How’s your dog doing when you head off to work? Do they whine the second you grab your coat?

Our furry friends often have difficulty adjusting to being alone after spending lots of time at home with their families. The good news? You can help your pet feel more secure with a few simple strategies.

Here’s how to recognize the signs of separation anxiety and how to ease your pet’s stress.

How to tell if your dog has separation anxiety

Doggy separation anxiety shows up in many ways, like vocal outbursts and destructive behaviour. Watch for these common signs in dogs:

• Excessive whining, howling or barking when you leave.
• Destructive habits like scratching doors or chewing your furniture.
• Pacing and restlessness.
• They pee (or worse) on the floor, even if they’re house-trained.
• They shake, salivate or refuse to eat.
• They grow quiet and withdrawn.
• They get very attached, like following you from room to room.

How to tell if your cat has separation anxiety

Kitties can feel lonely too. Some common signs of separation anxiety in cats:

• When you leave, they excessively moan, meow or cry.
• They eat too fast or stop eating at all.
• They pee or poop outside their litterbox.
• They vomit food or hairballs.
• You notice them grooming excessively.
• Destructive behaviours like scratching your furniture and valuables.
• If they are house cats, they try to escape.
• They get a little too excited when you return home to see them.

Learn more about identifying separation anxiety from our friends at the BC SPCA.

How to reduce separation anxiety at home

Even if you’re not thrilled about your morning commute, you want your pet to be happy you’re heading into the office.

Here are small, consistent steps to help your pet adjust to being alone:

Follow a predictable routine

Dogs and cats thrive on routine. To help them feel secure, practice regular feeding, play and rest times, every single day of the week (weekends, too). Then gradually introduce brief periods of separation into these routines to help them get used to not seeing you for the next nine hours.

Distract them with toys

While you’re out making bank to give your pet the best life, keep them entertained with interactive toys, like a KONG filled with peanut butter for a dog (mmm….), or for a cat, try a fluffy mouse toy or a ball that makes a noise. These toys provide mental stimulation, ease their anxiousness and help redirect their focus.

Keep your arrivals and departures low key

If you’re cool, they’ll be cool (eventually). When it’s time to leave, keep your goodbyes brief and casual. Same when you get back – avoid giving your pet immediate attention when you return after a hard day’s work. This will smooth over the separation and make it seem less of a big deal.

Sights and sounds can keep them relaxed

If you have TV shows or music on when you’re at home, try playing the same channel or tunes when you go out. The familiarity can help them feel secure. For cats, install a window perch so your kitty can see the big wide world and enjoy watching birds fly by or leaves blowing in the wind.

Give them the shirt off your back

They won’t think you’re gone (for good) if they can smell you around the house. Leave a recently worn article of clothing behind, so your scent comforts your dog and eases their stress while you’re away. Simple, caring, effective.

Crate training: your puppy’s kingdom when you’re away

Used correctly with care, crates can be a nice safe space for dogs who often like to curl up in a cozy corner or small space. Think of a dog crate like a crib, travel bed or playpen for a small child. They’re cozy, comfortable and nice and dark for napping. That said, crate training isn’t for every pet. Here are pro tips on proper crate training, courtesy of two vets who care.

Introduce new smells, or even a friend, to your cat’s environment

Try pheromone sprays or a pheromone diffuser to help your cat relax and reassure them when they get anxious. If you have one cat, what about two? Consider getting a second cat to keep your cat company. Keep in mind, cats can also be protective of their space and a new furry friend can take some getting used to.

When to get help from a pro

You’ve tried everything but your pooch is still pouting and howling? If your dog’s separation anxiety is moderate to severe, you can seek help from a true pro. Experts in animal behaviour can design desensitization and counterconditioning programs that are tailored just for your pet. You can seek help from the like of:

• Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist (CAAB or ACAAB): these are experts in pet behaviour modification.
• Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviourist (Dip ACVB): specialists who may offer medical solutions.
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT): trainers who are skilled in positive reinforcement techniques.

Get peace of mind with pet insurance

Even with your best efforts, separation anxiety can lead to unexpected mishaps like stress-related injuries or illnesses. That’s where pet insurance comes in.

BCAA Pet Insurance, provided by Pets Plus Us, is your safety net for life’s surprises, covering accidents, illnesses, trips to the vet and more. Plus, BCAA Members save 13.5% on pet insurance. Keep your pet’s health, happiness, and safety a top priority as you give yourself peace of mind and financial protection. Get a quote today at bcaa.com/pet

^{*CAA Members receive a 13.5% discount. Non-members receive a 9% discount. All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. This advertisement is an outline only; policy terms and conditions 'User Guide' will prevail. For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides. Pet insurance is sold and administered (including with respect to claims) by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. (PTZ), a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by Northbridge Insurance (Northbridge). The insurance transaction is between the customer and Northbridge. B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd., dba BCAA Insurance Agency, receives commissions from PTZ for referrals of potential customers for pet insurance. PTZ receives fees and commissions from Northbridge for sales and administration of pet insurance. © 2025 All rights reserved.}