My Pet Has Separation Anxiety—Here’s What Helped (And How You Can Prepare Too)

When I first brought home my rescue dog, Toby, I expected the usual challenges—house training, a little leash pulling, maybe a sock or two going missing. What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming separation anxiety. Every time I left the apartment, even for a quick coffee run, I’d return to find the aftermath of a meltdown: chewed-up chair legs, shredded pillows, and a very stressed-out pup.

Step 1: Creating a Comfort Zone

The first thing I learned was that dogs need a sense of safe space when their human isn’t around. I cleared a cozy corner of my living room and set up a soft, enclosed pet crate with his favorite blanket and toys. Think of it like a den—a quiet, comfy place that feels secure.

If you live in a small apartment like I do, space is at a premium, so I chose a compact, foldable crate that doesn’t take over the whole room but still gives him a sense of territory.

Step 2: Start with Short Absences

Toby didn’t go from panic to peaceful overnight. I started with baby steps—literally leaving the apartment for just a few minutes at a time. I’d grab the mail, take out the trash, or walk around the block. When I came back, I greeted him calmly (no big “reunion party”) and went about my routine.

Over a couple of weeks, I increased the separation intervals gradually—5 minutes, then 10, 20, 30, and so on. The key was consistency and predictability.

Step 3: Invest in an Affordable Pet Camera

One of the best things I did was buy a budget-friendly pet camera with two-way audio. They’re surprisingly cheap these days and absolutely worth it. I could check in on Toby from my phone, toss him a treat, and even speak to him if he seemed anxious. It gave me peace of mind and gave him a familiar voice during quiet moments.

Step 4: Protect Your Home (and Your Dog)

Before I figured all this out, Toby had chewed through the legs of my dining chairs and managed to unzip a throw pillow and scatter fluff like confetti. I learned to dog-proof the space before leaving: putting cushions out of reach, spraying deterrent on furniture legs, and offering alternatives like chew toys and puzzle feeders to keep him mentally stimulated.

Step 5: Ask for a Helping Hand

Don’t underestimate the power of a friendly neighbor or a dog-loving friend. I had a neighbor who’d pop in once a day if I was gone for longer hours. It was a simple visit—sometimes just a quick pet and a hello—but it broke up the day for Toby and helped reduce the anxiety spikes.

Final Thoughts

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, remember—you’re not alone, and more importantly, neither is your dog. With a bit of planning, patience, and some affordable tools, you can ease the stress for both of you. Whether it's a pet-safe crate, a camera, or a neighbor's visit, every little step adds up to building trust and confidence.

Today, Toby lounges on his dog bed with half an eye open when I leave—maybe he misses me, but the chaos is gone, and he knows I’m coming back.