Puppies often lack independence because everything is brand new and frightening and they’ve never spent time alone before. Similarly, older dogs can lose some confidence when they become weaker and their health starts to deteriorate. Rescue dogs that have spent a long time on their own or have experienced neglect or abuse also tend to lack confidence. When they find their forever home, they can develop separation anxiety because they’re frightened of being alone again.

When separation anxiety develops suddenly, it can also be because of trauma or a serious medical problem. Medical problems such as a visual or hearing impairment, mobility issues, or age-related cognitive dysfunction (CDS) can cause sudden clinginess and separation anxiety, as can trauma. Common traumatic incidents for dogs include big life changes, illness or loss in the family, physical traumas, and scary incidents like violent storms.

How to prevent separation anxiety in dogs 

First and foremost, to prevent separation anxiety, it’s important that your dog gets enough exercise. Stress takes up a lot of energy, so when their bodies are being sufficiently exercised, it leaves less room for separation anxiety. 

How much exercise your dog needs will depend on their age, size, and breed. You can use Rover’s exercise calculator for general advice, but ask your vet for specifics about your dog. 

Dogs generally do best on two or three walks per day and it’s a good idea to vary the location, add in some fun activities, such as fetch and swimming, and interact with as many friendly people and dogs as possible. 

Socialization is important for a dog’s wellbeing in general, but it’s also great for avoiding separation anxiety. When a dog feel’s socially fulfilled, they’re less likely to feel anxious when they’re alone.

It probably goes without saying, but make sure you give your dog plenty of love and affection every day, especially during times of emotional or physical stress, and try to involve them in your social or family life as much as possible. It’s also important not to leave your dog alone for too long. 

The UK’s leading dog charity Dog’s Trust recommends that you do not leave a dog alone for more than four hours at a time, or one hour per month of age for puppies under 6 months old. Elderly dogs may differ based on their health. 

Exercising the mind is just as important as physical exercise; their minds need to be challenged and entertained every day with fun games and toys. Not only does this make them happier, but it also leaves a lot less space in the mind for anxious thoughts. 

Dogs like to play games that engage their natural instincts like fetch and chase and depending on your dog’s breed, there may be other things you can do, too. For example, herding breeds tend to enjoy agility courses, bully breeds like spring poles, and gun dogs tend to love snuffle mats. 

Games that stimulate the mind are also great. Hide and seek, treasure hunt, and the cup game are some of the most popular ones. To play hide and seek, ask your dog to sit and wait while you hide somewhere. Then, call them to come and find you. To play treasure hunt, follow the rules of hide and seek but hide their favorite toy or some treats instead.

To play the cup game, put two empty cups face-down and side by side on the floor in front of your dog, then put a treat underneath one of them. Finally, switch the cups around and ask your dog to find the treat. For pros, you could switch them twice, add another treat, or even another cup! 

Puzzle toys, puzzle feeders, toys that stimulate the senses, and treat-dispensing toys are another fantastic way to engage your dog’s mind and prevent anxiety of all kinds.