have separation anxiety from my pooches.

Do a search on YouTube, perhaps you'll find good tips on there.

[snowybirdie]

3. Our dog had it bad

We discovered that as long as he could look out a window when we leave, and wait for us to come back, he was fine. Of course, the window got all slobbery!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

4. My niece chose an expensive option.

She put her dog in day-care with other dogs while she's at work. I've watched her dog at the facility from their live cameras a few times, and it always has a big "smile".

No more destruction at her house, but again, I don't think it's cheap.

Edit: My niece also says that her dog comes home with her like it had a "busy day at the office". Lol. So it goes to sleep at night much easier, according to her.

[peacebuzzard]

5. What has worked for me and my nervous little friends,

has been to prepare a cozy confined cage until they realize their new world is a safe place. It takes much work at times, depending on the severity of the previous trauma that has wired the little one in knots.

It seems cruel at first because of their fear of a cage, especially since the rescue situation could have included confinement in cages.
In which case, I have draped dark sheets over the cage to reduce outside stimulation. The cage can be made very comfy with plush pillows, water bowl, treats and if need be, attach an adjoining area for potty training. This is easily done if the cage has two doors, which comes as an option that I know of in the giant cage size. Music might help, or a water fountain could induce calmness. If its a small dog a giant cage would be quite roomy, especially with the additional attached space for potty training.

Severe anxiety however may prompt the pup to chew everything up to shreds but at least he would be in a safe area away from the traffic of the house, or the belongings of the house which could be a target to chew for an anxious pup.

I have used the high grade hemp products (cannabinoids) from a veterinarian issued company (there are 2 or more online) in cases of extreme agitation or pain. I have used thunder shirts as well, but the right dose of CBD is perhaps the most helpful, a prescription dose or online consultation with a vet would help in the right product.

I hope something works out well to calm the little one. The severe anxiety can be very destructive and cause additional health problems for those going through this adjustment. Your MIL is a wonderful person for trying to help a poor traumatized baby.

[Coventina]

8. Thanks for this! I'll pass along your tips!!

[secondwind]

6. CBD works wonders, and the Thundershirt is awesome.. We have one for our terrier mix...

[Coventina]

9. I'm really hoping these things will help, along with the advice from the thread.

I guess the poor little thing is just a bundle of nerves.

[Ahpook]

10. It can be a problem

My wife and I went on vacation for a week and took our dog to my parents house. He wasn't having it! He pooped liquid and vomited for most of the first day.

They took him back to our house for the remainder and he was perfectly fine there.

Felt bad for leaving him and discussed going back home when they texted me