Your once-independent pup is suddenly following you from room to room. Maybe they’re barking when you leave, pacing by the door, or even having accidents inside. If your senior dog is showing new signs of separation anxiety, you’re not alone.
Aging can bring about new fears and anxieties, even in dogs who never had them before. But the good news? With the right support, you can help your dog feel more secure and comfortable when home alone.
Why Do Senior Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?
Cognitive Changes – Just like humans, dogs can experience age-related cognitive decline (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD), leading to confusion, anxiety, and restlessness—especially when left alone.
Hearing & Vision Loss – If your pup isn’t hearing or seeing as well as they used to, they might feel more vulnerable and rely on you more for comfort.
Changes in Routine – Retirement, schedule shifts, vacations, or even another pet passing away canincrease anxiety.
Pain or Medical Issues – Arthritis, joint pain, or other age-related discomforts can make dogsless confident and more dependent on you for reassurance.
How to Help a Senior Dog with Separation Anxiety
Keep Their Routine Consistent – Senior dogs thrive on predictability. Try to keep feeding, potty breaks, and bedtime around the same times every day.
Use Calming Aids – Natural calming supplements (such as Anxitane), anxiety wraps (like ThunderShirts), pheromone diffusers, or even vet-prescribed medications can ease stress when you're away.
Make Departures & Returns Low-Key – Avoid dramatic goodbyes or excited hellos. Keep it calm and routine so your dog doesn’t associate your leaving with stress.
Create a Safe, Cozy Space – Aquiet room, crate, or comfy bed with a familiar blanket can help your dog feel secure when home alone. How to Set Up a Safe Space
Try Background Noise – Leaving soft music, a TV, or a white noise machine on can help drown out outside sounds that might trigger anxiety. Tips for using music to calm an anxious dog.
When to Talk to Your Vet
If your dog’s anxiety is severe (think excessive barking, destruction, potty accidents, or constant pacing) it may be time to explore professional behavior help and medication. It's not fair for any dog to be experiencing that level of panic, and there are things that can be done to help them feel better.
With a little patience and the right tools, your senior pup can feel more relaxed and secure, even when you’re not home.
Coming up next week: We’ll be talking about senior dog dental care — why aging teeth and gums need extra attention and how to keep their mouth healthy (without a fight!).
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Preventive Vet, P.O. Box 27552, Seattle, Washington 98165, 503.208.7838
