Calm Your Dog's Separation Anxiety With These Top Products

5 Smart Tricks to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in dogs is more common than many pet parents realize. It can manifest as destructive behavior, excessive barking, whining, pacing, or even accidents in the house. These are all signs that your dog is struggling to cope with being left alone. Luckily, with consistency and patience, you can ease your furry friend’s distress. Here are five smart tricks to help your dog feel more secure when you're not around.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Could Music Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Music to soothe the anxious beast… for when your dog is home alone. Research has already shown that classical music is calming for dogs. Now, a Grammy-winning musician is teaming up with a new dog-centric TV channel in the hopes that they can create a soothing home-alone experience for latchkey pooches. We all hate leaving our canine companions home alone. If we could bring our dogs to work every day here at the PetGuide offices, believe us, we would. You can also believe us when we say that no computer cable would go un-chewed and no co-workers’ lunch would go un-snatched (from right off their desks) if our pooches had their way. So alas, they stay at home while we’re working, as most doggies do. But still — don’t you wish there was a way to keep them happy and calm until you get home? With 12 million dogs in America suffering from separation anxiety, we sure do! Related: How To Handle Separation Anxiety Well, that’s exactly what DogTV, a new channel specifically targeted to dogs, is hoping to accomplish. DogTV has also found an unlikely partner in Andrew Dost, pianist for the Grammy award-winning band FUN (“We Are Young”). Dost has signed on to compose music for the dogs who tune into programming on DogTV, with an aim towards creating relaxing tunes to sooth your pup while you’re gone. The songs, which incorporate actual dog panting noises and the sound of pooches running through snow, have a classical, mostly keyboard-based (with a little harp and vibraphone thrown in for good measure) sound to them. DogTV even researched and produced guidelines for Dost so he’d know how to compose dog-friendly tunes. Having listened to the songs ourselves, we’ve gotta say: They’re pretty darned relaxing. In fact, we’re feeling … very … sleepy… Uhhh, just kidding — we think. But if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, this might just be a good place to start. To learn more about DogTV and the creative process behind Dost’s songs for pooches, check out the story from ABC News below.

How To Spot True Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

You adopted a puppy and took a whole week off to make sure he’s settled into his new home. Then, after your first day back to work, you find a note on your apartment door: “Your dog has been barking all day. Please make it stop.” Know the Signs At this point, you might assume your dog has separation anxiety and your life is about to be turned upside down. True separation anxiety can be a difficult issue to deal with, but the good news is that many people who think their dogs have separation anxiety are mistaken. In this case, it’s good to be wrong! What looks like separation anxiety may actually be temporary stress when a dog comes to a new home, a surplus of doggie energy that is not being sufficiently burned, or plain old boredom while home alone. Related: 8 Tips For Boarding a Dog with Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is essentially a panic attack that occurs when a dog is isolated from his human(s). Having a friend stay with the dog, or even getting a second dog, won’t ease his suffering. Another form of separation anxiety is called isolation distress, which bears the same symptoms as full-blown separation anxiety when the dog is left completely alone, but the dog is calm if left with another person or animal. These are some telltale signs that your dog may have separation anxiety or isolation distress: constant barking or howling while you are gone, panting, drooling, dilated pupils, clawing or biting near the exits (such as doors or windows) as he tries to escape, lack of interest in high-value treats,self-injury during these escape attempts, andpeeing or pooping indoors. On the flip side, these things indicate something other than separation anxiety: barking that lasts for several minutes after you leave your home, or barking when the dog hears a noise,tearing apart furniture or other items that are unrelated to the exits, andpeeing or pooping indoors. It’s no accident that I put “peeing or pooping indoors” in both categories. Though it could indicate separation anxiety, you first have to rule out all other reasons. First, if your dog has had any other accidents in the last six months, especially while you were home, then it may be a housetraining issue. Also consider if you have changed anything in your dog’s routine, including food, supplements, medication, amount of attention, or walk schedule. Even take the weather and the noises outside (such as jarring construction) into account. However, if your dog is otherwise housetrained and has done his business outside before being left alone, an accident might indicate separation anxiety. This is particularly true if it your dog soils his crate, as most (though not all) dogs prefer not to eliminate where they sleep. Related: Cannabidiol Soft Chews May Help Dogs With Separation Anxiety Be a Doggie Detective Part of the problem with owners misdiagnosing separation anxiety is that they aren’t there to see it, so the information comes from neighbors who may be either downplaying or exaggerating the issue. It’s wise to do a little spying on your dog. There are numerous home security cameras that allow you to remotely watch your dog while he’s home alone, or you can simply set up a Skype or Facetime call with him. (This will require you starting a video call between your computer and smartphone while you’re home, and then keeping the call on while you leave the house.) While watching your dog, note his activity around the exits, whether he is panting and drooling, and the duration of his barking or crying. If you left some delicious treats for him, has he touched them? Also consider your dog’s behavior while you’re at home. If your dog simply is bored or has a surplus of energy, he might be destroying furniture, running, and barking while you’re home, too. This can usually be resolved with a combination of increased exercise (or the addition of doggie daycare), loads of treat-dispensing toys to play with while he’s home alone, and consistent positive-reinforcement training to teach him polite behavior. If, on the other hand, your dog is of the “Velcro” variety, following you from room to room, this could indicate separation anxiety. Not all dogs with separation anxiety fit the traditional mold, so if you think your dog truly has this problem, contact a qualified trainer or behavior specialist. A professional can help you develop a plan that fits your and your dog’s lifestyle.

Top 10 Products To Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe This Winter

Your dog is on all-fours a good chunk of his life, and you want to take care of your pupster’s paws. Here are our top 10 products to keep your dog’s paws safe this winter.

Do THIS to Keep your Outdoor Cat Safe

Letting your cat explore the outdoors is exciting for them, but sometimes stressful for you. However, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping your feline friend safe and healthy while they roam the outdoors.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

What to Know Before Getting a Pet Chinchilla

Chinchillas are adorable and full of personality, making them appealing pets for many animal lovers. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand that these small creatures have unique needs that set them apart from more traditional pets. Let’s dive into what you should know.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Accident Proof Your Dog Walks Now with These Simple Leash Accessories

We don’t head out on a walk with our pups looking for danger, but the truth is that the unexpected happens. It could be a sudden, deep cut on your dog’s paw from stepping on broken glass, a tick burrowed deep into your dog’s skin, or the catastrophic moment a cheap leash clip snaps when a squirrel darts across your path. In that split second of panic, you’ll realize that preparedness isn’t overkill. Better still, let’s ensure you’re prepared without having to face the challenges.Your dog’s leash plays a key role on walks, and I’m not just referring to keeping them safely tethered. It’s your “base camp,” with the ability to carry everything you need from emergency first-aid to critical safety gear right there, immediately accessible.In this article, I’m going to talk about the non-negotiable, clip-on accessories that I carry on every walk. These are items that tackle big problems and help me keep my dogs safe. Additionally, I’ll share some leash styles that are better suited to carry this gear and help make your next walk that much safer. The goal is simple: to make sure you’re ready for anything, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your time together.“Clip-and-Go” Essentials When you think about leash preparedness, consider the items you carry every day. Just as you don’t leave the house without your keys, wallet, and phone, your dog’s leash needs its own collection of essential tools. These are small, lightweight accessories that clip directly onto a D-ring or an accessory loop, ensuring they are with you on every single walk. After all, an emergency doesn’t check your calendar and schedule itself when it’s convenient. The First-Aid TrioThe most critical moments on any dog-friendly outing are when your pup sustains a minor injury or encounters something potentially hazardous to their health. The following three items on your leash can help you provide immediate care and stabilize the situation until you can get home or reach your veterinarian. The Tick Remover Tool Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are carriers of serious diseases that could put your pup at risk. If you spot a tick while out and about, the priority is to remove it quickly, completely, and safely. Trying to pinch or squeeze a tick with your fingers can cause the tick to regurgitate infected fluids back into your dog’s bloodstream, and household tweezers can easily be lost in your pocket. Instead, consider carrying a leash-friendly tick remover. Look for the small, v-notched plastic tools or specialized metal tick removers designed for this purpose, like the classic Tick Key. These tools easily slide under the tick and allow you to lift it out with a simple twist or pull. It makes it easier to ensure the entire head is removed, reducing the risk of further complications. Because these tools are so small and lightweight, attaching one directly to your leash with a mini-carabiner means you never have to scramble for one. Paw and Wound Care Mini-KitWhether it’s a sharp rock on the trail or an unseen piece of broken glass on the sidewalk, a paw injury is one of the most common mid-walk incidents. My boy Lucifer suffered a small cut on his foot on a recent hike, and we don’t even know the cause. When faced with a cut, your role as a loving pet parent is to provide temporary stabilization. The priority is to stop the bleeding, keep the wound clean until you return home, and prevent your dog from licking it or further aggravating it. This, of course, requires some key first-aid supplies. You don’t need a full trauma kit, just a compact, sealed tube or case small enough to clip to the leash. I use a small zippered treat pouch for ours. In it, we keep two small, sterile gauze pads (for cleaning and coverage), a small roll of self-adhering vet wrap, a couple of antiseptic wipes, and a single disposable bootie, like those from PawZ, to keep any wounds or bandages dry.Emergency MuzzleThis is perhaps the most misunderstood piece of safety gear, yet it can make all the difference in an emergency. Even the sweetest, most friendly dog can react to intense pain or overwhelming fear by biting. For this reason, I recommend all dog parents keep some form of muzzle on hand. If your dog is in pain, quickly putting a muzzle on them lets you examine and treat the injury without risking yourself or an innocent passerby.In most cases, a simple snout loop or lightweight, fabric muzzle clipped to your leash setup would be enough. If you do have a dog that is a little “spicy,” a more sturdy muzzle (we use a vinyl muzzle from Mia’s Muzzles for my fear-reactive boy) may be necessary. Don’t forget to take time to do muzzle training in advance, so you aren’t adding more stress to an already stressful situation by throwing on a muzzle they aren’t accustomed to. Safety, Visibility, and Comfort GearBeyond the immediate medical needs, a good preparedness system addresses ongoing safety and the simple necessities your dog may need during your walk.LED Safety Light or Blinker If your walks extend into the early morning or evening, visibility is an essential consideration. Accidents often happen because a driver simply doesn’t see you or your dog until it’s too late. Consider clipping a small, bright, USB-rechargeable clip-on LED light to your leash. These lights offer flashing or steady modes. Even better, attach one to the leash to make yourself visible, and another to your dog’s collar or harness. Make it part of your routine to check the battery before every low-light walk. Hydration and Comfort Essentials Even a short walk can lead to dehydration, especially in warmer weather or for an energetic dog. A few ounces of water can make a huge difference for your dog. If you’re hiking in town where you know there are accessible water fountains, or are carrying water in your backpack, all you’ll need is a collapsible water bowl. The most common are the silicone dishes that fold up flat and usually come equipped with a small carabiner to clip directly to your leash or backpack. Personally, I love the packable design of the HydraPak Rover Dog Bowl. For those who prefer hiking in more rural areas without potable water sources, you may prefer to carry a travel-friendly dog water bottle with a built-in bowl, like the Lesotc Portable Dog Water Bottle. Poop Bag DispenserWhile this might seem like a given, I feel like I can’t make this list without stressing the importance of a poop bag dispenser. More importantly, a reliable dispenser that attaches securely to your leash. Some high-end dispensers also have a feature that holds a used, tied-off bag until you reach a garbage to dispose of it, keeping your hands free and clean. Alternatively, they can be purchased separately to add to your gear.

New Ban on Sale of Animals at Pet Stores in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has joined other parts of the U.S., like New York, where pet stores are banned from selling animals. The new ordinance is designed to reduce the risks associated with large-scale breeding, and also helps promote animal health and welfare. Below is a breakdown of the new law and what you should know about it.

5 Fun Easter Gifts for Your Pup

Your dog is part of the family, so they deserve to enjoy the fun of Easter too. While you’re putting together baskets and planning brunch, it only makes sense to include something for your furry friend. Here are five Easter-themed finds they’re bound to love. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

The Pros and Cons of Owning Exotic Pets

Exotic pets have a certain mystique. They’re unusual, eye-catching, and undeniably intriguing.Whether it’s a brilliantly colored reptile or an unusual small mammal, these animals can feel worlds apart from traditional dogs and cats. However, fascination alone isn’t a good enough reason to bring one home. While exotic pet ownership can be deeply rewarding, it also comes with complex responsibilities and real challenges. Here’s a closer look at both sides.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Introduce a Cleanse to Your Dog's Health Regimen

Cute Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Dog

The holiday season is the perfect time to spoil the furry friend who fills your home with joy all year long. Dogs may not understand the meaning of Christmas, but they definitely understand the excitement of new treats, cozy spots to curl up in, and fun things to explore. If you want to make your pup’s Christmas extra special, here are some adorable gift ideas to consider.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Common Mistakes People Make When Bringing Home a New Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but in the rush to welcome your new furry friend, a lot of well-meaning pet parents make avoidable mistakes. If you’re planning to bring home a kitten or just did, here are some of the most common missteps and how to avoid them.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

What To Consider Before Using Talking Pet Buttons

Talking pet buttons have become increasingly popular, especially as more people have been sharing videos of their dogs and cats using them—well-known examples include Stella, Billi, and Bunny. If you’ve been thinking about giving speech buttons a try, here are some things to consider before diving in.

Cornell Is Conducting a Dietary Trial for CKD in Cats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating illness that is common among cats, so experts have long been searching for a solution that can prevent the disease or at least slow its progression. You may have heard that dietary changes might help kitties who have been diagnosed with kidney disease. Well, Cornell wants to dig deeper to learn more about how diet can affect kidney health in cats, so they’re conducting a dietary trial that will hopefully shed light on what vets and pet parents can do to help more cats.

What Is Barrier Frustration in Dogs? (And How to Solve It)

It’s a scene every dog parent knows all too well: one moment you’re enjoying a quiet morning, sipping your coffee, and the next, your normally chill pup is transformed into a whirlwind of barking and lunging at the window or fence. This sudden shift can be jarring, especially when you know your dog is friendly in other situations. While it may look like aggression, what you’re likely witnessing is barrier frustration. But what is barrier frustration, and how can you help your dog stay calm? Understanding the root causes of this behavior is the first step toward restoring peace in your home and during your daily walks. In this article, I’ll share the subtle signs of frustration-based reactivity, how to identify your dog’s specific triggers, and science-backed strategies to help your pup navigate the world with more calm and confidence.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Science of Barrier Frustration in Dogs To understand why a dog reacts so intensely to a barrier, we have to look past the barking and into the canine brain. At its core, barrier frustration is a response to a thwarted goal. When a dog is motivated to reach something (whether that is a neighbor walking by, a squirrel in the yard, or another dog across the street), their body prepares for action. When a physical barrier, like a fence, window, or leash, interrupts their movement toward this trigger, the dog’s excitement and intention don’t “turn off.” Instead, the energy intended for that interaction is redirected into alternative behaviors.  The Sympathetic Nervous System When a dog’s path is blocked, the brain sees it as a conflict. This triggers the sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “fight or flight” system, leading to several immediate changes within the body: Adrenaline and Cortisol Spikes: The body is flooded with stress hormones designed to handle a high-stakes situation. Increased Heart Rate: The dog’s physical state is similar to a high-intensity workout, making it nearly impossible for them to “just calm down” in the moment. Loss of the Prefrontal Cortex: As arousal climbs, the “thinking” part of the brain shuts down, leaving the dog to react purely on instinct and emotion. Frustration vs. FearOne important point to understand is that there is a distinct difference between frustration-based and fear-based reactivity. As responsible dog parents, we must learn to distinguish the two so we can respond in the best interests of our pups. While they may appear identical to the untrained eye, their internal motivations are polar opposites. Dogs experiencing fear-based reactivity bark to create distance. Their goal is to make the “scary thing” go away. In contrast, those with frustration-based reactivity are barking to close the distance. Their goal is to reach the trigger, and they are essentially protesting the restriction that is preventing them from doing so. Common Barriers in the Modern World Our dogs live in a world of visible and invisible boundaries that don’t always make sense to them. The most common culprits include: Leashes: restrict natural body language and movement Fences and Windows: provide full visual access without any hope of physical contactInterior Barriers: like baby gates or crates that separate them from the family unit Identifying the Signs: Is it Barrier Frustration? Recognizing the difference between a dog that is truly aggressive and one that is simply frustrated requires the careful eye of an observant dog parent. Because barrier frustration is an expression of intense desire rather than a desire to cause harm, the body language often contains positive social signals mixed with signs of feeling highly aroused. Body Language Nuances When a dog is experiencing barrier frustration, their body is primed and ready to move toward their desired trigger. This can be seen in their body language. Look for the following physical cues: Forward-Leaning Posture: Unlike a fearful dog that may tuck its tail or shift its weight backward, a frustrated dog leans into the barrier or pulls toward the end of the leash with significant force. High-Arousal Vocalizations: The bark of a frustrated dog often has a distinctive pitch. It is frequently higher-pitched, repetitive, and may include “screaming” or whining sounds that convey a sense of urgency. Direct Eye Contact: The dog will often lock eyes with the trigger and find it very difficult to look away, even when offered a high-value treat or a favorite toy. The “Off-Switch” Phenomenon: One of the clearest indicators of frustration is how quickly the behavior stops once the barrier is removed. If your dog is barking frantically at a fence but becomes instantly calm and friendly the moment they are allowed to greet the other dog, the primary issue is the barrier itself. The Escalation LadderIf the frustration isn’t addressed, your dog’s behavior can spiral. A dog who starts with a simple whine may progress to displacement behaviors. These are “out of context” actions that the dog uses to vent excess energy, such as spinning or circling in tight circles at the end of the leash, charging back and forth along a fence line, or biting at their own leash. In a state of high excitement, your dog may even nip at your clothing or your hands. This isn’t a personal attack; it’s their stress boiling over. Why Does Barrier Frustration Happen? Understanding that barrier frustration isn’t a personality flaw but rather a response to an external trigger and feelings of excitement helps us approach the situation with more empathy. For many dog parents, it’s surprising to learn that the “friendliest “ dogs are often the most susceptible to this challenge. The “Social Butterfly” Trap (Over-Socialization)Ironically, one of the most common causes of barrier frustration is a history of being “too social.” Dogs that were allowed to greet every person and dog they encountered as a puppy will often develop a strong expectation that they will always have access. When these dogs reach adulthood and are suddenly expected to walk past a stranger without greeting, or to watch a dog through a window without playing, they lack the emotional skills to cope with the denial. The barrier quickly becomes a source of intense resentment because it stands in the way of what reaching what they want to interact with, which they believe is their right. Lack of Impulse ControlJust like humans, dogs vary in their ability to handle delayed gratification. Some dogs are naturally more impulsive, meaning their “go” system is much stronger than their “brakes.” Every dog has a threshold, a specific distance or intensity at which they can no longer remain calm. Dogs with poor impulse control have a low threshold, meaning they experience frustrated behavior much sooner than a dog with a more practiced pause button. While some dogs naturally have the emotional capacity to calm themselves down when frustrated, many struggle with this skill. Without specific training to build frustration tolerance, those who struggle will never learn how to lower their own heart rate once it begins to climb.

Study Suggests Cats Meow Harder and Louder to Get Male Attention

Women use baby-talk to to engage and interact with their feline friends. Men, not so much... and cats are fed up!

8 Tips to Prevent Pet Theft When You’re Away From Home

Pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. And just like any loved one, you want to make sure they’re safe, even when you’re not home. Unfortunately, pet theft is a real concern, so it’s important to take steps to protect your furry friends.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.