Separation anxiety can come up at various times in a dog’s life, such as when a puppy is taken from its mother or when something changes in its routines (such as moving to a new house or an at-home owner getting a job). Often the most stressful time for the dog is right after you leave it, so do that in a low-key way. Also, make sure that the dog gets enough exercise.

Sunbeam, our Basenji, started destroying things after our other dog died, especially when my husband and I went out.

An upset dog can do a lot of damage and she did. Using Rescue Remedy, a Kong, and crating helped stop the destruction. Also, we could see that her separation anxiety diminished after a couple of months, as she adjusted to the new situation. When we added LarryDog to the family a few months later, Sunbeam was even happier.