The Best Separation Anxiety Dog Toys to Help Your Pup Chill When You’re Away

What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?

Signs of separation anxiety in dogs that you should be on the lookout for, according to Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA, a veterinarian and professional dog trainer:

• Potty accidents that only happen when you aren’t home
• Destructive behaviors like chewing on things or pawing at walls or doors
• Reports from neighbors that your dog is barking, whining, howling or making other noises while you’re away
• Treats or food that aren’t eaten while you’re gone—that your dog may then eat right away when you get home
• Excessive drooling when you’re gone
• Pacing or restlessness

If you’re concerned that your dog may have separation anxiety, Dr. Summerfield recommends using a dog camera to watch or record what your dog is doing while you’re gone. She says recording your dog’s actual behavior rather than relying on whatever circumstantial evidence you find when you get home can help distinguish between a pup with true separation anxiety and a dog who might just be bored and destructive.

How do toys help with separation anxiety in dogs?

Certain dog toys, like those you stuff with treats, can be helpful for many dogs with separation anxiety issues because they “help keep the dog happily occupied for a while, and also start teaching them that staying home alone isn’t such a bad deal since that’s when the really good stuff comes out,” Dr. Summerfield explains.

She often recommends some sort of extra-special, long-lasting treat like a stuffed KONG or Twist’nTreat filled with peanut butter, spray cheese or canned dog food whenever they leave the house. Freezing these types of toys after stuffing them helps them last longer.

Be aware, though, that many dogs will initially be too anxious to have any interest in toys or treats while they’re home alone. In these cases,  Dr. Summerfield says anti-anxiety medication from your veterinarian can make a big difference, so she always recommends getting your dog’s veterinarian involved as part of the process.

Tips for Introducing a New Dog Toy for Separation Anxiety

You should always supervise your dog when giving them a new separation anxiety toy. Start by giving your dog their new toy while supervised, then take short trips away to get them used to the idea of you being gone.

Keep in mind that different types of separation anxiety toys will be better for certain pups—snuggle bugs who aren’t big chewers may love a soft plushy or easy lick mat while frisky pooches with lots of energy to burn may need a more challenging puzzle game or durable chew toy.

What are other ways to help separation anxiety in dogs?

1. Talk to your veterinarian about medication for separation anxiety.

According to Dr. Summerfield, medication is one way that you can really help your dog work through their separation anxiety. “Separation anxiety is one behavioral issue that’s really, really hard to make progress on without some anti-anxiety meds on board, since your dog is essentially having a panic attack every time you leave the house,” she says.

When your pup is super upset because of a stressful situation, they’re not able to learn new or better behaviors, so Dr. Summerfield says she often finds medication is a helpful part of the initial treatment plan to help make headway on changing their feelings. Pet parents can consult with their veterinarian or set up a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist to talk through the different options available, and help you decide if medication would be a good idea for your dog.

2. Keep comings and goings as calm and low-key as possible.

Don’t make a big production of saying goodbye to your dog or make a huge fuss over them as soon as you get home. According to Dr. Summerfield, “That just highlights the contrast between how fun and awesome it is when you’re home, and how quiet and lonely the house is when you’re gone.” Instead, keep calm when leaving or returning home to help your dog get used to the idea that this is a normal, everyday activity.

3. Don’t punish or scold your pup for potty accidents or destructive behavior.

“Dogs are very literal—they live in the moment and don’t understand the concept of being scolded for something that happened hours, or even minutes, ago,” says Dr. Summerfield. Additionally, if your dog learns that you’re upset with them when you get home, this can increase your pet’s anxiety and make them feel more concerned about the whole situation. Instead, practice rewarding calm behavior and set up a training schedule to help work through the events that trigger your dog’s anxiety—like the sound of your car keys or the sight of you putting on your jacket.

4. Create a safe zone for your dog to relax when you’re away.

Dr. Summerfield says that in her experience, most dogs with separation anxiety do better with less confinement. “If you can safely leave your dog loose in the house or even in a gated off portion of the house, this is often a better option than crating,” she says. Set up their safe space with a comfy bed, fresh water and their favorite calming dog toys. Start with short trial runs, with a camera set up so you can see what your dog is doing. If they start to become destructive or get into trouble, you can come back and help positively redirect their behavior. Practice short absences first and slowly build up to longer times away from your dog.

Looking for other ways to help you anxious pup in addition to the best separation anxiety dog toys? Check out our comprehensive guide on separation anxiety in dogs for more tips and pointers on how to help your dog stress less and relax more—even when you’re not at home.