How to Ease Your Dog's Anxiety

June 25th is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, and this past year we have been able to do that with no issue because most of us have been working from home! Due to COVID-19, pet owners have been working from home, and our pets have been enjoying the extra attention.


Benefits of having your pet by your side while you work:

1. Lower levels of depression. Pets have a mood-boosting effect due to the human need for touch and love. Having this companionship helps to prevent depression, making you feel needed and wanted, especially if you are living alone.

2. Loneliness. Having a loyal companion brings a sense of comfort and a special bond reducing loneliness.

3. Increase in happiness. By spending more time with your furry friend, especially in the morning, can bring a sense of calm and joy.

4. Decrease in stress. Having a pet has proven to reduce stress, so having access to your pet during the workday will help to decrease work-related stress.

5. Increase productivity. Having access to your pet during your workday allows you to take care of them throughout the day instead of having the worry of rushing to take them out for a walk, feed them, and give them potty breaks. Focus and anxiety don’t often go hand in hand.

6. More exercise. If you are working from home, then you are most likely sharing office space with your dog. They love to be next to you and will prompt you to go for a walk. You also might get up more often to pet and give them some extra hugs.

Tips for working from home with your fur baby:

1. Keep a cozy pet bed near your desk or in the same room. This will allow you to remain focused and not worry about checking what they might be doing.

2. Don’t overfeed. You may be tempted to hand out some extra treats since you see that cute face all day. Keep a limit on those treats to decrease your dog from overheating because, most likely, they won’t ever think there are too many treats in a day!

3. Schedule breaks. The freedom to walk your dog during the day is one of the greatest benefits of working from home as a pet parent. Schedule walk breaks during the day so that you both get exercise, fresh air, and a change of scenery.


Prepare for a return to work.

Many people have adopted a dog while working from home, and now that you are preparing to transition back to on-site work, you may be worried about the distress it may bring.


Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit distress and behavior problems when they're left alone, often showing signs within the first 3 to 7 minutes after you leave.

If you think your pup may have grown accustomed to having you home and by their side, look for these signs of separation anxiety when having to leave them:

● Digging and scratching at doors or windows attempting to reunite with you.
● Destructive chewing.
● Howling, barking, and whining.
● Urination and defecation (even otherwise house-trained dogs).
● Pacing.
● Licking that causes fur loss or raw skin.

Common signs of depression in dogs:

● Withdrawal
● Inactivity
● Change in eating habits
● Change in sleeping habits

What should you do to help your dog with separation anxiety?

You can practice desensitization to teach your animal to feel calmer when you leave. Don’t just go cold-turkey. A tired, contented dog who has had a brisk walk and appropriate playtime with you is much more likely to settle down when you leave.

Desensitization means gradual exposure to what causes them fear and anxiety. First, identify when the anxiety starts. There may be pre-triggers to watch out for. Is it when you put your shoes on or maybe when your keys are in your hand, or you pick up your purse?

If there are pre-triggers, do them multiple times a day. For instance, if your dog has anxiety when you pick up your keys, then pick up your keys, walk into another room and set them down, doing this multiple times a day. Then combine that pre-trigger step with the steps you took when leaving.

Step toward the door, and then lift your hand toward the doorknob. Drop your hand, but stay where you are, then reach toward the doorknob again.
Step toward the door and touch the doorknob, dropping your hand afterward.
Step toward the door and turn the doorknob half an inch, releasing the doorknob and dropping your hand afterward.

Repeat, with appropriate increases, until you can turn the doorknob all the way. If your dog has anxiety when you leave, then try leaving for a minute at a time, multiple times a day. Walk to the mailbox and back, increasing the time each day.

Do not punish your pet for behavior caused by their anxiety, as this will only increase their stress. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment.

Consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to a doggy daycare a few days a week. If your dog is too anxious to even focus on training, you may want to contact your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy. Your vet may have additional suggestions to reduce separation anxiety.


Need some tips on exercising with your dog? Check out our blog post for ideas on exercising with your furry fitness buddy.