Whether you’re returning to the office, starting a new routine, or simply spending more time away from home, your pet may be adjusting to spending more time alone. Major life changes—such as moving to a new home, changing work schedules, or welcoming a new family member—can be stressful for pets. In some cases, that stress can lead to separation anxiety. The good news? There are many ways loving pet parents can help their dogs feel more comfortable and confident when home alone.
In this blog, we discuss the common signs of separation anxiety in dogs and share practical tips to help ease their stress.
If you notice new or unusual behaviours, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian. Changes in behaviour can sometimes be the first sign of an underlying health issue. Even if your dog is adjusting to a move or a new schedule, it’s important to rule out any medical concerns.
1. Set a Consistent Schedule
If your routine has changed recently, now is a great time to re-establish a predictable daily schedule for your pet. Dogs thrive on consistency, and returning to familiar routines can help reduce stress. If your dog is accustomed to spending part of the day in a crate, begin with short periods of crate time each day. If morning walks are part of your normal routine, try to take them at the same time each morning. Pets may not understand why your schedule has changed, but they do notice when you are suddenly gone for longer periods. The more closely you follow your usual routine, the easier the adjustment can be.
2. Burn Off Extra Energy
A well-exercised dog is more likely to rest calmly while you’re away. Before leaving, provide your dog with plenty of physical exercise and interactive playtime. Depending on your dog’s breed, age, and energy level, they may also benefit from additional mental stimulation such as training sessions, puzzle toys, or scent games.
3. Start with Short Absences
Help your dog build confidence by practicing brief departures. Begin by leaving for just five minutes, then gradually increase the amount of time you are away. This teaches your dog that you always return and helps them feel more secure when left alone. Take things slowly and progress at a pace your dog is comfortable with.
4. Break the Leaving Routine
Dogs quickly learn to associate certain cues—such as picking up your keys or putting on your shoes—with your departure. To reduce this connection, perform these actions occasionally without actually leaving the house. Pick up your keys, put on your coat, and then sit down to watch television or continue with your day. Over time, these cues become less stressful because they no longer always signal that you are leaving.
5. Provide Enrichment and Entertainment
Keeping your dog mentally engaged can make alone time much more enjoyable. Try leaving on soft music or the television for background noise. Many dogs find familiar sounds comforting. Offer enrichment toys, treat puzzles, and long-lasting chews to keep your dog occupied and stimulated while you are away. Mental exercise can be just as important as physical exercise when it comes to reducing anxiety.
Below, we’ve included some of our favourite products to help keep your dog relaxed, entertained, and comfortable when home alone.
Shop Our Favourite Calming and Enrichment Products
1. Outward Hound Treat Tumble For Dogs
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Treat Tumble is a perfect puzzle ball for any pup! A level 1 treat-dispensing dog puzzle, the Treat Tumbler will keep your dog intrigued as they roll the ball and sniff around to find ways to release the reward. Easy to fill with two treat-dispensing holes. Made with food safe BPA-free plastic that is easy to wipe clean for outdoor and indoor fun!
- beginner's puzzle challenge: Start your pup's off with a level 1 Treat Tumble dog toy from Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound! This brightly-colored red and yellow large treat-dispensing ball is a fun way to introduce puzzle games to your pup.
- interactive & solo play: Fill this ball in through the holes with your dog's favorite treats and watch them go as they paw and nudge the ball around to get the tasty rewards! Play together or supervise your dog while they play solo.
- indoor & outdoor fun: The wipeable surface of the Treat Tumble dog puzzle makes it a go-to treat-dispensing toy for indoor and outdoor playtime!
- bpa, pvc & phthalate-free: Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound interactive treat dog puzzles are designed with your pet's health in mind from food safe materials that you can trust with your dog. Easy to clean with warm water and soap between uses.
- play it safe: No toy is indestructible. Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged.
2. NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Soft Chews
Give your dog the gift of calm with Quiet Moments® Calming Soft Chews, a health supplement designed to ease anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Veterinarian formulated for dogs, these soft chews combine Melatonin with a unique blend of calming ingredients like Chamomile, L-Tryptophan, and Thiamine Mononitrate, providing gentle, effective support for anxious or restless dogs. Whether it’s car rides, thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, or bedtime routines, our soft chews will help your dog feel safe, secure, and relaxed.
For use in dogs only. Veterinarian formulated for use in dogs over the age of 12 weeks. Contains our unique blend of Thiamine and L-Tryptophan to help reduce stress and tension, Ginger to support sensitive stomachs, and Melatonin to help promote rest and relaxation.
- Helps reduce stress and tension
- Great for travel, grooming, storms, and fireworks
3. Kong Gyro Treat Dispensing Toy
The KONG Gyro is sure to entertain with irresistible roll and flip action that entices and intrigues dogs. The dynamic center spinning orb and static outer ring encourages dogs to push, paw and roll the Gyro, delightfully dispensing tasty treat rewards along the way. Ideal for independent play, stuff with snacks or kibble for added fun and extended playtime.
- Entertaining roll and flip action
- Dispenses food and treats
- Ideal for independent play
4. Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser
ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser Starter Kit is a clinically proven pheromone solution to help calm and comfort your dog at home. Its continuous effect provides constant comfort, helping your dog or puppy to remain calm and adapt to stressful situations like staying alone, loud noises, thunderstorms and visitors in the home. Trusted by veterinarians and pet owners worldwide for over 15 years, more than 8 million dogs have benefitted from ADAPTIL dog calming products.
Ingredients: Canine Appeasing Pheromone Analogue, 2%
5. Kong Extreme Goodie Bone
The KONG Extreme Goodie Bone™ toy delights dogs that are the toughest of chewers and that delight in chew sessions. Made from the most durable KONG Extreme unique, natural black rubber formula this bone is designed for determined chewers. The KONG Extreme Goodie Bone™ also features patented Goodie Grippers ™ that turn this entertaining toy into a fun treat dispensing challenge that can be stuffed with your dog’s favorite kibble.
- Durable natural KONG Extreme Rubber designed for power chewers
- Patented Goodie Gripper™ holes are ideal for stuffing challenges
- Two Goodie Grippers™ extend the mind-occupying challenge
- Long-lasting design withstands countless hours of chewing
